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Watch for Automatic Updates

I was quite pleased to see the Google has deployed a new beta release of Google Earth with support for Linux. After downloading it and beginning the install process I was stopped in my tracks by this clause in the license agreement:

4. AUTOMATIC UPDATES The Software may communicate with Google servers from time to time to check for available updates to the Software, such as bug fixes, patches, enhanced functions, missing plug-ins and new versions (collectively, “Updates”). By installing the Software, you agree to automatically request and receive Updates.

I don’t mind the software checking to see if there are updates available; I do mind if these are automatically installed. I can’t tell from their wording if “receive Updates” means both download and install. Two issues come to mind with this kind of mechanism. First, an automatic update mechanism is a potential vector for infection. Second, I may not want the update as it may remove a feature or cause an incompatibility with other software installed on my computer.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 13th, 2006 at 8:10 am and is filed under All, Linux. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

One Response to “Watch for Automatic Updates”

  1. Steve Elgersma Says:
    June 13th, 2006 at 10:20 am

    I’m not sure this is really a big problem – I installed the software as root, but run it as me: any update attempting to install new files would get a “permission denied”. And the EULA only says you agree to “request and receive”…there’s nothing about “install”. :-)

    –Steve

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