Talk:Alexa Toolbar

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By wikipedia's own definition the toolbar isn't Spyware... " In the field of computing, the term spyware refers to a broad category of malicious software designed to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the informed consent of that machine's owner or legitimate user. While the term taken literally suggests software that surreptitiously monitors the user, it has come to refer more broadly to software that subverts the computer's operation for the benefit of a third party."

The toolbar is only installed after explicity downloading and confirmation process, and Alexa make's it clear what kind of data is collected and what will happen to it.

(The previous sentence is not true. Alexa has been found on several of my computers. I have NEVER authorized it to be installed or downloaded.)—The preceding unsigned comment was added by 207.155.101.176 (talk • contribs) 04:22, 13 November 2006.

This article is inaccurate and miscategorized. If alexa toolbar is spyware, then google's toolbar should also be listed as spyware, since the install process and data collected is virtually the same. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 209.237.236.227 (talk • contribs) 18:05, 26 June 2006.

(The previous sentence is also not true. Google does not arrive cloaked by some other software, and does not install itself surreptitiously.)—The preceding unsigned comment was added by 207.155.101.176 (talk • contribs) 04:22, 13 November 2006.

This is a new definition of spyware that I am not familiar with. When the term was first coined, it specifically referred to the act of tracking the user and reporting back data -- in essence spying on them. I suggest that any conflict between Alexa's status as spyware and Wikipedia's definition of spyware reflects a deficiency in Wikipedia's definition.

Also, some people do consider Google's toolbar to be spyware and to be a dangerous breach of privacy. However, since both are installed by the user and are easily removeable, they certainly shouldn't be considered malware even if they do spy on users. 66.156.56.10 23:32, 24 August 2006 (UTC)

——————————————— I don't agree. If Spybot and Adaware say it's spyware, it's spyware. I'm not an expert but their authors very clearly are.—The preceding unsigned comment was added by 213.162.109.200 (talk • contribs) 20:36, 5 July 2006.

Ok... so much for critical thinking then? Much of this article is correct: the toolbar includes a pop up blocker, helpful related links, and other tools to add features to Internet Explorer. It is only installed when a user visit's Alexa's website and explicity chooses to install it. (However, there was a time when certain components were bundled by Microsoft. There was also a time when spyware vendors would surreptitious install this toolbar without users knowledge. Microsoft has since stopped bundling the plugin. Security has also been tightened to prevent third parties from installing without the user's knowledge.) Finally, clear instructions are provided for uninstalling, and Alexa also provides a program to uninstall the plugin. All of these features are correctly mentioned in the article. So what part makes it spyware? Finally keep in mind: the information is only used in aggregate, and /not/ sold to marketing agencies.

(The previous paragraph contains a false sentence. Alexa DOES install itself surrepititiously. For example, Alexa Toolbar is now installed on a brand new PC I created yesterday. After installing XP, I installed a CD burning freeware. Presto, I have Alexa, and I didn't ask for it.)

<quote_clarification>Finally keep in mind: the information is only used in aggregate, and /not/ (known to be) sold to marketing agencies.</quote_clarification>

(Alexa arrives under false pretences, and installed itself without the user's knowledge. After getting itself installed deceitfully, why would the user trust Alexa to keep private the information it gathers? Alexa clearly doesn't deserve to be trusted.) —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 207.155.101.176 (talk • contribs) 04:29, 13 November 2006.