BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU DOWNLOAD

[Harry]

The internet is really just like the Old Wild West - still untamed. As a result, you should be careful what "free" software you chose to download from those "wild" sources out there. Keep in mind, "There's no such thing as a free lunch." They are obviously getting "something" out of the deal.

(DO NOT USE NETSETTER OR MARKETSCORE ON THIS WEB SERVER)

This is only a warning - your mileage may vary. If you want to research further, go to www.deja.com or www.google.com

From a Deja.com post:

Recently I downloaded a program onto my computer called "Marketscore Internet Accelerator". Somehow it configured my browser to connect through their servers, in order to 'enhance' my surfing experience, supposedly. Well, it didn't, and so I went to add/remove programs in windows 98 to get rid of it. In doing so, I am unable to browse any websites, download anything, and unable to access e-mail as well. I also getting an error message from one of my programs that connects to the internet,"Can not create socket... missing winsock file" or something like that. I have tried EVERYTHING. I visited marketscore.com and found out that in order to get rid of it, you have to log onto their website and they remove it from there, and re-configure your browser back to the way it was. Great. I did not notice that (that should have been especially accented, as it is an important thing, you would think). So now I can not connect to the website in order to get my browser reconfigured. If anyone can help me that would be great. I have to use someone else's computer now to connect to the internet.

And another...

I could REALLY use some help with the netsetter program that alledgedly speeds up your net browsing, in exchange for gathering info on a member's surfing habits.

I signed up with the netsetter program today (11/16/00), and after having nothing but disconnection problems with it, no promised increase in speed, and an actual SLOWDOWN in performance, I went back to the Netsetter website and cancelled my account just a few minutes after signing up. I've already contacted support@netsetter.org, and only get robotic, replies that have absolutely nothing to do with the problem. I wish very badly that I checked the newsgroups for all the complaints about netsetter before agreeing to try their program.

Now suddenly, the email address I used to sign up now cannot get online to the internet, or even check my email, since using the netsetter program. I have never had a problem with my ISP connecting me before, so it is DEFINITELY caused by the netsetter program. No two ways about it. I had to use a back-up ISP account just to make this posting you now read.

Any help is very much appreciated and needed asap. If it helps at all, my system is an IBM clone, 450 mhz, running Windows 98, and my browser is Netscape 4.75 (which is the browser I signed up to the Netsetter program with).

Thanks, MB

PS: I've seen it suggested in other threads that the user should just "uninstall" the program. But that's not how Netsetter works, unfortunately. They don't install a program on your computer, to my knowledge, but they do change around your settings, such as Java, I believe.

[Harry]

Complicated and for NETSETTER, the predecessor of MARKETSCORE. Not my instructions, but anonymous from the web...

There has been alot of postings for the removal of the "NETSETTER" program in various groups, so it appears a mass posting to all groups will be easier....

NETSETTER is a program promsing (through use of a proxy) to increase Internet speeds....Really not true...

We had this problem the other day and finally resolved how to remove it. All steps may not be needed, however we did it anyway just to ensure it was complete....

******** Removal of Netsetter Program *********

• 1. Using regedit..remove all instances of "netsetter"
• 2. Using regedit remove the instance of "nscheck.exe"..this is a file located in your c:windowssystem directory
• 3. Remove the file "nscheck.exe" from the c:windowssystem directory
• 4. Remove all network adapters/protocols/clients and resinstall

*** Note: #4 may not be needed but we did it anyway.....

Netsetter does not place a removal option in the (control panel/add remove programs) what it does is place a registry entry in Hkey_Local_Machine/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run- to call up the "nscheck.exe" file.

If netsetter is not running or the entries are not placed in your registry it starts the program anyway misdirecting your settings to point to thier .asp at thier web site (regardless of how many times you remove it) the removal of nscheck.exe rids you of that problem...

I checked my files and found that I had marketscore in there but I never downloaded it. Don't know how it got there. Removed it but still can't get anyones email on these pages. I do appreciate the personal service Harry. We'll get this thing figured out somehow.

[Harry]

You may cancel your membership by going to the website, currently at www.Marketscore.com, and following the instructions regarding canceling your membership. Cancellation will take place immediately following completion of the resignation process on the Marketscore website and the reconfiguration of all browsers that were configured for the Marketscore Network. Canceling your membership shall be your sole remedy should you have any dispute with Marketscore. Marketscore may cancel your membership at any time without notice and without liability to you or any third party.


http://www.marketscore.com/main/memb..._agreement.htm

[Harry]

To allow them to confidentially monitor your Internet activity, the registration process includes a step that configures your Internet browser and computer so that your Household's Internet communications are routed through their network. This routing is only done on the machines you actually configure for the Marketscore Network. The configuration process includes inserting a unique identifier into your browser that enables us to confidentially monitor your specific Household's Internet behavior.


http://www.marketscore.com/main/privacy_statement.htm

I was considering Comcast cable internet service. Upon reading their terms and conditions it is clear that they track and record every site you go to, what you do there, and how long you do it. Not for me. I'll take my chances with my U of Michigan access that is slower. Privacy has no meaning these days it seems.

[Harry]

So here I am, a victim of my own warning - I just subscribed to @home.com and they are now switching to comcast.com

Agreements are put in your face that a staff of 100 lawyers invented in their sleep. You're told to ACCEPT it or else leave. The internet has so far operated without the burden of federal regulations, but if this keeps up, things may need to change.

Nothing is FREE! Accepting something from those people is like taking candy from a stranger, "DON'T DO IT" Many of the real nice people trying to give you something, have on sheeps clothing. Some are scammers that can not hold a real job. Some are natural born leaches looking to get rich quick. Many are goofs that are looking for someone that is trusting, off guard, or just plain stupid. Stay away from them it is a trap. Al