Microsoft inserts Firefox add-on with new updates (was: Surprised!)
glee wrote:
> > Speaking of a criminal organization, how many of you are aware
> > that Microsoft's last auto-update package delivered a firefox
> > add-on that tampers with your browser's search functionality
>
> The Firefox extension and IE add-on from the "Search Enhancement"
> update were only installed on systems that had the Live, MSN, or
> Bing browser toolbar installed, since it is part of an update that
> involves those toolbars.
http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/ne...ips-ie-firefox-add-on-into-toolbar-update.ars
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On one of our Windows systems, we had the Windows Live Toolbar installed
for Internet Explorer but not for Firefox. Nevertheless, installing
this update added the add-on/extension to both browsers without telling
us that it would do so. On our second system, we had the Bing Bar
installed for Internet Explorer, but it was disabled. Firefox was not
installed. This system already had the update in question, so we
decided to install Firefox. Not only was the Bing Bar extension present
upon Firefox's first launch, but so was the Search Helper Extension.
Additional testing determined that the update is only being offered to
those with one of the Microsoft toolbars installed, regardless of
whether they are enabled or disabled. It's unknown how many users fall
into that scenario, but the toolbars often come bundled with new PCs and
popular Microsoft downloads.
The worst part of this issue is that Microsoft does not seem to be aware
of it: a Microsoft spokesperson simply pointed us to the aforementioned
Microsoft Support page that inaccurately describes the update. We asked
the company for an explanation of why the extension was installed and
what it does, but have yet to receive a reply.
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> It was not installed as a "critical" update, it was listed as
> an "important" update.
My mistake. It was listed as important - not optional. Which means it
will likely be downloaded automatically on most systems - without their
owners knowledge or approval.
> Exactly how does it "tamper" with your search functionality?
This is the second time that Microsoft has tried to tinker with Firefox
on people's PC's. Some people don't like it when new tool bars appear
in their browser.
> It updates browser integration for the toolbar, and is only
> installed if the toolbar is already installed.
Not true - read above. This firefox add-on is being installed even when
those systems did not previously have a Bing / MS search add-on
installed.
> As usual, you report half-truths, and are only interested in
> attacking Microsoft...
Now that you know the full story, are you still sure that this add-on
behavior is desirable for end-users, or is it desirable for Microsoft?
Is it really an important add-on?
Or will you be a Micro$haft appologist and psycophant and believe
otherwise?