I would bet that a simple firefox extension that did a lookup of known
URLs for spyware before anything is downloaded would make a significant
difference. As long as it alerted the user to the exact nature of the
spyware and it's potential negative impact the purpose would be served.
I wouldn't expect every random user to have it installed, but it would
make my life a lot easier if I could install it on behalf of mom, pop,
aunt, uncle etc.
Spike
Jim Davis wrote:
>>I guess the perception felt by some people (myself included) is that if
>>some spyware turns up that I don't like I can crack open the firefox
>>source code and fix the problem myself. My fix may or may not end up
>>being incorporated in the publicly released code, but at least my
>>machines will be somewhat protected.
>>
>>That's an option I just don't have with IE.
>
>
> And one that the vast majority of people we're talking about ("the masses")
> won't even be aware of. I'm a computer professional and only know a small
> handful of people that MIGHT be able to do this. I certainly couldn't myself.
>
> I'm still not sure that could ever the spyware problem directly. Unless the
> browser takes a content filter/management role, determining what is "good"
> software and what is "bad" not much can be done. When a person clicks "Okay"
> to an ad that says "We can fix your computer!" then they are accepting the
> software.
>
> I'm not so concerned with illegitimate spyware - all parties invloved seem
> pretty diligent at patching that out of existence. I'm much more concerned
> with the legitimate stuff. That stuff which is accepted by the end user but
> performs some nasty (tho' fully disclaimed) functions.
>
> In my experience at least this is what kills even the well-patched "mom box".
> I don't see anything in FireFox (or anything else) to address that.
>
> Jim Davis
>
>
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