browster plugin for IE & Firefox

akabee

I have been using this for about a week I wish I had it a long time ago.It enables you to hover over almost any link to bring up the page in Browster._http://www.browster.com/index.htm

Rex_Mundi

I had never heard of this before, so I had a bit of a read up on this plugin around the net.

There are a couple of issues that come to mind with this that don't make it look very attractive.

This uses what they call 'prefetching' to work. This means that when you do a search, it will automatically start downloading the resulting pages to your computer. If you have a fixed download limit each month with your internet supplier, you may easily find yourself going over that limit without actually increasing your internet use.

IE6 and prefetching. Part of the weakness with Internet Explorer is the ability of sites to load stuff (including viruses/spyware) in the background (just by viewing a site). If your search result brings up an infected site, this program is going to download it to your computer whether you click the link or not. This is very unsafe!

Spyware........Browster claim absolutely that this is not spyware, but they also state (quote) Browster collects selected pieces of data from the URL and the content of web pages you view in Internet Explorer. When you preview a link in Browster, it sends this data to our servers, which use it to decide what content to display in the ad frame. We may pass data (such as search terms) to partners (such as ad networks) to enable them to contribute relevant content.

When it sends the data to its servers, they will also have your IP address. They may not call this spyware, but it is doing the same sort of job!!! It is at a minimum adware.

I would advise people to have a big think before downloading this one.

Quincy_3

Been using it for ages now and nowt at all wrong with it, Its just been reviewd in Web User Magazine and scored 93% out of a 100% very good bit of kit.

Rex_Mundi

I remember you said in another thread recently that you can't be 100% sure of magazine/site reviews, because of possible links/incentives given to write a good review.

The issues I've raised about this plugin above, are real, and make sense. The company statement on data collection alone should make people wary of this plugin. Let alone the other issues I raised.

Quincy_3

Rex_Mundi wrote:

I remember you said in another thread recently that you can't be 100% sure of magazine/site reviews, because of possible links/incentives given to write a good review.

No I cant trust all reviews but as I said I have been using it for ages I do agree with this particular review as I have had no problems at all.

Rex_Mundi

See, from the company statement on the transmitting of your data back to the company (this would include your IP, because they would see where the data came from). I'm amazed that you can't see this as the spyware it is. (Quote from the company) Browster collects selected pieces of data from the URL and the content of web pages you view in Internet Explorer. When you preview a link in Browster, it sends this data to our servers, which use it to decide what content to display in the ad frame. We may pass data (such as search terms) to partners (such as ad networks) to enable them to contribute relevant content.

The only difference with this is that they tell you they will do this instead of not telling you. It is still classed as spyware though.

Definitions of Spyware on the Web:

Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else

Software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to its Web site. Spyware is often installed without the user’s knowledge or explicit permission in combination with a free download

gathers information about Internet users without their knowledge or consent and delivers that information to advertisers or others who have access to the information. Users can get spyware in their systems by downloading certain programs or in the form of a virus

Quincy_3

Rex_Mundi wrote:

See, from the company statement on the transmitting of your data back to the company (this would include your IP, because they would see where the data came from). I'm amazed that you can't see this as the spyware it is.

The only difference with this is that they tell you they will do this instead of not telling you. It is still classed as spyware though.

Definitions of Spyware on the Web:

Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else

Software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to its Web site. Spyware is often installed without the user’s knowledge or explicit permission in combination with a free download

gathers information about Internet users without their knowledge or consent and delivers that information to advertisers or others who have access to the information. Users can get spyware in their systems by downloading certain programs or in the form of a virus

So now your saying IP tracking is spayware, well I suppose the whole of MSE is spyware if Admin turn on IP Tracking :rotfl: :rotfl:

And I suppose Static IPs and Cookies are aswell, Yeah right :rolleyes:

I would rather have this than Incredimail anyday.

Please dont frighten the heck out of people when its not warranted.

Rex_Mundi

I'm not trying to frighten anyone. If anyone is foolish enough to agree to a program tracking their web searchs, that's up to them. Browster makes very clear that this is what they do. For sure this program can be classed as spyware. The only difference is that Browster tell you up front that they will do this.

I'm saying people should think twice about this program.

Quincy_3

Rex_Mundi wrote:

I'm not trying to frighten anyone. If anyone is foolish enough to agree to a program tracking their web searchs.

Thats Google aswell then

akabee

@Rex_Mundi
Have you actually used this program or just searched the web to find something bad to say about it?
As Quincy said Google collects personal information(see below)

Personal information and other data we collect
Google collects personal information when you register for a Google service or otherwise voluntarily provide such information. We may combine personal information collected from you with information from other Google services or third parties to provide a better user experience, including customizing content for you.
Google uses cookies and other technologies to enhance your online experience and to learn about how you use Google services in order to improve the quality of our services.
Google's servers automatically record information when you visit our website or use some of our products, including the URL, IP address, browser type and language, and the date and time of your request.

I am not stupid, so I would not put up a link to something that will harm someones pc.I did state that I had it for about a week before posting so I have tried it out.
Why worry about a company like Browster when Google is out there.

I'm not trying to frighten anyone.

Rex_Mundi

No I wouldn't use this plugin. I tend to research programs before I use them, and I don't like what I see with this one. A couple of people here using it, and thinking it is OK is not enough to convince me. I knew far more people that raved about Kazaa, and Realplayer (to name just two programs), yet these were renkowned for their spyware. I avoided these as well (far better/cleaner alternatives out there).

I'm fully aware of Google and its 38 year cookie. Yes Google does record searches when you use Google. There are alternatives to Google that don't do this. Scroogle is a search engine that allows you to search Google without Googles use of cookies.

This plugin records, and sends back info of every site you use it on (not just search engines). This is exactly what spyware does. The company tell you in plain language that they are doing this. If anyone wants spyware sitting on their machine, then fine, by all means go ahead and use this plugin.

Spyware is increasing. A few reports out recently showed that in the last year, growth of spyware applications far outstripped growth of viruses. All the time in the techie board, people ask how to remove spyware.

My advice always is for people to avoid it where possible. Spyware is not my only issue with this plugin though. I see you haven't addressed any of the other issues I raised.