In a blog entry titled, “No, you may not change my f’ing home page!”, Yahoo blogger rips into his patron pretty heavily. It ties into Yahoo’s new update for the instant messenger (YIM) and he’s very unhappy.
CNet just wrote an article discussing tactics used by Yahoo some consider deceptive. When users load the update for YIM, using the typical install, they get a number of other tools plugged in as well, generally without their knowledge. Users must go to the custom install to get the new tool they way they want it.
By accepting Yahoo’s “typical” installation of YIM with Voice, it will also download Yahoo’s Search Toolbar with anti-spyware and anti-pop-up software, desktop and system tray shortcuts, as well as Yahoo Extras, which will insert Yahoo links into the Internet Explorer browser. The IM client also contains “live words,” which will automatically show an icon when the user highlights words online and then hyperlink to Yahoo search results, definitions or translation tools. Finally, the installation will alter the users’ home page and auto-search functions to point to Yahoo by default.
Zawodny posted in his own blog:
Do I like those practices? Hell no. It’s insulting and disrespectful. I’ve aborted software installs or upgrades when they try to pull this stuff. In fact, I just had this happen yesterday.
I’m sick and tired of this crap. I don’t know which company started using this tactic, but it’s become the standard operating procedure for lots of software out there. And it sucks.
Leave my settings, preferences, and desktop alone!
He doesn’t seem too happy and he’s write. I myself utilize Yahoo a great deal at home but this kind of thing falls into the same category that so many other companies have tried and we call it “malware.” They stick stuff on your computer you may not want but they don’t give you the option unless you go through the custom install. People expect this from some companies but Yahoo was generally thought better of. They’re a leader in this industry. They should be setting the example, not riding along and encouraging this behavior.
You want to take a poke at Yahoo’s tactics? Take a swing at WebProWorld
John Stith is a staff writer for murdok covering technology and business.
