What is your favorite search engine?

quote:Google today proposed guidelines for Internet download software such as advertising ware, browser helpers, or search toolbars. Google states that they have become “alarmed by what we believe is a growing disregard for your rights as computer users.” Recently there has been an Internet boom in spyware and adware, which are software usually distributed using questionable techniques. Some users will download a screensaver or file swapping software, without being fully notified that such software is being shown on their computers.

Additionally, adware can take revenue from search engines such as Google which serve sponsored ad links. If a user who has certain adware software installed on their computer searches for a keyword, in some instances adware like Gator or WhenU will serve a popup graphic or different search results page with other sponsored links.

Google’s proposed guidelines are available on Google and also printed below. We think this is a good step for a web powerhouse like Google to propose these guidelines, even if lawmakers and software programmers ignore them, it states Google’s case (especially if they are planning on partnering with adware companies or releasing more downloadable search tools).

INSTALLATION

We believe software should not trick you into installing it. It should be clear to you when you are installing or enabling software on your computer and you should have the ability to say no. An application shouldn’t install itself onto your computer secretly or by hiding within another program you’re installing or updating. You should be conspicuously notified of the functions of all the applications in a bundle.

tag. Also, think about relevancy. This is a topic about search engines in general, not really about Google.