MetaChat - Nagware

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10 August 2007

Nagware When I started my computer up today, it tells me I need to update Flash. Excuse me? I don't remember asking you. →[More:]

I managed to figure out which app was which through the task manager and I deleted the specific nagware apps for flash and shockwave. If I update either, though, is there any way to prevent the nagware installation along with it? Can I blacklist the application names somewhere (antivirus, registry)? Or maybe create a dummy file in notepad and then name it "Getflash.exe", lock it and drop it into the appropriate directory?

Or is this going to be like RealPlayer, where I have to look for an alternative?

post by: Eideteker at: 05:40 | 9 comments

I'm guessing you don't use YouTube.

posted by mischief 10 August | 05:54

I don't think there is an alternative to Flash. Additionally, you'll start to find that if you don't update it, content that you want to view will be un-viewable. My company's PCs are still running Flash Player 7 and there's an increasing amount of content that just won't play.

posted by TheDonF 10 August | 06:06

I think you can turn it off here.

posted by Daniel Charms 10 August | 06:08

I don't mind updating, I mind the nagware. I never gave permission (whoops, did you read that EULA?) for them to boot an application at startup for me. I can find out when I don't have the latest version by going to any site that requires me to upgrade.

DC, thanks, I'll see if that works.

posted by Eideteker 10 August | 06:34

Don't use RealPlayer, Eid, use RealAlternative instead.

posted by essexjan 10 August | 06:52

Look into setting up a Local Security Policy that sets a Software Restriction Policy using a Hash Rule. You can prevent any specified exe from running; the hash rule should catch it even if Adobe changes the name or path.

Adobe is rapidly climbing my List of Shitty Software Publishers (Arrogant Bloatware subdivision).

posted by Triode 10 August | 11:22

Reminds me of the time I "updated" realplayer and the "improved" version disabled playlists.

posted by StickyCarpet 10 August | 11:46

Adobe is ~~rapidly climbing~~ perched atop my List of Shitty Software Publishers (Arrogant Bloatware subdivision).

posted by tangerine 10 August | 14:02

Agreed, tangerine. I thought Real would hold the crown forever, but Adobe--well, they just wanted it more.

posted by box 10 August | 14:38

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