No consensus on spyware definitions.

[Enet Silicon Valley Power News] on December 31, June 26 (Beijing Time on December 31, June 27), many anti-spyware programs will clear data tracking files that are left on the hard drive of computers after users access the Internet, that is, cookies.

Microsoft's Anti-Spyware does not have such a function. In the industry, there are disagreements about whether to clear advertising programs to clear spyware. The industry has different opinions on what is spyware, what is advertising software, and whether it is a form of spyware or a carrier.

The user is puzzled. Is it too much to clear computer cookies, or is it not enough? Does anti-spyware clear some useful programs while clearing the garbage?

Of course, the most confusing thing is the Anti-Spyware manufacturers. They often modify product definitions and objectives. David Moll, CEO of webroot software, said: "Our attention is broken down by different opinions in the industry ." Measures are being taken in the industry. Science and technology institutions headed by the democratic and technical center are working on solutions to resolve industrial differences. This summer, they hope to come up with a solution.

Ari Schwartz, Head of the Center, said: "A clear definition is the foundation. It may be helpful if users want to know What software they want to use ." Previously, the industry had made such efforts, but ended in failure.

Dave methvin, CTO of PC pitstop, said: "People call this software spyware because it tracks user data and sends personal information ." In some cases, spyware is a program that does not allow the user's permission to change the browser settings. This will lead users to foreign pornographic websites through 900 calls, resulting in a large amount of calls.

This also caused chaos among software vendors. For example, Microsoft does not scan cookies on the Internet, because many websites require users to remember passwords and other personalized settings. Cory treffiletti of CARAT interactive, an online advertising company, said cookies help the website identify customers, so that the ads will not repeat constantly.

Other software vendors track cookies, which are important information for advertisers to track users' online behaviors. Scott mecredy of EarthLink said that anti-spyware programs are very complex and can distinguish whether cookies are beneficial or harmful.

Claria sued several anti-spyware companies and websites and accused them of rewriting some of the company's materials. For some companies, advertising software has no benefits.

McAfee's Head of Operations, Joseph telafici, said the company received one or two complaints each week and two or three complaints each week last year, and the company's software is called spyware or advertising software.

Symantec, first legal representative, sued the Court, claiming that he had the right to call hotbot.com's tool bar advertising software. Hotbot.com has not commented on this. Symantec is also facing a lawsuit from trekeight LLC, where Symantec lists the latter's products as advertising software.

AOL is also using aluria technology, but the nature of the software depends on the user's usage. AOL finds that when anti-spyware scans, users will remove WhenU SaveNow programs. Therefore, AOL lists such software as advertising software.

Many anti-spyware said they gave the decision to the user, and most of the users followed the advice of these companies.

Keith Smith, CEO of 180solutions, said: "If anti-spyware suggests that such software should be blocked, users will take measures to block it, regardless of the functionality of the software ."