I heard rumors that RealPlayer is full of spyware. Is this true? If so how do i remove all the files that realplayer came installed with and all the short cuts and links without damaging my computer.

With Real Player you can fairly easily control the crud. With Real One, it is more difficult to do. I would unistall Real One, if that is what you have. Then get Real Player 8 from Old Versions. Com. Go through all the setings to remove cookies and reporting features. Also disable the startup console immediately after you install it to keep it out of your startup programs. This way you can still use Real Player fo rthe sites that require it.

At one time I read that Real Player was bundling gator. Definitely spyware. I don't know if that's the case or not now. I do know that Real Player tries to take over your computer. You need to remove it from start up and block it from internet access with your firewall. It constantly tries to phone home to update itself and who knows what else.

REAL PLAYER is junk, UNINSTALL it and use another product.
Not only are there other products that do the same, but they don't spy and take over like REAL does.

RealOne - has no Spyware that I'm aware of

If you go carefully through all the Prefernces and Optiions etc you can prevent it updating itself etc

I don't like it but unfortunately the BBC requires it

Lesley

Thank you all

from a spy-checker web-site:

http://www.tom-cat.com/cgi-bin/spybase/spybase.cgi?view_records=1&name=^R|^R&re=1&sb=4&so=ascend&nh=10&mh=1

Software Name: RealPlayer
Version: 7
Software Supplier: RealNetworks
Software Website: http://www.cometsystems.com
Offending Party: Comet Cursor
Remarks: Comet Cursor is offered as a plug-in from RealNetworks. You do have the option of not installing it, but you are not warned about remote server contact if you do. It will NOT be installed automatically.
Status: Confirmed
EULA:

EC

RealPlayer 7 and 8 did indeed have Spyware but the latest Version - RealOne - does not - unless I'm in for a surprise!

Lesley

Yes, it is spyware. It tells you right in the 'agreement' when you install it. The program send back information to the head office about what you play, watch and listen to on your PC.

Again, beware of REAL PLAYER as it's NOT what it appears.

There are so many other good programs like it that do not SPY.

Also, use a software firewall for a safety net.

I installed RealOne player to watch some videos that would not play on any other players I have.

I selected NO AUTO UPDATE, NO RECOMMENDATIONS, NO THIS & NO THAT, but I still ended up with Zonealarm reporting Realevent.exe wants the Internet !
I renamed this bug to Realevent.ex- while in safe mode.... problem is now gone (I hope).