Messenger Plus! = EVIL
OK, this is off-topic, but I consider it an important public service announcement.
I was recently recommended Messenger Plus! (MSGPlus), a program which modifies and adds new features to MSN Messenger. The software itself is actually pretty cool. The only problem is, it also adds spyware and all kinds of annoying add-ons. The program AdAware helped me get rid of most of these, but I’m still working on the most tenacious one, the Lop.com trojan, even after uninstalling Messenger Plus!
The MSGPlus website is very attractive, and very professional-looking. Looks can be sooo deceiving. From spywareinfo.com:
Patchou, the developer of Messenger Plus, has issued a statement regarding the complaints he’s been receiving due to his new “sponsor”. To all of the people who are saying that they won’t use his program because of lop.com, he has this to say, “I don’t want to be rude but if you boycot version 2.10.36, you’re an idiot.”
Do NOT install Messenger Plus! Hopefully Microsoft will be smart and add the unique Messenger Plus features to its MSN Messenger updates. MSN Messenger 6.0 Beta is looking better already.
When you are installing msg+, just select the option of refusing to install sponsors and your problem is gone, duh. Maybe they didn’t have it in the earlier versions, but in 3.25 and 3.40 you can choose it. (install msg+ ppl!)
Kernel,
Did you even look at the date of this blog entry? June 09, 2003. Obviously, newer versions may have changed. I can assure you I never agree to installing sponsors when I install software.
MSG+ doubtlessly has been forced to remove all the spyware because otherwise no one would want it.
Maybe the software is different now, but it’ll get no second chance from me. I’m no longer interested.