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WinAntiSpyware 2006 (Unregistered Version)

Published

This application report reviews the WinAntiSpyware 2006 (Unregistered Version) application, produced by WinSoftware, Inc.

We find that WinAntiSpyware 2006 (Unregistered Version) is badware because it makes exaggerated claims of system vulnerability in order to encourage the user to purchase the full version. In essence, WinAntiSpyware 2006 (Unregistered Version) belongs to that subset of badware that is often termed "nagware" or "extortionware" -- that is, software that exists solely to encourage (generally through deceptive or annoying means) users to upgrade to a full version of the product. In addition, WinAntiSpyware 2006 (Unregistered Version) does not disclose to the user that the program will run automatically at start-up, continuously run a process in the background, or download updates without user consent.

We currently recommend that users do not install the version of WinAntiSpyware that we tested, unless the user is comfortable with the level of risk we identify or until the application is updated consistent with the recommendations in this report.

For the full text of this report, please visit http://www.stopbadware.org/reports/reportdisplay?reportname=winantispyware