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General discussion

Smiley Central

May 29, 2008 2:29PM PDT

Has anyone heard of Smiley Central? I have always used and have enjoyed using it. I have had to take my computer in for a virus repair and when the technician was do that, he also removed all spyware. He also said he removed my Smily Central too. He said it was once a very good progam, but unscrutable people started tacking in a bunch junk, and now Smiley Central is chock full of spyware. I still don't see anything wrong with it. It has always worked fine on my computer and I have always had good results with it. I loved writing e-mails and putting in all the smileys and other symbols to substitute them for words, sort of like a puzzle for people to solve to understand my message. I loved the animation too. I use MSN's Live Hotmail for all my e-mail.

I need other opinions from others who have used Smiley Central and find out what all of you think about it, because I still don't think there is anything so bad about it. And if it is what this technician said is the case, is there other programs out there similar to Smiley Central that I can use.

Robert

Discussion is locked

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The technician is right...
May 29, 2008 2:54PM PDT

Smiley Central's package, despite being labeled spyware and adware free, is indeed packaged with unwanted browser toolbars and adware from other companies. Those third-parties, in turn, have reputations for taking liberties with the truth in order to get users to install spyware. It is possible to 'clean up after it,' but it's more trouble than it's worth, in my opinion.

John


P.S. Sorry, no alternative recommendations.

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I agree
May 29, 2008 8:25PM PDT

I stopped using Smiley Central some years ago because of their bad reputation.

As far as I know, they have done little to alter their business model to restore that reputation.

Mark