Am I Paraniod?

[Rod76]

I don't know if this is some residual fear from my windows days but I keep thinking that there is spyware on my Mac... Do any of you know if any of the P2P or Mac software out there contains any.... I don't want to go through that nightmare again, Kazaa has gone as far as to add a third party network (ID3 Projector) that uses CPU cycles without your permission.... I've installed Limewire.... I'd really appreciate any knowledge of such nastiness so I can take appropriate action.... While I'm on the subject is there a Mac version of Ad-aware (to ease my troubled mind).... or do I need to see a shrink?... Maybe just a couple of swift kicks to the cranium...

Chris

[mervTormel]

are you paranoid, or are you not paranoid enough? if you examine the history of time, you'll see that paranoia is probably one of the most beneficial survival instincts.

we must remain ever vigilent, monitor closely and investigate behaviors, lest we get stung.

you know when is a good time to relax and get soft and doughy? never.

maintain a cat-like state of readiness. who knows what evil lurks...?

i know of no evidence of spyware on OSX. but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist or isn't on someone's whiteboard.


% lsof -i

[sbur]

from the Limeware website (http://www.limeware.com):

LimeWire LLC also makes available a free version of the program that is supported by ads and bundled software.


I would be weary if you have installed the free version. One could also ask the tech support people at limeware what "bundled software" means.

[wkm2424]

from the limewire forum faq site:


. Go here to find more information about purchasing LimeWire Pro. LimeWire Pro has no spyware or built in advertisements.


while this tells me that the Pro version of limewire doesn't have spyware, it doesn't say that the free version doesn't. better upgrade if you're concerned.

[AKcrab]

Acquisition is a new gnutella clone. The creator of the software frequents other forums, and guarantees that his software is spyware free. I've read the limewire is spyware free as well, but the quotes from their website make me wonder...

I hadn't used Acquisition in a while, as it would never download for me, but the latest version is really pretty good. It supports ultrapeer, and has a nice aqua interface. The biggest drawback, uploads are not enabled yet.

[CheekyMonkey]

No, you're not paranoid Rod76. The free Limewire does indeed contain spyware. I can't speak for the professional version, but rest assured, the BSA knows who you are and what you have if you use the free one. If they find any of their client's software, they'll first contact your ISP about you. Whatever happens from there depends on your ISP's policies.

[Blacknova]

Originally posted by mervTormel
are you paranoid, or are you not paranoid enough? if you examine the history of time, you'll see that paranoia is probably one of the most beneficial survival instincts.

Replace "survival instincts" with "employment qualities" if you happen to be a sysadmin :D

Greets,
Nova