Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch
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If you’re reading this paragraph, you probably realize that the lead in is assuredly not enforceable. I have no idea whether or not it is. All I know is that almost every program I install on my computer(s) make me read and agree to an End User License Agreement (EULA). They are often full of large amounts of legal terms and big words. Many of them are several pages long. Most of them pop‑up in a small window that is not very large. I’m pretty sure that most EULAs were written by lawyers.
There have been several surveys and tests that show that most end users just check the agree box and install the software. One company even put a clause in the EULA telling customers how to claim a $1000 prize. The money was not claimed until after more than 3000 program installs.
Do you, like most computer users, not read the EULA? Although I often display symptoms of paranoia, I seldom ever read a EULA. Don’t be surprised at that statement. I let the computer do it for me.
EULAlyzer Personal is a utility that scans user agreements and analyzes them for “key words” or phrases in the EULA. It is an easy program to use. When the EULA shows on your monitor (usually in a small window that you can’t re‑size), simply select “scan new license agreement” and drag the cursor to the EULA.
EULAlyzer then scans the document and searches to see if the software you’re about to install displays pop‑up ads, transmits personally identifiable information, uses unique identifiers to track you and much more. Troublesome phrases in the EULA are highlighted so you can easily review them.
Occasionally, EULAs are found on a web page or some other file. In that case, you can copy and paste the document into EULAlyzer and analyze it as previously described for potential problems. You can also review Terms of Service agreements by the same method. As an added bonus, you can save the EULAs to a file on your computer and read them at your leisure.
EULAlyzer is not the ultimate program and does not offer any advice, but only suggestions. It is a good utility that I recommend you keep in your spam fighting toolbox. Did I mention the price? You can download and install the program for a one time payment of $0.00.
The program is from Brightfort, the makers of SpywareBlaster. You can download EULAlyzer from their website.
Keep on clicking and thanks for reading.