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Spyware in Themes?


Question:
Why is spyware being distributed in desktop theme packages and more importantly, how can I get rid of it?


Answer:
Spyware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software (Adware). It is a way for shareware authors to make money from a product, other than by selling it to the users.

Read the official definitions for: Spyware and Adware

While this may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install additional tracking software on your system, which is continuously "calling home", using your Internet connection and reports statistical data to the "mothership". While according to the privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain anonymous, it still remains the fact, that you have a "live" server sitting on your PC that is sending information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.....

Spyware removal:
For a list of software tools that can help you detect and remove spyware applications, click here

Important Note:
Every desktop theme here at the ThemeDoctor.com is checked by the Theme Doctor for spyware or virus type corruption. If a virus or spyware program is discovered within a desktop theme package, the review will not be added to the ThemeDoctor.com and the corrupt file will be reported accordingly. However, it is important to note that theme authors often update their themes after they have been initially reviewed by the Theme Doctor and unfortunately, sometimes this type of malicious content is added to the updated theme package. In this case, the updated package must be checked once again by the Theme Doctor and processed accordingly.

Reporting Spyware:
If anyone finds spyware within a theme package, please contact the Theme Doctor to report the offending filename (*.zip) and direct download URL (http) as soon as possible. Corrective action will be taken seriously.

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