I have a general point of interest I would like comments on.

Whilst browsing another forum I have used for a number of years I came across a sticky by one of the moderators which stated

You should also know that some software you may be asked to run will identify pirated software and cracks. Additionally, in the event of a complaint or legal action arising from any message posted by you, we may be forced to reveal your identity (or whatever information we know about you).

I find it very disturbing that the site might ask me to run software in order to resolve a problem I have reported, which will provide information without my knowledge. Whatever the justification, I question the legality of such action.

If a warning is posted telling the user of what information may be uploaded that's one thing but to do it secretly is a step too far.

As I said, I have used this particular forum for a number of years but I don't feel happy about doing so in the future without knowing in detail what information their diagnostic software may be fleecing from my PC.

Perhaps I am being paranoid, but I would welcome the views of others on this, especially whether this is a general practice on support forums such as this.

Thanks

Without knowing the specifics (web site, your particular problem, the software you may be asked to run) its difficult to provide a definitive answer.

When you go to a web site like CastleCops for help with a specific problem, you are often asked to download, install, and run certain diagnostic tools. None of these tools automatically report back to the web site. It is up to you to collect the information reported by the tool and then post the information back to the forum, usually in text format. No one is forcing you to go the the web site with your problem, use the tools, or report back the information.

You used the expressions "provide information without my knowledge" and "but to do it secretly is a step too far". Obviously I can't speak for the unknown web site you refer to but the things you refer to just aren't done here at CastleCops or other reputable web sites.

As a consumer, it is in your best interest to become knowledgeable about the goods and services you use, even computer help forums. Before you use download any software or use any diagnostic tool, take the time to learn whether the web site you are downloading from is reputable and that you know how the tool works and what information is provided. Search tools like Google and the software developer's web sites are great information sources for those purposes. You should also review the information before you supply it to the web site.

If you have any doubts, just don't do it - take your computer to your local, reputable repair shop.

Thanks for the reply. The forum in question is a very reputable one that has been around for years.

I accept that it is for users to decide whether or not to follow any advice offered and as yet, I have never conciously detected any of the support sites, who do a wonderful job helping people, uploading information directly, and anyhow I would hope my firewall etc would block any hidden transmission.

I can't be certain exactly what is meant by You should also know that some software you may be asked to run will identify pirated software and cracks [perhaps it's just being used as a frightener]but I am assuming it means a generated report could have information identifying suspect software.

In my mind this is the secret part. I don't believe it is their function to collect such information without a prior warning to the user of the potential ramifications of posting such a report. I.E that it will contain information identifying suspect software etc. The user then has the option to proceed or withdraw.

It also begs the question as to what they would do with the information if gathered.

Although the sticky exists I doubt that many people would be aware of it. I myself only came across it by chance.

I'm pleased to see that CastleCops doesn't indulge in such gray practices.

For my part I will be more inquisitive in the future if I am asked to run any diagnostic utility so that I know what information it contains.

Thanks for the replies.

I don't want this to become a protracted thread as I raised it just as a point of interest.

I accept all that you have written and would expect any forum to refuse to help if it was KNOWN that the request involved help with pirated software. I think that stands to reason.

As for the notice. This is in a sticky, which to be fair can be read at anytime by a user, but it is unlikely most would take the time to do so as the actual topic is somewhat vague in it's title. The onus may be on the user to be familiar with all the stickies but in the real world this is unlikely to happen.

As for disclosure of information. I again accept that if a court should request the site provide information as part of some legal process then of course the site would have no choice but to comply.

Perhaps as I said earlier I am a bit paranoid on what information diagnostics software may gather, but it's interesting to know how others view things.

Thanks for your input.

You're welcome

It is better to ask these things than wish you had asked.

Your point about that sticky is a very valid one - many times we see only what we want to see (and I'm as guilty as anyone for this).

Since the forum, or software being requested to download has not been provided, I could give you an example.

A CD-burner help forum.

You have a problem with your burner, and say, using software such as "Nero"

Nero has (afaik anyways, I dont use it anymore) a "Log" ability, and the mods/helpers there may ask for a "Diagnostic log" generated by Nero, which could aid in showing the error.

Back when I _used_ Nero, at the top/header of the .txt log file it generated, it also included your "serial"

Some smart users would/could obfuscate and/or "munge" the serial, but "novice" users may simply blindly Copy and paste this "log" to the public CD-Burner Tech Support forum.

If this novice happened to be using a pirated serial (Enter it in Google...?) - this would/could point to the use of "pirated software"



This is just one example of what this could detail; but I've NEVER heard of anything like this happening; under most circumstances, a mod will simply step-in, and quickly edit the Post if/when the post gets "reported" (using a similar "blue card" system such as CastleCops).



I'd be interested in knowing this site too, as this sounds kinda "shady"

But who knows, perhaps someone up above with money and power (I shall not mention names...lol, but it starts with an M and ends with "soft") is requested such disclaimer to be posted?

But again, it could/would be beneficial to know what forum this is.

What software they are requiring you to run, etc...