Adaware New Build 2899

[Paul Wilders]

A new build from Adaware has been released: v5.71 Build 2899

Available for download here:

www.majorgeek.com/index2.html

regards.

paul

[Eagle1]

Any clue what this new release is all about?

It is so dang hard to get any information nowadays on these releases. For awhile it was simply a nuisence. But now it is really starting to concern me. The new builds are coming out without warning or explanation more often than sig files ever did.

[Paul Wilders]

-{ Quote: "Any clue what this new release is all about?" }-

Alas, no Eagle1. Noticed just a size difference: previous version 902322 kb, this new version 887298 kb.

-{ Quote: "It is so dang hard to get any information nowadays on these releases. For awhile it was simply a nuisence. But now it is really starting to concern me. The new builds are coming out without warning or explanation more often than sig files ever did." }-

I can see your point. We have a deal to be informed the moment something new will be released; unfortunately doesn't work that well. In case it would, and an explanation would be provided, all what be easier for sure.

regards.

paul

[WE Sim]

Hi Paul!

Are you referring to the reference file, here:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/

which says 'Ad-aware reference file 105-11-04-02

Otherwise, please provide a direct link as I could not locate the new build mentioned by you.

Thanks

???

[FanJ]

Hi,

I was a bit lazy with downloading/installing AA+ for which I got a special download link via email some days ago.
But very recently I did.
And indeed it says:
release 5.71 build 2.899
ref.file 105-11.04.2002

[FanJ]

-{ Quote: "Hi Paul!

Are you referring to the reference file, here:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/

which says 'Ad-aware reference file 105-11-04-02

Otherwise, please provide a direct link as I could not locate the new build mentioned by you.

Thanks

???" }-

Hi WE Sim,

For visitors of this forum, go to the Lavasoft Section at
http://www.wilders.org/downloads.htm

Edited:
Oops, I'm sorry, that page says: Adaware v5.71b2.898

[marti]

New build is not available in the Wilders' d/l area. *I just checked.

[FanJ]

-{ Quote: "New build is not available in the Wilders' d/l area. *I just checked.

" }-

You're right, Marti!
I was just editing my own posting after I saw it; sorry!!!

[Paul Wilders]

WE Sim,

-{ Quote: "Are you referring to the reference file, here:.." }-

Nope. First link I provided works fine; just checked - and the file is there ready for download.

Marti,

-{ Quote: "New build is not available in the Wilders' d/l area. *I just checked." }-

Correct; it's not up - yet. One of our guys takes care of these things once a day. It will be up soon.

regards.

paul

[spy1]

Wild Guess Department: I've read a few posts where even the *pay version of DAP got deleted by AA - it's possible that they had to quickly change the program and drop DAP detection entirely. Pete

[Eagle1]

But even the pay version is questionable from everything I'm reading too. The EULA allegedly states it gathers data from MTM's quote at Becky. That constitutes a reason to target it IMO.

But regardless, the fact no notice is being given on any changes that just keep happening and happening is what's bothering me most. Even if users don't agree with LS position on whether something should be targeted or not LS should at least let folks know what is going on before or during the release. Not leave folks guessing...IMO the lack of information is causing more problems than anything else now.

[Paul Wilders]

Eagle1,

you are referring to the privacy policy in the EULA from DAP (Speedbit):

-{ Quote: "SpeedBit may gather contact information and other personally identifiable information (such as username, e-mail address, password, country and zip-code), and demographic information (like their age, occupation or gender). SpeedBit its partners, affiliates or other third parties may use any information submitted or collected from you." }-

which indeed disqualifies the software as being spyware, since users agree when installing.

-{ Quote: "LS should at least let folks know what is going on before or during the release. Not leave folks guessing...IMO the lack of information is causing more problems than anything else now." }-

I'm afraid that's true..

regards.

paul

[Eagle1]

I agree that it may "technically" be disqualified as spyware because reference to data gathering is in the EULA, paid or otherwise. But that doesn't excuse it from necessarily being a target IMO. If that was the case then there are a number of other "spyware" targets that should be removed too because they also state they will data gather in their EULA. The issue becomes IMO whether they are being forthright about their disclosure. IMO they are not as is the case with other targets.
The fact folks pay for it is not relevent...although it disturbs me to think the number of alleged pay users of this app may have an influence on whether it is targeted or not, or whether it is identified as spyware (or whatever term used) or not. *:(

It is apparent the same problem keeps coming up...a clearcut definition for spyware, adware and the newest jargon scumware needs to be established.

[Paul Wilders]

Just received an email from Coldmoon/LS, subject "announcement" containing a link to the following:

-{ Quote: "For quite some time, many users have requested that Ad-aware target Speedbit's Download accelerator plus due to it's use of data mining in it's free version.

The removal of their overt public disclosure policy from
their site does little to inform the potential user what the implications of it's use are BEFORE they download and install it on their systems.

This led us to begin targeting it for removal. What has become apparent is that this can't be limited to the freeware version only.
So we are removing DAP from the targets list. This will continue to be investigated and an update to our policy may be made in future.

In the interim, we have developed a separate, downloadable removal tool for those who wish to remove DAP from their systems completely.

http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/DAPclean.zip

This is a free application which enables the user to completely remove ALL traces of either version of their software without any harm to their system. For those who have removed their paid application and wish to continue using it, use your restore feature in Ad-Aware. This will not cause your system any harm as the backup will restore all the files to their previous state.

Please update to the *latest *reference file 105-11.04.2002 *which adds the recent WurlMedia update and EarnWith Ads BHO to the detection and removal list.

You can do this by either downloading it manually from our download page at: http://www.lsfileserv.com/downloads.html

Or by using the Refupdate utility.

----------------
Ann - Christine *Åkerlund
Team Lavasoft" }-

regards.

paul

[Ann]

I can see that there is some confusion regarding certain matters.
I will do my best to explain to you how a release process works and the
difference between an update and a new build.

Any update that is ready to be released will be available for download from our main download page.
Together with up to date information regarding the latest release, that is
presented clearly to everyone who wishes to view it on our main site.
Users who have purchased the Plus version will receive an email
notification containing all needed details.
Official mirror sites are informed before it is made public so we can
assure that they all have the correct files ready for download, once that has been completed
we will make an announcment on the Lavasoft support board.
In addition to this we offer email support to everyone who has questions
or comments regarding the products we offer.

Difference between an update and a new build:

A new build is not the same as an update.
A new build simply means that code has been recompiled.
If code is modified recompilation is necessary.
Even if there were only 2 bytes modified, we will increase the build number.
An UPDATE would mean a change to the version number itself and not only an increased build number.
On our main and mirror sites, the most recent official Build is always available for download.

We are very active at the moment, and tend to keep our current and coming products up to date. We are working on several other projects aswell that are currently in alpha and beta state.

An announcement has been available at our board for some time now.

I fail to see any reason to be concernd.

We are glad to have the ability to further develop and improve Ad-aware and will continue to do so.

Thank you!

With kind regards

Ann - Christine Åkerlund
bee@lavasoft.de

[Eagle1]

I for one appreciate the efforts LS is putting into making their product better.

However, I cannot agree that notification has been timely. The new build was not posted anywhere that I have seen. And the announcement at the LS forum was many hours after people were downloading the new build and new reflist. Folks were questioning what was going on all over the place without a response from LS.
This needs to improve greatly IMO.

Spyware/adware has always been a controversial subject with many interpretations. And it will only get more difficult as new methods are used by these ad maniacs to install their tools and subvert notification. IMO notification needs to be clear and well in advance of any release.

It might also be a good idea for LS and any other companies/developers who are offering these tools to provide a concise company definition as to what is considered spyware/adware/scumware (or whatever) and what will constitute a target and why. If a general agreed upon consensus cannot be reached on definition (which I doubt can happen) then it is up to developers to provide their own definition. *IMO It will reduce confusion and quell target demands from users that cannot or will not be achieved. It will also provide users a basis in which to consider the applications use, what to expect in the future and what can be asked for of the developer. In the short and long run all will be winners. No developer is going to be able to do it all. Why not give us users an idea of what can be expected from each of you and why. We as users won't then be looking and/or demanding what is not achievable. And developers will have a much easier time achieving their own goals instead of reacting to unreachable/undesirable demands.

Just my 2 cents and my opinion.