Google funded StopBadware rates AOL 9.0 as Badware recommends against installing

[mandy]

In our preliminary findings, we find that AOL 9.0 (free version) is currently badware because it installs additional software without telling the user, it forces the user to take certain actions, it adds various components to Internet Explorer and the taskbar without disclosure, it may automatically update without the user's consent, and it fails to uninstall completely.

We currently recommend that users do not install the version of AOL software 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.

AOL's response:

AOL reports that they are reviewing this report and that they are taking steps to address what's noted here. With regards to uninstallation, AOL says that a design flaw in the uninstaller mistakenly leaves executables running, even after a restart. The company says it is working on a fix, and in the meantime, that the executables do nothing even though they are running.

full report: http://stopbadware.org/reports/reportdis...=aol082706

[FiberGuy]

Now THIS is funny!  One of G's BIG customers gets the G-SHAFT... 

[bargainbloodhound]

With regards to uninstallation, AOL says that a design flaw in the uninstaller mistakenly leaves executables running

Their billing department leaves things running when customers close their accounts too