| Disclosed Behavior to Be Aware of |
| Installs browser modification |
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Included in the installation of Waterfalls 3 is the option of installing a browser modification
(Yahoo Toolbar). The bundling of this application is disclosed to the user during the installation
process on a separate install screen. This install screen not only includes a screenshot of how
the toolbar looks after it has been added to Internet Explorer, but also gives the user the option
of opting out of the Yahoo Toolbar installation completely.
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| Installs adware programs |
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Waterfalls 3 gives users the option to install several adware programs (SaveNow, New.net, and
Desktop Weather). Although the Waterfalls 3 installer defaults to installing these applications,
the user can choose not to install any individual component of this bundled software. It also
provide a clear explanation of the adware behaviors of these components, thereby allowing the
user to make an informed choice. In case of the Weather Channel Desktop, the installation screen
clearly discloses that the software "is supported by advertising" and "is conveniently located next
to the time on [the user's] PC Desktop." The installation also notifies the user that "Living
Waterfalls 3 Screensaver is supported by revenue from SaveNow"; "SaveNow displays target ads and
coupons based on Web content you view"; and "SaveNow windows slide or pop up in front of or behind
your browser." They also disclose the fact that "SaveNow starts automatically upon system launch."
Finally, the install screen also tells the user that the "Waterfalls 3 Screen Saver is supported by
software from New.net." The install screen then discloses that New.net "delivers targeted Internet
search results (sponsored and un-sponsored) when you type a keyword or unresolvable web site address",
"replaces web browser error pages", and "updates the New.net Domains software to correct bug fixes and
modifications automatically."
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| Overlays ads on Internet Explorer window |
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WhenU displays pop-up windows or overlay ads on top of Internet Explorer based on users' search terms.
These overlays sometimes obscure the user's view of the Internet Explorer window; however, the install
screen clearly notifies the user that "SaveNow windows slide or pop up in front of or behind your
browser." The user also has the option during installation to opt out of the New.net installation
completely.
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| Changes default DNS error page |
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The default DNS error page for Internet Explorer is changed to a search page that is provided by the
New.Net software. However, the installation process notifies the users that New.net "delivers targeted
Internet search results (sponsored and un-sponsored) when you type a keyword or unresolvable web site
address" and "replaces web browser error pages." The user has the option of opting out of New.net
installation completely.
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| Bundled software automatically runs on startup |
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If the user chooses to install SaveNow as a bundled application with Waterfalls 3, the user should be
aware that "SaveNow starts automatically upon system launch." This behavior is disclosed to the user
during the installation and the user has the option of opting out of the SaveNow installation completely
if they are not comfortable with this behavior.
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| Adds new link to the Windows Desktop |
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Installation of Waterfalls 3 results in the addition of six shortcuts to the user's desktop. These
links are for applications and websites associated with Screensavers.com and their affiliates, such
as AAValue and SoftwareOnline -- both of which seem to be advertisement providers. The actual links for
these shortcuts reside in the folder named "Free Offers from Freeze.com" located in Program Files
directory. Waterfalls 3 informs the user of the addition of these links in their first install screen.
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Behavior to Be Aware Of