New MalwareByte's EULA

[goombawaho]

Anyone bother to read or notice the new (new-ish) EULA from them? Anyone care?

9. You may not use the Software as part of a service provider or service bureau.
10. You may not use the Software as part of any computer repair, help desk or troubleshooting service, unless you have each customer purchase an individual Full License for each of their respective computers which you repair or otherwise service.

Wondering if that includes the FREE version or just the paid version - as in you install and then remove the same license at each customer. Would have EXPECTED that to be a no-no all along.

At one point I would have said this is a tragedy for those of us engaged against malware. But, as the years pass, MBAM doesn't remove nearly as much as it used to. Too bad that they are now thinking their software is too valuable for free usage by the good guys.

 

[mscallisto]

I would hope that only pertains to the paid version where yes it would be fair to restrict it's use.

The free version is free to all and I suspect anyone can download and use as they wish.

My conclusion is the eula specifics in question doesn't pertain to the free version but then again since I haven't read the whole thing in depth I really don't know. Hopefully I won't land in jail because of this response.

 

[kjv1611]

Yep, I thought the same thing on

But, as the years pass, MBAM doesn't remove nearly as much as it used to.

I've seen the same thing with Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware, MB - not as quick, though, and SAS. Really anything that is out there long enough to develop a "following" is going to eventually have a harder time detecting all the threats and removing them, b/c those who build the viruses, etc, will be more focused on them. And that's why they all but seemed to have remove Norton/McAfee from being reasonable A/V products (my opinion).

On the other hand, it's not just that the learn certain programs and try to build their bugs to better deal with specific programs as it is that just like A/V programs get better, so do the viruses and malware. The same tools that improve for programming the cleaning tools will also improve the process for making the nastyware.

Just part of a never-ending cycle, I suppose.

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

 

[goombawaho]

Hopefully I won't land in jail because of this response.

Black helicopters have already been launched.

Looks like the answer is an unhappy one.

http://helpdesk.malwarebytes.org/en...usiness-or-corporate-entity-including-governm

Of course, the way around that is to "recommend that a customer install the product as preventative measure" and they are not subject to that aspect of the EULA. Also, install the product as a "standard build" when loading a machine for anyone, not as part of a virus-removal call.

 

[mscallisto]

Good advice for all compadre.
That's the practice I've pretty much used in the past and will continue to do so.
Hopefully the Helicopters will stay away after this admission.

Sam

 

[sggaunt]

Well as MBAM is used by most people as a one time clean up scanner (rather than a resident AV)...........

Steve: N.M.N.F.
If something is popular, it must be wrong: Mark Twain

 

[kjv1611]

True, sggaunt, however, if it's already installed on the system, then it's more difficult for the malware to block it from doing its job. MBAM has a process or service (I forget) that loads by default with Windows that seems to help give it a better foothold at times. However, if it's not already installed on an infected machine, then trying to first download it, and then install it, and THEN run it, well, just much more of a challenge.

And you can imagine (if you've not experienced) how much more a challenge it is to walk someone through trying to get something installed if it's not the most basic.. I still have folks who ask me, "left click or right click", so if I have to tell them ANYTHING outside of the super-duper absolute basics, then that conversation is just shot!

Anyhow, so when folks ask me, I do tell them a list of programs I'd install up front, regardless, one of them being MBAM.

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

 

[IPGuru]

the free edition was always intended for personal use only

I expect any 'Helpdesk" would be charging for their services in one way or another so why should not be expected to pay for the use this software in what is clearly an non-personal way

Obviously they can still recommend to the end user that they download & install it themselves.



A Maintenance contract is essential, not a Luxury.
Do things on the cheap & it will cost you dear

 

[goombawaho]

the free edition was always intended for personal use only

Imagine that