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Spotmau Privacy Kit  Giveaway
$49.95
EXPIRED

Giveaway of the day — Spotmau Privacy Kit

Spotmau Privacy Kit is the award winning utility that protects everything on your PC easily and efficiently.
$49.95 EXPIRED
User rating: 180 27 comments

Spotmau Privacy Kit was available as a giveaway on July 14, 2010!

Today Giveaway of the Day
$36.00
free today
Download music from 1000+ sites anytime and anywhere!

Privacy Kit cleans up all the tracks of your Internet and computer activities, wipes out the secret data permanently that no one in the world can recover it, hides and encrypts your sensitive data, locks up applications so only you can use it.

It can even build a "Personal Safe" on your computer to store your most sensitive data. It is invisible and unbreakable to others. No more worries about your private data will be leaked!

System Requirements:

Windows XP, Vista and 7

Publisher:

Spotmau Corporation

Homepage:

http://www.spotmau.com/products/package/privacy_security.html

File Size:

12.8 MB

Price:

$49.95

Comments on Spotmau Privacy Kit

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#27

#22 aRenegade Comments:
It seems to me that recommending a program not be tried because the developer chose not to offer a trial version is at best trivial.
#1 ashraf fails to recognize that thru GOTD there is the unique opportunity to try this program that otherwise would have to be paid for. I consider that as a big plus for the developer. Adding to that, from the time GOTD released today’s giveaway several hours ago, there’s been ample time for a more relevant evaluation.

Now many people will complain about the rating system because from the time a program is released, there’s insufficient time to be objective enough to rate a program. I wonder how can a full “review” be posted at 3:01am, when the full version of a program is released at 3:00am?

I think this sort of personal criticism being directed toward someone I respect and admire should first take into account such important issues such as: Time Zones, and cooperative coordinative efforts between GOTD and Ashraf to make sure that when readers arrive at the download page with commenting here when the giveaway of the day first becomes available at 3:00 AM, an arrangement has been made so that readers and free software seekers may find a fair software evaluation as soon as the day begins. Such a collaborative effort or exchange of inside information would not be distasteful or indiscreet, or anybody's business except the people involved, as long as the end result is a fair and impartial as humanly possible review of the software being given away, provided by Ashraf. Ashraf delivers all of this. Don't create drama, judgment, and chaos where none exists.
For all we know, Ashraf may live in a part of the world where it is 5:00 in the afternoon at 3:00 AM here, and somebody at GOTD has to arrange these downloads days in advance in order for them to be ready to go every day, so somebody knows what the software is going to be maybe for 2, 3, 7, or 10 days in advance, as long as I get an occasional download I can use, and Ashraf's impartial experience and knowledge, I know it's none of my business what goes on in the background of giveaway of the day.com and dotTech.org. I myself would avoid casting disparaging light on people without evidence of wrongdoing.
Thank You
Tekk

Reply   |   Comment by tekknokat  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+7)
#26

anyone know what can i do with that program?do i need some cd to erase internet history? if yes where i take cd, does givewayoftheday provide that cd? if not then how do you take advantage of it , it is completely useless for now and i m so happy i did not pay $50 because i i paid i would not know what to do with that program!

Reply   |   Comment by viktor  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-3)
#25

My objection to lack of a trial version has nothing to do with the benefit of getting a free demo...

Because it's security software with encryption and a vault, I believe they could at least offer the decrypter for free. The reason is because if the software becomes broken yet you still know your password, you'll be stuck buying it if you ever want to see your files again. Hello GOTD users - this is a one time freebee, be careful about trusting it to keep working - they've spelled it out - no support for us.

I could honestly see people stuck buying it if today's offer breaks in your system - hope you have a back-up plan.

That's what I meant by saying that a company with security software should provide good support. Buy before you try is also an issue, but not "the" issue I was speaking of.

Reply   |   Comment by Rob  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+8)
#24

@GAOTD - Thanks again for your website and the work you do. You have a community of (for the most part) a lot of good, knowledgeable people!

And thanks to EVERYONE for your posts -- You and your product-related comments are the backbone of GAOTD.

Special thanks to:
@ ASHRAF - Thanks for leading the way! Great info.
@ JASON CARVER - Thanks for your informative post!
@ JOSH - Thanks for your your informative post!
@ MNCPHOTOS - Thanks for your informative post!
@ ROB - Thanks for your informative post!
@ MIKE - Thanks for your informative posts!
@ PATRICK - Thanks for your informative post!
@ DANIEL TYRER, Ph.D. ........Piled Higher and Deeper!

@ aRENEGADE - I believe that Ashraf has asked GAOTD to alert him prior to the day of a scheduled give-away so that he can have ample time to prepare a review for that give-away. His thoughts/comments are so well written that I'm certain in my own mind that (a) he spends quite a bit of time in preparing them and (b) it was a great thing for this community that GAOTD agreed.

@ SPOTMOU - Based on the above reviews, I'm not going to evaluate this software. If you pay attention to the reviews and make changes accordingly, I would like to evaluate the next release.

Reply   |   Comment by HIPOCKETS  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)
#23

Is this a portable application? Would be much better if it would be. [Speaking as someone who has left a flash drive with personal infomation on a public computer]

GAOTD offers a wonderful chance to try software and discuss related issues. And as a result, have purchased some that found good [updates or for a second computer].

However, to this and other developers, I WILL NOT buy a product [computer, software, clothes, car, new brand of food....] before a test drive or try out. Have been burned too many times by a purchased product that didn't work with my system or that I couldn't figure out or otherwise didn't like or use.
So the $50 price tag and no trial -- I'd exit that page really quickly and forget about your product any other day.

Reply   |   Comment by CB  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+11)
#22

It seems to me that recommending a program not be tried because the developer chose not to offer a trial version is at best trivial. #1 ashraf fails to recognize that thru GOTD there is the unique opportunity to try this program that otherwise would have to be paid for. I consider that as a big plus for the developer. Adding to that, from the time GOTD released today’s giveaway several hours ago, there’s been ample time for a more relevant evaluation. Afterwards, their “two cents worth” can be posted here or at the GOTD forum. There’s no need to lure a GOTD visitor off the site and route them to some obscure personal web page. One speaks of "phishing", but that tactic is about as "fishy" as it gets...

Now many people will complain about the rating system because from the time a program is released, there’s insufficient time to be objective enough to rate a program. I wonder how can a full “review” be posted at 3:01am, when the full version of a program is released at 3:00am?

Reply   |   Comment by aRenegade  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-17)
#21

this software is brilliant all the people who say otherwise don't know what they are talking about.

Reply   |   Comment by daniel tyrer PHD  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-45)
#20

#8: "The only functionality in this program that interests me and is not grayed out is the Disk Wiper... I see no way of creating a CD..."

http://eraser.heidi.ie/ -- like many I've been using for years & years.

* * *

#9: "In answer to Jason Carver, there is a CMD window that opens up briefly, and he is right to be concerned....

Looking at the setup file contents etc, my **guess** would be the install file for the Truecrypt driver used.

* * *

#13: "... I think the real concern is not offering a free trial of their security software ..."

All FWIW...
Shareware is popular & becoming more so, but it's far from universal, & many companies offering shareware-type trials cripple them so badly there's really no point in bothering with them. The reason is 2 words: "Copy Protection". It takes much less on-line storage to host a serial number, keygen, or crack than the full program, so they spread rapidly & are more widely available.

"... The seond worry is the “Too good to be true” scenario. The software, the support, the likely fabricated reviews on the site, and the awards. ..."

There's another way to look at it, unfortunately a bit cynical, but I've been *around* too long I guess... IMHO it's a bit naive to believe that sort of thing if it's legit or not, so personally I never pay the least attention to it. With apologies to anyone this might offend, most of the magazine journalists who were really sharp went on to consulting etc, being replaced with for-hire writers with uneven (& uncertain) skills/knowledge. Add that magazines make money from advertising, & companies won't advertise with publishers who trash them in print. The same can be said more-or-less for many sites, & as everyone knows, not every user who gives a review is legit, un-biased, or has a clue. Far as company/developer claims go, unless you have a blatantly defective piece of hardware, figure support is non-existent, & even then (when something is obviously faulty), don't get your hopes up [you have to look no further than the latest iPhone for an example]. For software, Google/Bing before you try or buy -- if there's a lot of on-line, user-based solutions, support's probably OK since that's where you'll find any answers... *IF* you find a software company that cares, they couldn't afford the staff & hardware to test the millions of potential problems. AMD/ATI, Intel, Apple, Adobe, Microsoft etc can't/don't do it, & if those big companies don't, who will?

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+23)
#19

Hi,

1. Just following the Spotmau-link above I read the usual scare-stuff other developers use to lure less experienced users into 'their parlor'. Usually that says enough...

2. Ashraf has a point (apart from obvious inherent security issues):

a. No trace of a free trial version. They do offer a “30 Day Guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, contact us and we will refund 100% of your purchase”.
This approach is not that unusual… That is: for hardware purchases with an up front payment… (prepayment)
A (few days upto) one month free trial period with limited functionality for software is “usual business practice” –but has no legal basis (as far as I know).
I seems to me that getting a 100% refund on software that does not correspond to your expectances (such as promissed or advertised ‘ease of use’, ‘failsafe’, ‘full documantation’, ‘7/7, 1~2 hour online support,’…the whole bunch) is nearly impossible to obtain.
In my world that means: “No trial, no deal.”

b. Given that GAOTD’s team is a reliable and conscientious lot, and represent a site visited by thousands of users worldwide –and that Ashraf and his collegues do their utmost to guarantee malware-free, reliable, well reviewed offers, I do not appreciate Spotmau not providing or allowing a timely review (be it by Ashraf or someone else).

Why is that?
Or perhaps it’s just a communications glitch?

BTW, for those who think that anything offered for free should not be commented on and that everyone taking advantage of it should gladly accept his or her system to be seriously compromised, I sincerely wish that you reconsider your oppinion. A lot of us have payed loads of money for loads of s*t… Some of us without commenting at all, some of us giving constructive remarks. I have no software related remarks to give and I don't rely on PR and hearsay only.

3. Legalese:
As GAOTD explicitely restricts usage of the software offered to “Strictly personal usage.”
AND AS
“THIS SOFTWARE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WITHOUT LIMITATION, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWABLE BY LAW, END USER ASSUMES THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE DOWNLOADED SOFTWARE PRODUCT.”
You just have to take the risk and protect yourself against anything that may go wrong….

4. To Ashraf…
“We offer free and professional support to our customers who have already purchased our products.
Please submit your question at our help desk below or email us at help@spotmau.com. (Note: Questions submitted at help desk will be given higher priority than email.)”
Is all this a misunderstanding or is someone not liking you?..

5. Coincidence or not?
“Original Price: $49.95 Summer Sale: $24.95 ( Offer Available Until July 15 )“ Convenient timing?

Conclusion:
I started writing this some five hours ago and have not seen any reply to Ashraf’s remarks apart from Rob #13.
Visiting the site itself has not encouraged me to download whatever from them. Their software may be great for all I know, but the PR is indeed “to good to be true”. Also I don’t like their policy of pay first and see what you get later… if anything. Even the Big Ones in security give you a try out period for free!!

Spotmau doesn’t even react on Ashraf’s comments – nor on anything if you ask me.

@Rob, “I’d thoroughly test it before using it in a situation where you’ll be left in a bad situation. I would be very careful about their secure safe in particular.”
Test? Test what? First pay, then test, and then what? Be "left in a bad situation" without any support?

No deal here. Can’t test, can’t judge. Can’t judge, won’t pay.

Greetz to all & have a nice day.
Patrick.

Reply   |   Comment by Patrick  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+22)
#18

Fivish, I'm curious. Have you had problems with TrueCrypt or FlexCrypt?

Reply   |   Comment by ds5929  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-10)
#17

From the Spotmau Privacy Kit Help file: "It includes five parts: Program Lockup, File Shredder, File Encryption, Personal Safe and Disk Wiper.". Program Lockup lets you password protect programs [i.e. .exe files] -- entering the password in Privacy Kit: "...temporarily unlock all locked programs."... this might be handy for example if you want to prevent a child from going on-line unless you're there, but don't want to bother with restricted profiles, or having to enter a separate password for things like the browser, email client, IM app etc. File Shredder & Disk Wiper are similar to most all erasing apps, though I didn't see anything indicating File Shredder could just overwrite free space &/or parts of disk sectors not used by currently stored files. File Encryption works on files/folders, & can compress several into one, encrypted archive file. Personal Safe is similar to Truecrypt [and in fact uses the open-source Truecrypt driver], which in a nutshell creates an encrypted partition on your disk [or other storage device]. Truecrypt.org has docs on how it works, & the extensive amount of info actually makes a good case for Spotmau Privacy Kit, where you can just dive in so-to-speak, not worrying about that learning curve.

As above, Privacy Kit does include drivers -- most of the time adding a driver is OK, But, since drivers are loaded when Windows starts, a driver compatibility problem can prevent Windows from starting... backups before installing new drivers are usually a great idea. Otherwise the app should come in at ~40MB with 673 files, 48 folders. Configuration data is stored in [User Name] \ Application Data or AppData [depending on Windows version]. The included help file, while generally well written, is for the PowerSuite 2010, which includes Privacy Kit.

RE: spotmau.com, McAfee says: "We tested this site and didn't find any significant problems." -- you can also read 4 user comments: [http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/spotmau.com?premium=false&client_uid=434371204&client_ver=3.1.0.175&client_type=IEPlugin&suite=true&aff_id=0&locale=en_us&os_ver=5.1.3.0&pip=true].

RE: alternatives, IMHO the 1st step is figuring out what level of security &/or privacy measures you want/need, balanced by how much trouble you're willing to go through to get it. Remember that whatever's stored on your PC/laptop hard drive(s) is not just available to whomever can log onto your system physically, but potentially to anyone who gains access through mal-ware &/or your on-line/network connection [the most secure storage isn't connected on-line or to a network]. OTOH, at the same time how realistic is it to expect someone to run a file recovery app on your drive(s)?... file recovery scans are what erasing/shredding guards against. When assessing potential risk from physical access, remember it's easier to walk off with & scan removable storage in private than it is to physically remove a drive from a PC case. Once you have that stuff figured out you can better decide what security &/or privacy apps & procedures you want to use. While encryption can be important, preventing access in the 1st place should get the same amount of attention [or more].

Truecrypt is always mentioned, & like the Personal Safe in Spotmau Privacy Kit, it gives you an encrypted place to put things. Bear in mind though, that when you're accessing this encrypted storage, so can someone else -- the same might be true when you decrypt any file/folder. When you open an encrypted doc, the data it contains is usually in temporary storage too, where it may/may not be deleted & normally isn't erased. Axcrypt is a popular open-source file encryption app, & the open source KeePass is popular for storing passwords etc. For privacy in the more traditional sense, rather than focusing on cleanup, IMHO it's easier & more fool-proof to not leave tracks to find. Portable versions of most types of apps are available, &/or use a virtual machine [its virtual hard disk can easily be erased/copied over], &/or use a portable OS, &/or use a proxy online [the TOR browser is a free, portable, privacy solution based on FireFox]. Instead of storing/hiding whatever on *your* hardware, consider if on-line storage might be more appropriate -- sometimes just finding encrypted storage is damaging enough, but if no one knows about your on-line storage, they'd have to go through billions of files to find it.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+15)
#16

With the greatest of respect to the first commentor above, you can't knock the developer for not making a trialware version of the software available so that a review of the software can be done. And is it really all that "unorthodox" not to make trialware available (as nice as trialware may be)? The easy answer to the issue simply is to download the software made freely available here and then to review it ... It truly is unfair to the developer to proceed otherwise.

The circumstances surrounding the developer also are not very promising, and suspicions are raised. But, again, the proof is in the program itself. (Speaking of continuous spam, anybody try an Ashampoo product recently?!?)

Having said that and not having tried today's software (for the reasons noted below), I would prefer to entrust my data to a more established source, with a proven track record, especially given the questions raised and the lack of an impartial review of its abilities.

Reply   |   Comment by Terry  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-9)
#15

For #9. "I own the Spotmau “power suite” which includes what is being offered here. I had an issue with the “personal safe”. It allows you to put files in this “invisible” area, and that works fine. However, one day my safe was just gone. I lost everything in it, and the Spotmau team could not help me."

Take a look in your "virus vault" that most virus security programs have and see if you "Spotmau Vault" is in there. I have had a similiar problem where user.ini (windows will not load a user without it) was considered a virus by AVG Free, and yes AVG fixed the bug. I had to retrieve the user.ini file from the "virus vault" through DOS (Loads of fun), anyway your "twice hidden" sub-directory (used by windows for critical system files) or "Spotmau Vault" will probably be in there. You will need to check Microsoft on how to un-hide the "twice hidden directory" so you can retrieve your file. If you have not purged this "virus vault" all your files should still be intact.

Reply   |   Comment by Ray  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+27)
#14

ashraf..what are some good registry cleaners that are free?

Reply   |   Comment by damon  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-26)
#13

Been around a long time. Starting to think this is a new Ashraf for several reasons.

Nonetheless, some of his concerns are valid...
(the term is "outweigh") but I think the real concern is not offering a free trial of their security software - especially considering you might have problems with their software, and then no way to recover unless you have their original disk. Possibly the reason no trial is offered for either this or their full suite of utilities.

The seond worry is the "Too good to be true" scenario. The software, the support, the likely fabricated reviews on the site, and the awards. Too good to be true - you've been warned.

The third concern is the serious nature of programs like this and their system suite - I would stay away from anything that features Engrish and appears to be a relatively clunky operation until I see some shining mainstream reviews. Even the website is just a template design, and the FAQ is a feature list, - sorry not for security or system repair software.

Programs like this need better support than the norm, not worse.
Considering some of the comments from users in other tech forums, their programs probably don't earn much better than "Mediocre", and the problems people have encountered seem worrisome.

I'd thoroughly test it before using it in a situation where you'll be left in a bad situation. I would be very careful about their secure safe in particular.

Their System Suite set of tools has been reviewed by popular websites, is apparently not malware, but can be clunky and earns about 3 out of 5 on average.

Reply   |   Comment by Rob  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+65)
#12

I've never been a fan of Spotmau, and I've been a tech goin on 22 years. If it's not where you "have to download or purchase MORE software" to do everything you want, then it's software that doesn't quite work right in the first place. A earlier comment was right, winutilities, ashampoo winoptimizer (very good), and ccleaner are the way to go. Ccleaner is free, and the other two constantly run free promotions. I appreciate GOTD for everything they do, but I've got to really pass on this one.

Reply   |   Comment by Morgan  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+34)
#11

I purchased the spotmau 2010 full suite a couple of months ago before I joined WOT with no bad experiences so now I wonder why WOT stops me from visiting their site.When I look at their rating at WOT I see that only 123 user have given them this rating out of the many thousands of WOT users and 20 of the 30 forum comments say good site, and even more ridiculous is that one WOT user say's that they are unsafe for children? I cant see how as the site looks like it was designed by christians,unless someone dislikes the ability of one part of the prog. to hide the desktop from your boss (parent)The full suite for 50 dollars is good value in my opinion but 50 each part is not,and my only complaint is that they said it was for 3 users but on the page where you buy it is only for 1 PC.

Reply   |   Comment by Wayne  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-22)
#10

I own the Spotmau "power suite" which includes what is being offered here. I had an issue with the "personal safe". It allows you to put files in this "invisible" area, and that works fine. However, one day my safe was just gone. I lost everything in it, and the Spotmau team could not help me.

Reply   |   Comment by Pete  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+84)
#9

In answer to Jason Carver, there is a CMD window that opens up briefly, and he is right to be concerned. I suggest that anyone who regularly downloads unknown software from the internet, should first download SPYBOT: http://download.cnet.com/Spybot-Search-amp-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html this is a free programme that will prevent any intrusive or even unintrusive software from changing any setting on you computer without you first allowing or denying it, via a pop window in the event of a programme wishing to try. Once again I strongly recommend it

Reply   |   Comment by mncphotos  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+28)
#8

The only functionality in this program that interests me and is not grayed out is the Disk Wiper. The program says to boot from the Spotmau BootCare CD. I see no way of creating a CD. I went in to the Program Files section and looked for an ISO image. There was nothing.

This program has 22 pieces of software listed on the left menu bar. All but six are grayed out and without the Disk Wiper, that really brings this down to only five pieces of usable functionality. With so much functionality disabled, this feels more like a trial or a freeware version of this software.

Reply   |   Comment by Josh  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+62)
#7

no one should tell other people how it is only you have used it. I think this is a real good software. Though, you can find similar function on the internet, similar fucntions is very gerneral. firefox, ie, chrom have same function to broswer website. other people need to pay for this product, but we can get it for free. We should thank giveawayoftheday.com. It's real useful if you real need it. If you don't need it, please don't say you don't like it and don't say it is bad!

Reply   |   Comment by jack  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-104)
#6

Installed just fine on 2 PC running Win 7 Ultimate. This only gives you the Privacy Kit features. Every thing else has been disabled unless you want to upgrade. There's alot better programs out there then this one.

Reply   |   Comment by isskyle  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+54)
#5

Incidentally, if anyone with video recording software records the installation process, just about when it finishes, a CMD window pops up and flashes briefly with a bunch of jibberish I could not make out what it was because it flashed so quickly. Normally this would not be a concern to me as some programs execute the command prompt during installation of a Windows program, but this is just too creepy and strange.

Reply   |   Comment by Jason Carver  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+73)
#4

Beware of free programs which you will have to pay for if you encrypt files and then your pc crashes!
Use FlashCrypt and AxCrypt for encryption (not TrueCrypt or FlexCrypt)and CCleaner or Glary etc for everything else that SpotMau does.
GiveAwayOfTheDay should not be offering security products which leave you high and dry if the pc needs to be restacked!

Reply   |   Comment by Fivish  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+52)
#3

I can testify that the program works on windows 64 bit systems. You can trust them. Users may be confused by the menus at the top of the opening window. You only have the privacy module. You don't have the others but they are mentioned so that you can read what they would do.
They have misspelled the word "invisible" inserting an erroneous "a".

Reply   |   Comment by johnw  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-80)
#2

While the features included included in the software may be useful to some , $50 is too much for only a few tools. WinUtilities and Glary Utilities can so file shredding with military security. There are also various boot discs you can download off the internet to take care of the disk wiping concerns.

Also, this programs interface is a big tease and a boat load of spam. While the developers have every right to advertise their services so you may be interested in buying them, they simply are not interesting. Take a close look at the interface, its a program, inside a program, inside a program, erm , well you should get the point of what I am trying to say. But for a 12.5mb download, other software programs have these features built in , and some , all for free.

Finally , to end the rant I have the developer, "Cleans up internet tracks" No, I do not see anywhere in this program to do that.

This developer is getting you to buy add ons or programs at an outrageous price point. Not interested, not sure the program is worth it for free.

Reply   |   Comment by Jason Carver  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+294)
#1

The developer - Spotmau Corporation - seems to do business in an unorthodox way. Where as most developers offer trial versions of their software, so users can try before they buy, Spotmau does no such thing. You need to purchase their software after which you receive a download link. Since I always use trial versions of software to prepare reviews beforehand, this poses a problem for me. I contacted their support about it earlier today, but have yet to receive a response. So, no review today... sorry. However, if I may, I still have my two cents to say.

Spotmau.com has a poor reputation on WOT (SiteAdvisor gives Spoutmau.com the green light, but SiteAdvisor did not test any downloads on the website). While there are positive comments and ratings for the developer, overall the ratings are very low and there are quite a few negative comments also. A couple of the negative comments are for spam and bad customer experience. While having such ratings are not ideal, these particular negative ratings are not really what bother me. Rather, the comments about phishing scams, rogue software, and viruses are worrisome. For example, here are two comments, the first one by Arcade™ and the other by hpHosts:

Phishing Scam Website! -
This site provides applications or services "Rogue" -
Risk of identity theft or other fraud -


Used for the distribution of "rogue" security or other such applications.

As I said there are positive comments for Spotmau, and according to Spotmau.com some of Spotmau’s software has been reviewed by respectable sources (although the developer does a lot of “award swapping”, i.e. placing awards and reviews that belong to other software on Privacy Kit’s page). However, Spotmau Privacy Kit – today’s giveaway – does not offer very unique features; the features offered by Privacy Kit can be found in other software. In other words, there is not very much reward for the high level of risk users put themselves in by using software from a company that has a huge question mark above them. I am not saying Spotmau Privacy Kit is malicious software (I did not download it nor did I review it so I can’t make such a judgment call on it); I am sure the GOTD team has properly vetted the software before running it as today’s giveaway. What I am saying is the risk – the possibility of the software being malicious - far out ways the reward in my opinion.

Everyone is welcome to download and use Spotmau Privacy Kit. As I said I am sure the GOTD has made sure Privacy Kit is malware-free. But, my suggestion would be to look at other (free) software that we know for sure are trustworthy and offer same/similar features as Privacy Kit:

File/ Disk Encryption: TrueCrypt and/or AxCrypt

Secure File Deletion/Disk Wiping: East-Tec Eraser 2009 or Eraser

Program Lock: I am not exactly sure how this feature works since I did not try the software, but the EXE Protector feature of WinUtilities Professional Edition may be able to accomplish the same task.

Reply   |   Comment by Ashraf  –  13 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+371)
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