Web surfers brace for pop-up downloads
By Stefanie Olsen
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
April 8, 2002, 4:00 AM PT
Web surfers who thought online advertisements were becoming increasingly obtrusive may be dismayed by a new tactic: pop-up downloads.
In recent weeks, some software makers have enlisted Web site operators to entice their visitors to download software rather than simply to view some advertising. For example, when visiting a site a person may receive a pop-up box that appears as a security warning with the message: "Do you accept this download?" If the consumer clicks "Yes," an application is automatically installed.
Computer security expert Richard Smith explained that with such downloads, "You don't even know why you're getting this program, and the people who do (pop-up downloads) are relying on the fact that people tend to say 'Yes.'"
"A person should (be able to) request the download" if they want it, or decline it if they don't, he said. "It's the classic opt-in, opt- out debate."
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-877568.html c/net tech news
http://www.napsterites.net/undergrou...opup+downloads - newspaper shop, monday.
- js.