From mascary

Backweb technology is used by many companies e.g. Kodak, logitech. it is used as supplemental update checker. it is difficult to remove on some applications without removeing the actual software provided that hosted it. however it is not recognised as spyware as it only targets specific data the host requires for automation. it depends on the trust given to the host provider as it has the potential to be spy or malware.

By me

Backweb , the company itself, I've tried corresponding via email with them many times, without any reply,for years which leaves me with 3 possible conclusions, 1. they don't answer email's / 2 they don't care / 3 there software has a dark side, and they'd rather not discuss it, ( if anybody from backweb would care to correct me on any of this, I'd be more than happy to discuss the matter.)

The software itself, a simplified evaluation, its updating software, designed to look for newer visions of software programs, drivers etc. its also in some cases designed to deliver targeted advertising, although backweb itself the core program, isn't exactly spyware, the core program becomes individually tailored to another companies needs, so it can become spyware, so is the vision you have spyware?

Well there's possibly 250 versions and the list is growing, its just to big a project for an individual such as myself to contemplate covering

So the best course of action, is for you to decide whether or not its spyware, and for you to decide what to do about it

For instance KODAK EasyShare Software, contains backweb is it spyware, no, although there general privacy statement refers to possible spyware use in the future, if they so desire, there updating software only checks once every 21 days, and it shouldn't impact to severely on a average computer system, or its resources, how did I arrive at this conclusion, I asked, simply asking via email, can get you everywhere, assuming the company has a good public relations department, like kodak (ok I also check myself ---system impact.is noticeable on a dial up modem.or any computer under 1 gig. backweb uses about 8k of ram )

Here's the question I asked

Hello I'm currently investigating companies associated with backweb, there software privacy policies, and what if any personal or non personal information is collected about their uses, ie. surfing habits program usage , etc. etc. and whether any advertising of any kind is delivered to their computers, any reply would be published on a anti spyware site, in a effort to clarify whether they have spyware / addware on their system ? or not ,I would be grateful for a statement

<ANSWER>
Greetings Devilin,

Thank you for your recent visit to the Kodak web site and question about
'Backweb.'

The purpose of the KODAK Software Updater is to inform you when an
update to your KODAK EasyShare Software is available and to make
installation of the update convenient and simple. Please be assured
that the KODAK Software Updater does not and, in fact, cannot record,
collect or transmit any personal information you may store on your
computer.

The KODAK Software Updater periodically queries the Kodak server to
check for new versions of your KODAK EasyShare Software. The Updater
compares information provided by the Kodak server with information
deposited in a Kodak software registry, which was created on your hard
drive when you installed your KODAK EasyShare Software. The registry
contains information about the Kodak software program you installed --
such as the type and version of the software, the language you selected,
and the location of the software on your computer. This type of
software registry is a feature of all desktop applications.

If the registry information does not match update information received
from the Kodak server, the Kodak server downloads the updated version of
the KODAK EasyShare Software to the KODAK Software Updater, which asks
you whether you want to install the new version. If you choose to
install the update, the registry is also updated to reflect the new
version.

In order to minimize inconvenience to you, the KODAK Software Updater
tool features technology that queries the Kodak server and downloads
files only when you are not using your computer. If you resume use of
your computer, the tool automatically stops and waits until you are
finished to continue.

In order to implement this feature, the KODAK Software Updater every
(currently 21 days) polling event checks a) if the internet connection
is available, then b) if the user is actively using the internet
connection. The KSU client uses the idle internet connect time to check
the server for available updates. This means that the KSU client will
not impact the performance of using their internet connection, and does
not impact the performance of the system because this happens once every
21 days. The KODAK Software Updater cannot access any personal
information you may store on your computer. Nor is it capable of
monitoring or recording what you are typing. In fact, the KODAK
Software Updater contains no mechanism for transmitting data. While
Kodak's vendor, Backweb Technologies, Inc., may offer other products
that are capable of two-way communications, the software Kodak licenses
from Backweb does not contain such a feature.

Given this detailed explanation, if you are still uncomfortable with
this Updater feature, of your KODAK EasyShare Software, it is possible
either to disable the KODAK Software Updater, or to un-install it from
your computer. Doing this should only affect your ability to receive
automatic updates; you should still be able to use your KODAK EasyShare
Software. Updates may be made available from time to time on Kodak's
website and you are welcome to visit that site at your convenience to
download updated the software. Instructions on how to deactivate or
un-install the KODAK Software Updater are enclosed.

Deactivating the KODAK Software Updater:

You can activate or deactivate the KODAK Software Updater feature at any
time by choosing Start->Programs->Kodak->KODAK Software Updater->KODAK
Software Updater Setup. Note, Windows XP users should choose Start->All
Programs->Kodak->KODAK Software Updater->KODAK Software Updater Setup

Uninstalling the KODAK Software Updater:

1. Choose Start->Settings->Control Panel. Note, Windows XP users should
choose Start->Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs.

3. From the list, select the KODAK EasyShare Software, and then click
Add/Remove.

4. From the Maintenance window that appears, choose Modify and then
click the Next button.

5. Click on the icon next to Kodak Software Updater and select the Red
X.

6. Click the Next button and then the Finish button. This will
uninstall Kodak Software Updater while leaving the Kodak EasyShare
application installed.

7. Upon completion, restart your computer.

If you need to reply to this email, please reply 'with history' (include
any previous e-mail) so we can expedite our service to you. If you
should have future questions on Kodak products or services, please be
sure to revisit our web site as we are continually adding information to
enhance our service.

Best Regards

Ron Baird
Kodak Information and Technical Support
</ANSWER>

Of course, if the company doesn't have good public relations and won't answer email's, personally I'd remove the software immediately, but all this is for you to decide