Google to warn of “dangerous” Web sites
August 7, 2006 by Mike Wendland
Google is going to start flashing a warning when you click on one of those sleazy Web sites that look legitimate but are really shell sites that load your computer with malware or spyware. The sites that will get the arning have been listed by the Stop Badware coalition.
The coalition explains that there are several commonly recognized terms for specific kinds of badware - spyware, malware, and deceptive adware. Badware is malicious software that tracks your moves online and feeds that information back to shady marketing groups so that they can ambush you with targeted ads. If your every move online is checked by a pop-up ad, says the coalition, it’s highly likely that you, like 59 million Americans, have spyware or other malicious badware on your computer.
There’s some snide carping on the Net about Google acting like Big Brother here. But I think that, given the naive and overly trusting way most people still surf the net, such a warning is not only needed but long overdue. Good work Google.
First!!!!
Big Brother or not, I don’t really mind. I have spent a lot of time as a network administrator cleaning off spyware and it’s highly annoying. I’m all for this!
I linked to your story on the AbsoluteMichigan.com blog
I have no complaints here. As someone who does freelance computer repair jobs on the side, I’ve been over several people’s homes fielding calls about constant pop-up ads that fill the entire screen and slow their systems to an absolute crawl.
Unfortunately, far too many individuals blindly click “Yes” or “Run” on web pages that offer some kind of “slick” or “cool” tool; in fact, one person who’s home I visited had five different temperature gauges in his system tray (the area near the clock on Windows systems). When I inquired about why he needed the local temperature repeated five times, he said, “The tools sounded cool…”
Especially NEVER trust anything from GAIN Publishing or the Gator Corporation. Those are two of the worst offenders I’ve ever seen. Also, if you do decide to download and install a “cool tool,” read that license agreement. If one of the conditions of installation is to install a third-party tool such as “SAVE!” or other “ad-supported” technology, cancel the install. You’re in for more heartache than it’s worth.
Another way to help, especially for Windows XP users, is to create individual accounts for all users, and switch their accounts to “limited” instead of “administrator.” Especially for children. This prevents them from performing tasks such as installations. If they want something installed, you can review it and install it for them, under your ID.
Big Brother? Maybe. But I think the benefits here far outweigh the concerns.
Mike,
In Wednesday’s Free Press (8/7/06), your article talked about transferring VHS tapes and mini8 home movies onto DVD.
Is there a process to transfer 8mm home movies to DVD as well?
I have about 20 rolls that are about 34 –40 years old that I would like to transfer. If so, is the equipment needed very expensive? Or is there a place that would do this at a reasonable rate?
I wasn’t the best moviemaker and have a lot of blank/black/or out-of-focus spots. If I go to an outside source, is it better to edit/splice the movies first?
I have Windows XP Professional (Version 2000) operating system with Windows Movie Maker, which I know nothing about.
Ron Linsley - Sterling Heights
Mike,
In Wednesday’s Free Press (8/7/06), your article talked about transferring VHS tapes and mini8 home movies onto DVD.
Is there a process to transfer 8mm home movies to DVD as well?
I have about 20 rolls that are about 34 –40 years old that I would like to transfer. If so, is the equipment needed very expensive? Or is there a place that would do this at a reasonable rate?
I wasn’t the best moviemaker and have a lot of blank/black/or out-of-focus spots. If I go to an outside source, is it better to edit/splice the movies first?
I have Windows XP Professional (Version 2000) operating system with Windows Movie Maker, which I know nothing about.
I might add that I am rather computer illiterate when it comes to something like this.
Ron Linsley -Sterling Heights, MI
I like everything about Google.
And I really appreciate this new feature.
In this day & age of cut-throat spyware, we cannot be too careful.
I say “thanks to Google”.