Re: Heads-Up: Corel PSPP-XI Updates Install SPYWARE
JoeB
news:vmgft2te8jsfc9mcd...@4ax.com:
> For those of you who are not bothering to log into Corel's servers
to
> read all about this, below is a repost of some of the most recent
> discussion about it, and how to remove Corel's spyware from your
> computers. You can't just uninstall PSP to get rid of their new
> spyware, it stays behind and enabled as a full-time service on your
> computer even after you remove PSPP XI.
>
> I finally got rid it from my computer by removing Paint Shop Pro XI
> altogether and using the information below to remove the left-
behind
> spyware, since PSPP XI won't run without Corel's spyware installed
> anyway.
>
> ULead tried pulling this sort of crap in the past, until enough
people
> complained about it then they didn't do it anymore. A shame that
ULead
> was bought by Corel, now it's back to the same old business of
using
> everyone's computers for their own underhanded purposes. Like it
> wasn't bad enough that Corel tried to put that Yahoo crap on my
> computer. Now this? Bye-bye Corel and GOOD RIDDANCE.
>
> One more thing, their v11.20 update doesn't fix anything worth
> mentioning, just a lot of tweaks to their "browser" that I never
liked
> nor used. It took me over a day to download their "update" on my
> dial-up. What a waste of my time and limited bandwidth. So don't
think
> you lost out on anything important by not installing their latest
> 100meg update with their SPYWARE included this time. Two years
later
> and it's still not fixed, it's just a bloated vehicle for
installing
> spyware on everyone's computers.
>
> Thanks Jasc for being such low-life sell-outs. This is what we all
> end-up with due to your own greed. I'm sure that doesn't bother you
in
> the least.
>
>
>>========
>>
>>I found this on another newsgroup. What is Corel putting into our
>>computers, and why can it not be uninstalled--even if we uninstall
>>PSP????
>>
>>Does anyone know about this? See text below:
>>________________________________________
>>
>>Just a heads up that JASC PSP v XI installs "Protexis" drm software
on
>>XP PCs. Uninstalling the PSP XI trial still leaves Protexis
installed,
>>running as a service.
>>Service can be disabled by entering at the command prompt:
>>sc delete ProtexisLicensing
>>(You can then delete the PSIService.exe and PSIKey.dll file from
your
>>System32 directory - also delete the C:\Program Files\Corel\Corel
>>Paint Shop Pro Photo XI - Installation Files directory - left
behind
>>by the uninstaller - the Protexis sneakware is packed in the
Data1.cab
>>file in that directory)
>>I do not know if the EULA mentioned that the program would install
drm
>>software that cannot be deleted by the user using normal means.
>>The EULA appeared on my computer as:
>>http://i12.tinypic.com/33z3044.jpg
>>(silly me thinking that Corel could be trusted)
>>Some other info / comment here:
>>http://technologyexpert.blogspot.com/2007/01/why-i-hate-stealth-
install
>>s-and-why-you.html
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>========
>>
>>jeremy wrote:
>>>
>>> I found this on another newsgroup. What is Corel putting into
our
>>> computers, and why can it not be uninstalled--even if we
uninstall
>>> PSP????
>>
>>Yes, PSP shouldn't install things secretly and it should clean
>>up the mess it makes when you uninstall it. However, I don't know
>>why you describe this as "spyware". What evidence do you have that
>>it scavenges data other than that related to PSP, or that it sends
>>personal information back to Corel, or that it logs your keystrokes
>>and the like? It appears to be an anti-piracy measure by Corel. It
>>might, of course, do other things as well but I haven't seen any
>>claims of that or evidence for it. If you don't like the Protexis
>>stuff go to http://support.corel.com and use the Email Corel link
>>to complain about it. It probably won't change anything but at
>>least someone at Corel will read it, which is more than can be
>>said for this newsgroup.
>>
>>> Does anyone know about this? See text below:
>>
>>Yes it's been discussed in this newsgroup. (You seem to have missed
>>this as well.) Take a look at this thread:
>>
>>Subject: Protexis Licensing Software
>>Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2006 19:24:02 -0800
>>From: "Nospam" <nos...@yahoo.com>
>>Organization: "Another Corel User"
>>
>>> Does anyone know about this? See text below:
>>> ________________________________________
>>>
>>> Just a heads up that JASC PSP v XI installs "Protexis" drm
software
>>> on XP PCs.
>>
>>Jasc PSP has never installed Protexis or any spyware. This is a
>>Corel decision, not a Jasc feature. Besides, the last Jasc version
>>of PSP was PSP 9.
>>
>>
>>========
>>
>>jeremy wrote:
>>> "Spandex Rutabaga" <Sp...@agabatur.xednaps> wrote in message
>>> news:45D7A30C...@agabatur.xednaps...
>>>
>>>> However, I don't know why you describe this as "spyware". What
>>>> evidence do you have that
>>>> it scavenges data other than that related to PSP,
>>>
>>>
>>> Had you read my post, before responding critically, you would
have
>>> seen that I was ASKING if ANYONE KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS
SOFTWARE.
>>> The only information I had was contained in the post that I
pasted
>>> over from another NG.
>>>
>>> HOWEVER: I have located instructions to delete this, and it seems
>>> easy to do:
>>>
>>> 1: Press Start-> Run -> services.msc and press Enter
>>> Stop ProtexLicensing and put on Disable.
>>>
>>> 2: Go to Start-> Run -> and type in "sc delete
ProtexisLicensing"
>>> (No Quotes)
>>> and press Enter, now ProtexisLicensing will be removed from
services
>>> list
>>> 3: Go to SYSTEM32 folder and delete this files:
>>> - PSIService.exe
>>> - PSIKey.dll
>>>
>>> I dislike the notion of hidden downloads, and I urge everyone to
>>> delete whatever this thing is and to save these instructions in
case
>>> Corel tries to sneak it in in their next patch.
>>
>>You can delete it, but PSPP XI won't run if you do. And as you've
also
>>breached the license, you're not legally entitled to use the
software
>>any more.
>>The Protexis service is not spyware, and it would be stretching the
>>definition of DRM to call it that. It is the product activation
part
>>of PSP, is the part that checks that your PSP is a properly
licensed
>>copy, and is an integral part of PSP not an additional program. The
>>new version runs as a service, but the older version was in PSP X
and
>>is in all Corel software. Protexis is major supplier of software
>>licensing services, so you may well find their components in other
>>software as well.
>>If you go to the license looking for Protexis as an extra product
you
>>won't find it. But because it is the licensing and activation
>>component of PSP, it is mentioned in that context in several places
>>including section 1.18 of the license which says:-
>>"Any attempt to circumvent the activation or registration
technology
>>or other mechanism contained within the Product is a violation of
this
>>License and shall result in the automatic and immediate termination
of
>>your License to Use the Product."
>>
>>--
>>Tim Morrison
>>C-Tech volunteer
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>========
>>
>>"jeremy" <jer...@nospam.com> wrote in news:45d7a413$1_3@cnews:
>>
>>>
>>> "Spandex Rutabaga" <Sp...@agabatur.xednaps> wrote in message
>>> news:45D7A30C...@agabatur.xednaps...
>>>
>>>> However, I don't know why you describe this as "spyware". What
>>>> evidence do you have that
>>>> it scavenges data other than that related to PSP,
>>>
>>>
>>> Had you read my post, before responding critically, you would
have
>>> seen that I was ASKING if ANYONE KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS
SOFTWARE.
>>
>>
>>No your weren't. Your exact quote was:
>>
>>"Does anyone know about this? See text below:"
>>
>>Furthermore, this comment of yours was in your post with the
subject
>>header as follows:
>>
>>"PSP 11 Patch Installs Spyware"
>>
>>You also quoted stuff that you said was from another newsgroup,
which
>>I also read. There is no mention of the word "spyware" in the
>>information you quoted. One is led to wonder, then, why you
created
>>a subject header that says that PSP11 Patch Installs Spyware if you
>>didn't think it did so, particularly given that the quote you
>>provide, supposedly as evidence, doesn't say so either.
>>
>>
>>> The only information I had was contained in the post that I
pasted
>>> over from another NG.
>>
>>And where in that information is the word "spyware"?
>>
>>>
>>> HOWEVER: I have located instructions to delete this,
>>
>>
>>Good for you. That info tells you how to delete the Trotex
Licensing
>>Service. It has nothing to do with deleting spyware that I can
see.
>>Spybot S&D does a good job of that stuff, however, as do many other
>>products.
>>
>>
>>> and it seems easy
>>> to do:
>>>
>>> 1: Press Start-> Run -> services.msc and press Enter
>>> Stop ProtexLicensing and put on Disable.
>>>
>>> 2: Go to Start-> Run -> and type in "sc delete
ProtexisLicensing"
>>> (No Quotes)
>>> and press Enter, now ProtexisLicensing will be removed from
>>services
>>> list
>>>
>>> 3: Go to SYSTEM32 folder and delete this files:
>>> - PSIService.exe
>>> - PSIKey.dll
>>>
>>> I dislike the notion of hidden downloads, and I urge everyone to
>>> delete whatever this thing is and to save these instructions in
>>case
>>> Corel tries to sneak it in in their next patch.
>>>
>>
>>That's good advice if you don't wish to use PSP XI, and if you
don't
>>wish to use it then I doubt you'd be installing the patches in any
>>event. As it is software that Corel uses as an anti-piracy measure
>>PSP XI won't start at all if it is disabled.
>>
>>I do agree that a program installation should advise, up front and
>>personal and not in the EULA, when it is going to install this or
>>other types of non-program related software (like Google and Yahoo
>>toolbars, etc.), and describe the purpose of the software and the
>>effect if you decide not to allow its installation (i.e., that it
is
>>also part of the EULA and you cannot run the program otherwise).
I'd
>>go further and say that this should be prominent on the product
>>package and in the download instructions for electronic download
>>versions of the product.
>>
>>They should also be required to make de-installation of such
software
>>part of the program uninstall function. This would require, of
>>course, that the un-installation of the anti-piracy program would
>>only occur if such program was not being used by some other program
>>that a user installed and gave permissions for, otherwise that
other
>>program would not work either. This sort of thing will require
some
>>consultation between most program software developers and the anti-
>>piracy program developers.
>>
>>Regards,
>>
>>JoeB
>>
>>
>>========
>>
>>
>>"JoeB" <mym...@myserver.com> wrote in message
>>news:Xns98DAC0C...@216.191.232.194...
>>>
>>> "jeremy" <jer...@nospam.com> wrote in news:45d7a413$1_3@cnews:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Spandex Rutabaga" <Sp...@agabatur.xednaps> wrote in message
>>>> news:45D7A30C...@agabatur.xednaps...
>>>>
>>>>> However, I don't know why you describe this as "spyware". What
>>>>> evidence do you have that
>>>>> it scavenges data other than that related to PSP,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Had you read my post, before responding critically, you would
have
>>>> seen that I was ASKING if ANYONE KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS
SOFTWARE.
>>>
>>>
>>> No your weren't. Your exact quote was:
>>>
>>> "Does anyone know about this? See text below:"
>>>
>>> Furthermore, this comment of yours was in your post with the
subject
>>> header as follows:
>>>
>>> "PSP 11 Patch Installs Spyware"
>>>
>>> You also quoted stuff that you said was from another newsgroup,
>>> which I also read. There is no mention of the word "spyware" in
the
>>> information you quoted. One is led to wonder, then, why you
created
>>> a subject header that says that PSP11 Patch Installs Spyware if
you
>>> didn't think it did so, particularly given that the quote you
>>> provide, supposedly as evidence, doesn't say so either.
>>>
>>>
>>>> The only information I had was contained in the post that I
pasted
>>>> over from another NG.
>>>
>>> And where in that information is the word "spyware"?
>>>
>>>>
>>>> HOWEVER: I have located instructions to delete this,
>>>
>>>
>>> Good for you. That info tells you how to delete the Trotex
>>> Licensing Service. It has nothing to do with deleting spyware
that
>>> I can see. Spybot S&D does a good job of that stuff, however, as
do
>>> many other products.
>>>
>>>
>>>> and it seems easy
>>>> to do:
>>>>
>>>> 1: Press Start-> Run -> services.msc and press Enter
>>>> Stop ProtexLicensing and put on Disable.
>>>>
>>>> 2: Go to Start-> Run -> and type in "sc delete
ProtexisLicensing"
>>>> (No Quotes)
>>>> and press Enter, now ProtexisLicensing will be removed from
>>> services
>>>> list
>>>>
>>>> 3: Go to SYSTEM32 folder and delete this files:
>>>> - PSIService.exe
>>>> - PSIKey.dll
>>>>
>>>> I dislike the notion of hidden downloads, and I urge everyone to
>>>> delete whatever this thing is and to save these instructions in
>>> case
>>>> Corel tries to sneak it in in their next patch.
>>>>
>>>
>>> That's good advice if you don't wish to use PSP XI, and if you
don't
>>> wish to use it then I doubt you'd be installing the patches in
any
>>> event. As it is software that Corel uses as an anti-piracy
measure
>>> PSP XI won't start at all if it is disabled.
>>>
>>> I do agree that a program installation should advise, up front
and
>>> personal and not in the EULA, when it is going to install this or
>>> other types of non-program related software (like Google and
Yahoo
>>> toolbars, etc.), and describe the purpose of the software and the
>>> effect if you decide not to allow its installation (i.e., that it
is
>>> also part of the EULA and you cannot run the program otherwise).
>>> I'd go further and say that this should be prominent on the
product
>>> package and in the download instructions for electronic download
>>> versions of the product.
>>>
>>> They should also be required to make de-installation of such
>>> software part of the program uninstall function. This would
>>> require, of course, that the un-installation of the anti-piracy
>>> program would only occur if such program was not being used by
some
>>> other program that a user installed and gave permissions for,
>>> otherwise that other program would not work either. This sort of
>>> thing will require some consultation between most program
software
>>> developers and the anti- piracy program developers.
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> JoeB
>>>
>>
>>Sorry but I completely disagree that Big Brother has the right to
>>insert "services" into my computer without my knowledge or
permission.
>> Had I known about this I would not have placed the order, and life
>>would have gone on.
>>
>>This sort of thing is getting out of hand, and there is a prevalent
>>attitude that it is an acceptable practice as long as there is some
>>obscure reference to it in the EULA. I have wondered why PSP
always
>>calls home (I blocked it with my firewall), and now it seems clear.
>>
>>I don't know what Protexis is, I don't know what information it
sends
>>out, or where it is sent, or what use is made of it. It is MY
privacy
>>that I'm concerned about. This service is NOT a Corel product, but
is
>>a third-party application, and it is appalling that a legitimate
>>software developer would deliberately fail to make full disclosure
to
>>users.
>>
>>I am becoming increasingly soured on Corel and I doubt that I'll be
>>giving them any more of my business. There is something sinister
>>about a $59.00 application that has the need to install
unauthorized
>>services on my computer, and of loading obscure files into my
>>Windows/System32 subdirectory. Especially when that service
remains
>>on my system even if I uninstall the application that put it there.
>>
>>Really, who needs this aggravation?
>>
This poster appears to be just another troll, as there is no spyware
in Corel's Paint Shop Pro Photo programs. There is an anti-piracy
program licensed by Corel (Protexis) that Corel doesn't alert you
about and which, of course, they should. But it does seem to be
anti-piracy stuff and doesn't report your personal info to Corel or
Protexis, just prevents the PSP program from running if it isn't a
legitimate licensed version.
This poster is either a troll, or perhaps somebody with little
knowledge of software, or perhaps somebody with a grudge who wants to
create issues by posting incomplete or not accurate information.
JMHO, of course, and readers should judge for themselves.
Regareds,
JoeB
Tim
It isn't spyware. It's the activation and anti-piracy part of the
program.
Removing it is totally unnecessary, will void your PSPP XI license and
will prevent PSPP XI from running.
The ProtexisLicensing service is version 2 of Protexis nTitles. Either
this or version 1 of nTitles is installed as part of a wide range of
software products, including all Corel software for the last couple of
years, DivX Pro, Crystal Reports, and ACT!, as well as many others.
To call it spyware and to advise that it be removed is alarmist and
irresponsible.
--
Tim
Trev
"- Bob -" <uctr...@ultranet.com> wrote in message
news:4oaht2hmvkpqjna4c...@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 18 Feb 2007 04:44:28 GMT, "Tim"
> <timm...@XremoveXhotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>To call it spyware and to advise that it be removed is alarmist and
>>irresponsible.
>
>
> my knowledge ?
>
> (That is a question BTW).
>
> If so, it meets a spyware definition. If not, it's a licensing
> program.
It does not The check for updates might try if you let it but the program
works ok without a internet connection.
Zilbandy
<trevbowdenAT.dsl.pipex.COM> wrote:
>> Does it contact a server via the Internet and pass information without
>> my knowledge ?
>>
>> (That is a question BTW).
>>
>> If so, it meets a spyware definition. If not, it's a licensing
>> program.
>
>It does not The check for updates might try if you let it but the program
>works ok without a internet connection.
Then why doesn't Corel build the program's function into its own
program and not have it installed in its own folder?
--
Zilbandy
JoeB
news:omght2545f1vglq23...@4ax.com:
It's not just Corel, it is many other companies as well, and the idea
is that they don't have to worry about building in their own anti-
piracy protection when there are companies like Protexis who already
have a system in place. It is likely less expensive, and almost
certainly more apt to be done efficiently and accurately, to for
software distributers to license the protection from a company that
specializes in that area.
Keep in mind that activation of programs like PSP and some Adobe
programs also allow activation by phone or fax, an indication that
Protexis does not need an internet connection. The link to the PDF
document below might be informative. You'll have to copy/paste it if
it wraps.
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/teachcomments/protexis.pdf
Also, below is a quote from the Protexis support page:
"The hardware information that is used for the authentication request
does not provide any details that could identify the end user or even
the specific hardware on the machine. The information only provides a
comparison for other authentication requests for the same serial
number."
It's not the protection that I have a problem with. It's the fact
that software developers fail to alert the end user that Protexis
will be installed with the purchased software, leaving people to
wonder and often worry about what the heck this Protexis stuff is.
Regards,
JoeB
Tim
> On Sun, 18 Feb 2007 04:44:28 GMT, "Tim"
> <timm...@XremoveXhotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> irresponsible.
>
>
> my knowledge ?
>
> (That is a question BTW).
>
> If so, it meets a spyware definition. If not, it's a licensing
> program.
No. During the installation of PSP it will contact the internet, but only
after either telling you or giving you a choice of activating or registering
via the internet or by phone.
The only other time PSPP XI contacts an internet server is when it checks
for messages, if you have that option enabled. That isn't performed by the
Protexis component though.
--
Tim
Tim
Why reinvent the wheel? If you're making graphics software you probably
don't have either the time or the expertise to create a system for software
licensing, authentication and activation. It would be an enormous
undertaking and in the end you'd get a better quality product from a
provider like Protexis who specialise in that area.
There are a number of parts of PSP that aren't written by Corel (or weren't
written by Jasc). A great deal of the image format reading and writing is
provided by software libraries licensed from Accusoft for instance.
Nothing very remarkable in any of this. It's exactly the same logic as
buying bread from a baker rather than making your own, or a car maker
getting windows provided by a specialist glass company rather than going to
the trouble and expense of developing a glass division... to say nothing of
the patent problems that would probably exist.
--
Tim
Zilbandy
<timm...@XremoveXhotmail.com> wrote:
>Why reinvent the wheel? If you're making graphics software you probably
>don't have either the time or the expertise to create a system for software
>licensing, authentication and activation. It would be an enormous
>undertaking and in the end you'd get a better quality product from a
>provider like Protexis who specialise in that area.
True. But I would still think that Corel, or any other company should
tell you that Protexis, or whatever program is being installed as a
validation program and does not gather personal information. I know
I'm bothered when I'm browsing in Windows Explorer and find something
unfamiliar or unexpected.
--
Zilbandy
Tim
Maybe, but it isn't a program that's being installed, just a component of
PSP, and software companies are rarely forthcoming about their anti-piracy
methods.
--
Tim
Zilbandy
<timm...@XremoveXhotmail.com> wrote:
>Maybe, but it isn't a program that's being installed, just a component of
>PSP, and software companies are rarely forthcoming about their anti-piracy
>methods.
In that case, it should be installed in the PSP folder and not in its
own folder. :/
--
Zilbandy
Larry Linson
> Maybe, but it isn't a program that's being installed,
> just a component of PSP, and software companies
> are rarely forthcoming about their anti-piracy
> methods.
Ah, of course, just a little anti-piracy component that installs something
that runs as a service? Anything that runs as a service, Tim, qualifies as
"a program that's being installed".
So, in addition to dumbing down PSP, they've now burdened it down with
"rights management", have they?
Oh, well, it was a nice ride for a long while... I bought v10 and v11, but
after reading about them, thought better about it and didn't bother
installing. I guess I'll just stick with JASC PSP v.9, thankee.
Larry
JoeB
news:d48Ch.2917$Cr1.2276@trnddc08:
I have to agree with you and Zilbandy here, because it does install
and run as a service and doesn't appear in Add/Remove Programs in
Control Panel. That speaks to me (once again!) of collaboration by
Corel with Microsoft, and I have in the past posted that about which
I've posted my opinion in the past.
IMHO, the reason for many of the problems with v.X (like its PNG
transparency problem) and v.XI (with its generic naming of resource
files plus other stuff) is because Corel is working with MS to
integrate with the MS OS, obviously Vista being the goal at this
time, perhaps (just speculation again) to ready these Corel products
for sale to MS. This, IMHO, is because the owners of Corel are not
software people, they are money/marketing people who care only about
acquitisions, partnerships and deals that increase profit with little
regard to the consumers of the software, many whom they can entice to
purchase the product with glitzy marketing hype that doesn't match
the reality.
Now I'll go and make my tinfoil sombrero before I get Corel/MS
borged!! :-)
Regards,
JoeB
Tim
Some of it is and the rest is installed in the system folder. Protexis
nTitles is used by about a dozen programs on my computer. Why on earth would
I want a dozen copies of it scattered around in program folders when a
single copy in the system folder will do the job. That's why the system
folder is there. That's what DLL files are for...Dynamic Linked Libraries so
that a single common resource can be shared by all the applications that
need it.
Somehow there seems to have been an assumption made that this is some evil
bit of malware. It's not. Every commercial software company for many years
now have taken steps to prevent software piracy and Protexis is one of a
number of reputable companies providing the components and services to do
that.
--
Tim
Tim
> "Tim" wrote
>
>> Maybe, but it isn't a program that's being installed,
>> just a component of PSP, and software companies
>> are rarely forthcoming about their anti-piracy
>> methods.
>
> Ah, of course, just a little anti-piracy component that installs
> something that runs as a service? Anything that runs as a service,
> Tim, qualifies as "a program that's being installed".
Hogwash. There are lots of Windows services that are just components of
other programs or the operating system itself. There aren't many in fact
that are programs in their own right.
>
> So, in addition to dumbing down PSP, they've now burdened it down with
> "rights management", have they?
Sure. Like many programs in the last few years, Corel programs, including
PSP since about halfway through the life of PSP 9 as the release version,
have required product activation and have included much more stringent
anti-piracy measures. Nothing remarkable or unique about that is there?
The dumbing down is unforgivable though.
>
> Oh, well, it was a nice ride for a long while... I bought v10 and
> v11, but after reading about them, thought better about it and didn't
> bother installing. I guess I'll just stick with JASC PSP v.9,
> thankee.
No problem... you probably have an early version of 9 that doesn't have the
activation and anti-piracy stuff.
--
Tim
Tim
I agree with most of what you say Joe, except I don't think that Microsoft
had anything to do with it.
And the PNG transparency problem was an 11.00 problem... fixed in 11.11. The
resources still have generic names internally, but from a users point of
view the real names returned in 11.11 too.
--
Tim
JoeB
news:_zjCh.20678$VE5...@fe01.news.easynews.com:
Yes, I had forgotten it was v.XI with the PNG problem. And if by
"user point of view" you mean that the resource names appear in the
dropdown dialogues thats a definite improvement. However, if by
"internal point of view" you mean that the folders and file names are
still generic that's still not very useful. Some of us open a tube
file in PSP, for example, and de-tube it so as to make separate tubes
for each of the random tube in a particular tube, or open another
resource image for manipulation and to save with another name.
That's pretty difficult to do when you can't even tell what folder
contains what, and once you finally find the tube folder you can't
tell which tube is which. And unless things have changed you can't
browse the folder to view the tube thumbnails unless you add it to
the database. There's lots about XI that still sounds clunky to me,
I'm afraid.
Regards,
JoeB
frederick
<snip>
>
> Maybe, but it isn't a program that's being installed, just a component of
> PSP, and software companies are rarely forthcoming about their anti-piracy
> methods.
>
That is just not correct.
It is a program separate from PSP - not a "component". Because it runs
as a service doesn't mean it's not a program.
It remains installed and active on a user's system after PSP is uninstalled.
At best it sits there wasting system resources on the user's machine -
after PSP has been removed by the user. It should be able to be simply
uninstalled by the user. Shame on Corel.
JoeB
I, personally, agree with you that it is a program in that it
installs separately from PSP, even though it also forms a component
of PSP, and I have made my thoughts know in other posts.
However, as Tim made clear in a post, it is not installed only by PSP
but by other software also which use Protexis for their software
validation, and those software developers would be somewhat upset it
Protexis were to be uninstalled when PSP was uninstalled because if
their program was also on the user's computer it would stop working
(which wouldn't please the user either).
I do agree that the user should be able to remove the Protexis
software through Add/Remover programs perhaps. This would require
that Protexis write their software so that every program installed on
a computer with Protexis validation update the existing Protexis
installation and, when a user attempted to do an uninstall routine,
such user would get a warning dialogue box stating which programs
installed on the system would stop working if they proceeded with the
uninstall.
As well, this would require that the program software, when
uninstalled, remove its footprint from the Protexis installation so
that, if that particular program software was uninstalled, it would
not appear in the Protexis uninstall warning dialogue when someone
tried to uninstall Protexis. This is all stuff that is possible to
do. Protexis could program the code for the software program
developers to add to their uninstall routines that would achieve
this, and distribute that code with their license to the program
software developer.
The point of all of my wordy stuff is just to suggest that perhaps
people should be aiming their irritation - and pressure - on Protexis
and similar validation program companies and not on the software
companies that use their services. However, pointing out your
dissatisfaction to those who use the validation services might help
to make those companies also put pressure on the validation companies
to provide solutions similar to the one I suggest.
Regards,
JoeB
frederick
Sure...
Protexis is one company only in drm. If their model of how this should
work (with regards to program installing as service, providing DRM for
several different programs goes) then there are some big problems.
Next year there could be 100 "Protexis" companies selling 100 different
drm systems based on their sneakware model with no transparent uninstall
method for the user. 100 unwanted/unneeded drm "services" running on
the user's PC is a problem. There is NOTHING to stop this.
It is easy for software to install this drm software in the application
program folder, and delete it from there on uninstall. Tim's argument
is invalid. For multiple installs using the same drm software, a simple
registry entry could record which "protexis" should be run, and the
entry updated if uninstalled - which avoids any problem.
I gave no idea who "Tim" is - but possibly associated in some way
perhaps with Corel, and defending the indefensible.
JoeB
> JoeB wrote:
[snipped]
>>
>> The point of all of my wordy stuff is just to suggest that perhaps
>> people should be aiming their irritation - and pressure - on
Protexis
>> and similar validation program companies and not on the software
>> companies that use their services. However, pointing out your
>> dissatisfaction to those who use the validation services might
help
>> to make those companies also put pressure on the validation
companies
>> to provide solutions similar to the one I suggest.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> JoeB
>
[snipped]
> It is easy for software to install this drm software in the
application
> program folder, and delete it from there on uninstall.
> For multiple installs using the same drm software, a simple
> registry entry could record which "protexis" should be run, and the
> entry updated if uninstalled - which avoids any problem.
Yep, but that would require multiple installs of the same drm
software. My suggestion only requires one install, and then only a
registry entry for each software program that uses Protexis. Only
one Protexis would be installed or run. If your're saying the same
thing, then you wasted your time repeating what I already said.
But if you just have a bee in your bonnet, perhaps you just want to
keep swatting it :-)
Regards,
JoeB
frederick
sitting in program files\protexis or the installed program's application
folder.
The only obvious reason that I can see why Protexis do it the way that
they do, is so that they can in time use the fact that their sneakware
is already running on a large number of windows PCs (probably close to
all if they sign up a few more large clients like Corel) for marketing
purposes.
There is a very fine line between what they are doing, and what Sony did.
Uni
> For those of you who are not bothering to log into Corel's servers to read all
> about this, below is a repost of some of the most recent discussion about it,
> and how to remove Corel's spyware from your computers. You can't just uninstall
> PSP to get rid of their new spyware, it stays behind and enabled as a full-time
> service on your computer even after you remove PSPP XI.
>
> I finally got rid it from my computer by removing Paint Shop Pro XI altogether
> won't run without Corel's spyware installed anyway.
>
> ULead tried pulling this sort of crap in the past, until enough people
> complained about it then they didn't do it anymore. A shame that ULead was
> bought by Corel, now it's back to the same old business of using everyone's
> computers for their own underhanded purposes. Like it wasn't bad enough that
> Corel tried to put that Yahoo crap on my computer. Now this? Bye-bye Corel and
> GOOD RIDDANCE.
>
> One more thing, their v11.20 update doesn't fix anything worth mentioning, just
> a lot of tweaks to their "browser" that I never liked nor used. It took me over
> a day to download their "update" on my dial-up. What a waste of my time and
> limited bandwidth. So don't think you lost out on anything important by not
> installing their latest 100meg update with their SPYWARE included this time. Two
> years later and it's still not fixed, it's just a bloated vehicle for installing
> spyware on everyone's computers.
>
> Thanks Jasc for being such low-life sell-outs. This is what we all end-up with
> due to your own greed. I'm sure that doesn't bother you in the least.
Damn! Spyware!!! Just like the Jasc crew, and that screw the employees,
but keep me on your payroll, airline pilot!
Uni
>>>only occur if such program was not being used by some other program
Uni
> And an even more important heads up...
> It isn't spyware. It's the activation and anti-piracy part of the
> program.
AKA SPYWARE!!!!!!!
Corel sucks, and you know it, Tim!!!!
Uni
Uni
> On Sun, 18 Feb 2007 04:44:28 GMT, "Tim"
> <timm...@XremoveXhotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>>irresponsible.
>
>
>
> my knowledge ?
My firewall stopped Corel from contacting home!!!!!!!
Uni
Brendan R. Wehrung
> Damn! Spyware!!! Just like the Jasc crew, and that screw the employees,
> but keep me on your payroll, airline pilot!
>
> Uni
Better than UniuWare, which appears to be written in DRIVEL.
Brendan
Uni
You used to be a fun person, Brenden, but I think those CompUSA software
rebates went to your head!
:-)
Uni
Dave Symes
> Brendan
Ooeer! Brendan, I really like that... Excellent retort.
Just had a thought...
Microsoft Vista also seems to be written in the same programming language.
Dave S
--
Tim
> - Bob - wrote:
>> On Sun, 18 Feb 2007 04:44:28 GMT, "Tim"
>> <timm...@XremoveXhotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> To call it spyware and to advise that it be removed is alarmist and
>>> irresponsible.
>>
>>
>>
>> Does it contact a server via the Internet and pass information
>> without my knowledge ?
>
> My firewall stopped Corel from contacting home!!!!!!!
>
> Uni
>
You always used to say that you didn't have, and didn't need a
firewall,although most people would say that Windows ME needs something far
more drastic than a firewall. Corel is a large company with offices in
several countries and headquartered in Ottawa Canada, so how your firewall
stopped them from contacting home is something of a mystery.
If you mean that your firewall stopped Paint Shop Pro from contacting home,
then all it has done is stop it checking to see if a program update is
available. You could've also done that by turning off automatic update
checking.
PSP X and PSPP XI contact the internet for product activation and
registering during installation, but only if you choose that method. You
couldn't be referring to that though because neither of those versions will
install on Windows ME.
--
Tim
Uni
> Uni wrote:
>
>>- Bob - wrote:
>>
>>>On Sun, 18 Feb 2007 04:44:28 GMT, "Tim"
>>><timm...@XremoveXhotmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>To call it spyware and to advise that it be removed is alarmist and
>>>>irresponsible.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>Does it contact a server via the Internet and pass information
>>>without my knowledge ?
>>
>>My firewall stopped Corel from contacting home!!!!!!!
>>
>>Uni
>>
>
>
> You always used to say that you didn't have, and didn't need a
> firewall,although most people would say that Windows ME needs something far
> more drastic than a firewall.
Look, Tim, read my lips!!! Corel had Dell Computers load up their dying
free trial software on computers! I opened one of the applications, and
NAV said "Do you REALLY want to allow this software to transmit?". I
said "No!" and deleted it from my HDD, at work!!!!
If it were checking for "updates", a pretty sad way to default configure it!
Corel is no smarter than Jasc!!!!!!!!
Uni
Tim
> On Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:23:09 GMT, "Tim"
> <timm...@XremoveXhotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Some of it is and the rest is installed in the system folder.
>> Protexis nTitles is used by about a dozen programs on my computer.
>> Why on earth would I want a dozen copies of it scattered around in
>> program folders when a single copy in the system folder will do the
>> job. That's why the system folder is there. That's what DLL files
>> are for...Dynamic Linked Libraries so that a single common resource
>> can be shared by all the applications that need it.
>
> MS's inability to isolate the OS from applications both in terms of
> storage and system architecture is one of the major reasons their OS
> sucks so bad.
I'm kind of glad they do it that way. Otherwise, in many cases, I'd have
hundreds or even thousands of duplicate files in various application
directories. Each copy would want it's own resources when running as well.
--
Tim