Clarification of Spyware Doctor and it's handling of cookies (or not handling!)

[misery]

I have explained elsewhere why I won't "upgrade" from 4.0 to 4.1.

In particular, as a clarification for Pctools' staff, but also for other users, I will address the way 4.0. deals with cookies. I read about particular problems regarding the way 4.1 deals (or rather does NOT deal) with cookies. I don't have that version, perhaps the 4.0 perspective will be useful. I will make no distinction between categories of undesirable cookies. While, many cookies will be deleted instantly by OnGuard (unless otherwise configured), some cookies will only be detected by a scan (full scan?), and can then be deleted.
Maybe this is useful information. (Who wants Doubleclick cookies on their computer ?)

With all these new Pctools products that have recently appeared, I'm afraid Pctools is paving the way for an (IN)security suite.

[tom.tdw]

hi
you can delete cookies automatically with privecy guardian and desktop mechanic

performance wise 4.1 is much faster and the cookie issues seem minor (if you use firefox you can set it to delete all cookies every time you close the browser making sure nothing remains on your computer

[Gambit]

Misery - Read this


Hi Everyone,
We have investigated this issue and have noticed that the browser scanner is missing in SDv4.1. I have brought this to the developers attention and will be adding this in shortly. We apologize for the inconvenience. In the meantime, could you please enable Cookie Guard as this will still detect and remove cookies automatically.


From http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47313

[redwolfe_98]

misery, i will sum it up for you.. from what you have said, apparently SD 4's disk scanner does flag tracking-cookies while the "disk scanner" in SD 4.1 does not flag tracking-cookies..

however, the "cookie guard" is SD 4.1 does remove "tracking-cookies" in realtime if you have SD's "onguard" enabled..

the simple thing to do is to just block third-party cookies..

[tom.tdw]

if the entire browser scanner is missing this is much more serious:(

[misery]

Misery - Read this



From http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47313

So you just released a new version but sort of forgot to include a browser scanner ? :eek:

[misery]

misery, i will sum it up for you.. from what you have said, apparently SD 4's disk scanner does flag tracking-cookies while the "disk scanner" in SD 4.1 does not flag tracking-cookies..

however, i will agree with "Tom" that that is not a big deal.. you can easily delete cookies, or block cookies..

the "cookie guard" is SD 4.1 does remove "tracking-cookies" in realtime if you have SD's "onguard" enabled..

the simple thing to do is to just block third-party cookies..

Tracking-cookies, direct cookies, indirect cookies, third-party cookies ... Who can keep up ? They can be like a plague.

As I stated, I don't know version 4.1, but in version 4.0 OnGuard will NOT delete some cookies, you need to perform a scan for that.

If all else fails you can always delete cookies manually ...

[jondow]

its been confirmed that v4.1 is missing the "browser scanner" which includes a sub folder "temporary internet files" common for malware. this is being fixed by the developers. looks like i will be renewing my subscription on the 11th. will send thanks when browser scanners module is running on my set up.;)



Tracking-cookies, direct cookies, indirect cookies, third-party cookies ... Who can keep up ? They can be like a plague.

As I stated, I don't know version 4.1, but in version 4.0 OnGuard will NOT delete some cookies, you need to perform a scan for that.

If all else fails you can always delete cookies manually ...

[redwolfe_98]

i would think that it would be the job of the "disk scanner" to flag tracking-cookies, during a scan..

i don't see the purpose of the "browser scanner".. it seems like it just checks to see if any malware has added some "bad" website to your "trusted sites" zone, and it takes a lot of time to do the scan.. i don't need that and so i use "custom scans" without the "browser" scanner or the "HOSTS" scanner, which i also don't need.. that way, my scans are really quick..