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Technology

• Cause conflicts with work-related software applications
• Pose a potential security risk by opening unnecessary TCP/IP ports
• Cause computers to boot and/or operate slowly
• Violate privacy by sending user information to others
• Increase of SPAM and pornographic material via e-mail
• May cause system conflicts
• Impact system resources causing computers to run slow (memory, CPU)
• Conflict with operating system files
• Cause the computer to crash often
• Unnecessary use of network bandwidth and resources
• Installs spyware or adaware
• Increase in annoying pop-up ads
• Cause additional work load for Prosser School District Tech staff

The District Technology Committee has developed the following list of Known problematic programs for placement on any district machine.  The buildings will decide how to remove these programs if any are found on district machines.  POD Leaders and/or SWAT will be doing the work.  The following programs are therefore banned from district machines.

1. Alexa
   Web Search tool (adware)
   http://www.thestandard.com/article/display/0,1151,9599,00.html  
2. ATTune
   Sponsored pop-up ads (e.g. "Buy toner") when using your printer (spyware)
3. AudioGalaxy
   File Sharing (spyware, copyright infringement, high bandwidth use, banned in CCLs)
   http://security.uchicago.edu/peer-to-peer/no_fileshare.shtml   
4. Aureate / Radiate
   Spyware "bundled" with many free downloads, screen savers, web sites, etc.
5. Bargain Buddy
   Advertising (spyware, bandwidth use, computer resources)
6. Bonzai Buddy
   PC "Pet" (resource drain, application conflicts, no university related purpose)
   http://www.cord.edu/dept/computing/news/newsletters/2001/03/26_2.html
7. Brilliant Digital
   Brilliant Plan to Usurp Internet Bandwidth
   UC-Berkeley - Security Risks and Bandwidth Hijacking
   http://news.com.com/2100-1023-875274.html
8. Comet Cursor
   Animated cursor (probable spyware, waste of resources, possible application conflicts)
   http://wwwnew.towson.edu/cans/faculty/policy/software/problematic.asp
9. CommonName
   Targeted advertising (spyware, resource drain)
   http://www.safersite.com/PestInfo/C/CommonName.asp
10. CyDoor
    http://www.cexx.org/cydoor.htm (spyware, resource drain)
11. DLDER
    http://www.cexx.org/dlder.htm (spyware trojan)
12. File Sharing Applications: Including BearShare, Morpheus, and Nabster
    File Sharing (spyware, copyright infringement, high bandwidth use, banned in CCLs)
    http://security.uchicago.edu/peer-to-peer/no_fileshare.shtml
13. Gator, OfferCompanion, Trickler, GAIN
    Very intrusive spyware that auto-fills web forms. Dangerous because it caches and "remembers" credit card numbers. http://www.cexx.org/gator.htm
14. GoZilla
    Download accelerator (slows boot time, drains resources, multiple spyware)
    http://www.oit.duke.edu/ats/support/spyware/gozilla.html
15. HotBar
    http://www.safersite.com/PestInfo/h/hotbar_adware.asp
16. Kazaa
    Stealth Network Hides Inside Kazaa
    http://security.uchicago.edu/peer-to-peer/no_fileshare.shtml
17. OnFlow
    Targeted advertising bundled with many "free" applications (spyware)
    http://www.slyck.com/newsjan2002/010602a.html
18. Precision Time
    Spyware  
19. Spinner (Not Spyware)
    As with many of the other programs listed here, it is an unnecessary application that uses up valuable system resources, especially memory and network bandwidth. One problem that sets Spinner apart from others is that, by default, it starts automatically after logon. Many necessary system services are loading at this time - so the less there is, the quicker the system boots, and the sooner you can start using the system.
20. Web3000
    Advertising spyware that overwrites the important wsock32.dll system file (spyware, potential security risk)
21. WebHancer
    Extremely intrusive spyware, can disable internet connection
    http://www.cexx.org/webhancer.htm
22. Xupiter
    Xupiter, like Gator, is spyware that can be installed on your computer without your knowledge if your Internet security settings are not set correctly. It can be installed when you visit a web site or click on an advertising link. Applications that install in this manner are also referred to as "drive-by downloads." (This term was probably derived from a similar term, "drive-by hacking", which describes a practice hackers employ to hack into wireless networks. In the case of spyware, the term "drive-by" is figurative; in the case of hackers, the term is literal.) 
23. All Download Shareware/Freeware ScreenSavers. These applications often force conflicts with Windows built in screensavers and are frequently spyware.

Detailed information used by permission of Fayetteville State University

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