From: "Retired" <senile@nursinghome.nat>

> This is probably off topic but it causes me to smell a rat anyway.
> New HP computers come with an eBay link on the desktop which properties
> are ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Hewlett-Packard\Shared\WizLink.exe"
> http://redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=4
> &tp=dticon&s=ebay&pf=cnnb&locale=en_us&bd=all&c=11 4"
> The link takes you to the same place as http://www.ebay.com would except
> that in the address bar you see "/?clk_rvr_id=288993127703" appended.
> What is the purpose of the garbage link? Is it so eBay can see that HP
> directed someone to their site? Do they give HP a reward for that?
> What the hell is "Wizlink" anyway? Never mind. I just looked it up.
> "This application appears to have been factory loaded by HP. It is linked
> to bloatware such as the Ebay shortcut on my desktop.
> I realize wizLine, Ebay, and the rest are paying HP to do this, however, it
> would be nice if HP would remember that we, their CUSTOMERS, are paying
> them also."
>
id=288993127703 may be referencing the client for advertising revenue.



--
Dave
Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp