Until a few months ago I have used ClamWin without any worries that it would ever be bundled with any form of unwanted software. Now, a few months ago, ClamWin began to bundle the Ask.com toolbar with the software (but added the option to opt-out, still not good enough). I still use ClamWin but now think that it's starting to bundle with a form of "spyware". Anyone who wanted to start using ClamWin - don't unless your computer is too slow for anything else; use Microsoft Security Essentials instead. If you still have pre-Ask.com copies, use them instead. Demand ClamWin to remove the toolbar, or at the very least make it an opt-IN instead of opt-OUT option.
https://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVNzGKA

What makes you think that Ask toolbar is a form of "spyware". We tested it thoroughly and it does not behave in any manner that would qualify it as "spyware".

You are of course entitled to your private opinion, however when you publicly declare that on the Internet in the form of an advice to other people then you need to have solid proof, otherwise it is defamation.

The ask toolbar is spyware/adware. alch isn't too be trusted as he irrefutably denies the allegations. See here. https://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=27850&hl=clamwin

Ask Toolbar uses tracking cookies to generate revenue. Unfortunately, alch doesn't want to make an honest buck. He chooses the dirty way around. Many companies are going this way as they aren't interested "working for a living" and rather taking handouts. There are plenty of other ways to make money/funding, but most people choose the easy way out.


Clamwin is a nice product, but has poor management. A new project manager is needed that can be trustworthy and make good decisions. alch currently has some ethical issues to deal with first, before running a project. The project itself isn't really going anywhere. It's been this way for a few years and think it's about time management shifted to someone else.

Some soul-searching went into the decision to install the Ask toolbar with ClamWin. The only reason for using the toolbar was to get revenue to drive further development of ClamWin. Since ClamWin is a free project with practically no budget, a way was needed to get revenue. I was one of the testers, and I found no evidence of adware/spyware in the version of the toolbar that was evaluated. There are some old versions of the Ask toolbar that may still available on the web that are considered adware, but they have nothing to do with the version available with ClamWin. I have had the toolbar installed for some time now, and, believe me, if it were adware/spyware, I would know it! If you do much with Google, Twitter, Facebook, etc., MSN, Yahoo, Adobe, etc., you are more risk of loss of privacy than with ClamWin's Ask toolbar. Installation of the toolbar is optional--you can opt out at the beginning of the installation of ClamWin.

The revenue derived from Ask so far is sufficient to fund some limited development of ClamWin, and the last I heard, they were evaluating development personnel. In the meantime, you might want to look at the Clam Sentinel project, a separate project (but still free) that enables basic real-time scanning with ClamWin, including USB protection.

Your Malwarebytes link is actually a "circular" reference, opinionated and not authoritative. Many software products, including some Adobe stuff, has pre-ticked installation options for toolbar installation. I believe Adobe is allied with the MSN toolbar.

A good test is to upload the main executable in the Ask directory to VirusTotal or Jotti and see what all the AVs on their site says about it.

Regards,

That money was not rightfully obtained. The money was obtained by deliberately spying on people. If someone was stalking an individual and sold pictures of them and gave you the money, would you take it? No. Basically that's what your doing and isn't right.

Thanks for this useful info. I manage to remove my ask toolbar.

Well, I guess that when the new version of ClamWin (maybe 1.0) that has been funded by people who have used the Ask toolbar becomes available, then you will not be using it, is that corrrect?

Regards,

I felt I should review the ask toolbar privacy policy and eula and found no traces of anything stating they sell or use your personal info. My assumption is people are still concerned about Ask.com previously being in the adware industry and uses advertisements. It seems that they are generously sharing search revenue with participating parties. I'm willing to reinstall clamwin just for the toolbar. Apologies if I came off a bit harsh. Mostly concerns over ask previously having ties with the adware industry.

Thanks for keeping us up-to-date. As far as I know, the current version of the Ask Toolbar is okay. I have heard no legit bad reports from anyone with regard to it. There may be some of the old toolbar version around, however. The revenue from Ask will help fund development of the new version of ClamWin, which one of the developers recently said should be available early next year (not guaranteed).

Yahoo and Google have similar arrangements with their toolbar. Most notably, look at the Adobe/Google connection. You have to opt out of the Google Toolbar with every installation of a free Adobe product. As long as it is clearly stated in the installation screens and there is a way to opt out, I do not see how anyone can complain about a toolbar. We all need to do a better job of reading before we click!

Regards,

You're welcome. Awesome.

To me it seems like any other toolbar offering. No spyware/adware just one of those help us out deals.

Yes we do. That's human though.