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I. Freeware
First of all, the reasons why Spybot-S&D is free:
I.a. Dedication
Spybot-S&D is dedicated to the most wonderful girl on earth :)
I.b. Binary
What do you get if you buy software? Lots of ones and zeros, nothing more. If
they were distributed as art, I could understand paying it. But if the
main goal of their order is to earn money - by fees or ads - I don't like it!
I.c. Conclusion
This means that I grant you the license to use Spybot-S&D as much as you like.
But if you like it, I ask two things of you: say a prayer for me (and the most
wonderful girl while you're at it ;) ) to your god - or whatever you believe -
and wish us some luck.
II. Limitations
II.a. Reverse Engineering
Reverse Engineering is not allowed as with nearly any software. If anyone has
doubts in the honesty of the code, I will give insight to a trusted organization
like a university under certain limitations (for example only one copy, for a
limited time, and that has to be removed after the evaluation time has ended).
II.b. Warranty
I tried my very best to make the code of Spybot-S&D as stable as possible, and
I give you the warranty that I placed no code to cause intentional harm to your
system.
However, removing the threats targeted by Spybot-S&D sometimes involves
cutting deep into the system sometimes, and I cannot guarantee that your
system will be running the same as before. For example, spyware hosts may stop working.
I can also give you no warranty that Spybot-S&D will remove every spy on your
system, or that it will give you no false positives. For your own verification
the location of the problem is shown with every entry, and if you have any
questions remaining you can visit the support forum for more information.
II.c. Liability
Under no circumstances can you make me liable for any damage, however caused, including, but not limited to
damage you might do to your system using Spybot-S&D.
II.d. Use of application in whole
Free use is limited to the application in whole. Usage of parts only,
for example the database or the plug-ins, is not permitted.
III. Distribution
Here are some basic rules about distributing Spybot-S&D.
III.a. Private distribution
You may give away single copies of the software as long as you don't modify
this license or other files of the archive.
III.b. Mirroring
If you want to mirror Spybot-S&D, feel free to do so as long as you don't
modify the original archive. If you want to be kept up to date about major
updates, you can subscribe to the mailing list.
Official mirrors need to fulfill the Mirror Policy.
III.c. Publishing
You may publish Spybot-S&D in a book or magazine (or other media) by simply
sending a written request for permission, including a description of your
specific needs. I request a copy of the media in which SpyBot-S&D is published
as compensation.
IV. Privacy
IV.a. Application offline privacy
Even though Spybot-S&D scans your system, it will not search specifically for
any personally identifiable information. Everything that is not detected as a
possible threat will be ignored. Possible threats will be shown and, if log
options are switched on, written to a local log file.
IV.b. Application online privacy
Spybot-S&D has online functionality in 5 cases:
1. Update: The Update function now uses an ftp-protocol
to download an info file containing update descriptions
(this is called spybotsd.ini, and it won't be deleted, so you can look
at it) and to download the update files you select.
No information other than those your browser would also show will be transmitted.
2. News: On the homepage
of Spybot-S&D there you will find the News section. Here you can read about the most
important news all around Spybot-S&D.
3. Bug Report: The bug report function sends the problem description
you enter and an automatically created report to our support staff. You can
modify the extent of the report on the settings page, and you can preview this
contents while you are writing the bug report.
Files listed in the attach box will be sent as attachments. The header
will contain the information (sender name & address) you've entered in settings.
4. Product info & opt-out links: those may often link to dubious pages.
You may open them on your own risk, but you should take care to meet some
security measures (like firewall, latest IE updates, updated antivirus software)
first.
5. Other links: Due to the nature of the Internet I cannot give you any
guarantee regarding other links found on my web pages (neither my own, the
support forum, or the donation site). But I have put my trust in them and
do not believe any harm can come from them.
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