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Updates 3/5/13 - WinPatrol
WinPatrol®2013 v27.0.2013 has been released.
http://www.winpatrol.com/upgrade.html
http://billpstudios.blogspot.com/2013/03/hackers-steal-winpatrol-data-already.html
On Tuesday, Feb 26th we started to receive reports of WinPatrol crashing anytime someone responded to a change alert message. This failure was originally thought to be related to the Tuesday Windows Update or other companies updating their software.
It turned out to be the result of a hacker trying to obtain WinPatrol data. While our software failed when replying to changes, no data was lost and any changes will still be reported using this new version. At no time was any personal information at risk. No Email, passwords, credit card information was stolen or even available to any kind of attack.
Our new version includes a layer of protection that will discourage any future attacks and crash safely. If an error occurs for any reason, Scotty will continue to be graceful in his behavior so other programs will never at risk of losing work currently in progress.
*New* Automatic Update Notification
The newest feature is one many users have asked about for years. While I'm not a big fan of software that provides automatic updates, making sure everyone knows when a new version of WinPatrol was available makes sense. Our new version will provide notification within a reasonable time and allow users to read about the new version before deciding to install it.
Once notified, WinPatrol won't continue to remind you but it will update the information found under the PLUS tab so when you do want to upgrade it will be an easy option. Having the message on the PLUS tab/screen will also help remind you.
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EDIT/Remark: The new version of WinPatrol now requires users to "register" their name, country, and e-mail address.
ky331
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March 18th, 2013 05:00
BillP has offered a blog to explain his inclusion of registration:
It's important for the future of WinPatrol to know how many users are installing new versions. I can now tell if an install was successful and how soon after an announcement or promotion most installations occur. I have a better idea how many free versions are used versus PLUS memberships...
Instead of knowing how many downloads we had, I can now know how many machines are protected...
When someone requires support it may be useful to know what version they last installed and especially if they recently undated...
what if some kind of bug or compatibility in a new version turns out to be harmful to your computer? A proper [e-mail] registration will allow me to notify users of a recall.
I won’t deny that registration also allows me the track down systems which are using WinPatrol PLUS illegally...
http://billpstudios.blogspot.com/2013/03/registration-common-with-free-software.html
Bottom line if you still fear this: "you can always say you're Mickey Mouse and WinPatrol will continue to install".
dalem29
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March 5th, 2013 16:00
This version requests my name, country, and email address. I don't remember this requirement to register while installing older versions. :emotion-6:
ky331
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March 5th, 2013 16:00
Dale,
Yes, this is something new. I offered this information as a "remark" at the end of my post above.
dalem29
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March 5th, 2013 20:00
I overlooked that info in your post David. It wouldn't let me proceed to install without filling in the information. I think it would be better if it was an option.
ky331
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March 6th, 2013 05:00
Dale,
I don't know definitively why this change (request for information) has been implemented. All I can do is speculate that 1) it may help BillP trace improper use of the paid/PRO version [people using some type of a hacked (illegally-obtained) code rather than paying for it]; or 2) it may help him trace who hacked into the PLUS database, should they try to do so again; and/or 3) it may help him discover improper usage of the free version (e.g., in commercial settings).