• XP-AntiSpy

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    #429656

    XP-AntiSpy
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    The xp-AntiSpy is a little utility that lets you disable some built-in update and authentication ‘features’ in WindowsXP.
    For example, there’s a service running in the background which is called ‘Automatic Updates’. I don’t know what this service transfers from my machine to other machines on the internet, especially the MS ones. So I play it safe and disable such functions. If you like, you can even disable these functions manually, by going through the System and checking or unchecking some checkboxes. This will take you approximately half an hour. But why wast time when a little neat utility can do the same in 1 minute? This utility was successfully tested by lots of users, and was found to disable all the known ‘Suspicious’ Functions in WindowsXP. It’s customiseable, but comes up with the Default settings, which are recommended. This utility is DONATIONWARE! This means, you don’t have to pay anything for this program and you can give it to anyone who’s interested in it, as long as you don’t sell it. If you find this tool useful, and wanna gimme something back, think about donating a small amount of money.


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    • #1001155

      I think I’d be rather wary of a program which disabled the automatic update feature of Windows XP, without the author apparently even knowing what this feature is for! What else will it do? I observe you have to log on to access the program.

      John

      • #1001246

        I think that by this line

        > I don’t know what this service transfers from my machine to other machines on the internet, especially the MS ones.

        he means he doesn’t know what kind of information Automatic Updates transfers besides the relevant info for the updates themselves.

        I’ve tried the prog and it doesn’t automatically disable Automatic Updates by just running it. You have to manually select the option.

        Now if you mean if you were the author you’d never try to disable a feature you don’t fully know how it works, you make a point. In that regard yes, it’s kind of risky.

        • #1001253

          I don’t get it.

          Risk = Unknown, possibly none, possibly significant
          Benefit = Unknown, possibly minor improvement in privacy, probably none

          Why would anyone want to do this?

          StuartR

          • #1001277

            > Why would anyone want to do this?

            Because the app is not only about disabling Automatic Updates. For example, it also lets you disable error reports, which I find absolutely annoying. And there are a lot of other settings you can tweak. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision whether to take the plunge smile. I didn’t find it so scary and nothing has happened to my computer after installation.

          • #1001303

            Hi Stuart
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            Why would anyone want to do this?


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            I’m on a Very Slow dialup, 2.5 – 3.5 kps, due to crappy Bell Canada service and don’t want any automatic connections disrupting my internet activities.
            I’ll manually check for and initiate any updates with the exception of my Avast anti-virus updates.

            Have a Great day!!!
            Ken

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