Learned something new about Chrome
 

[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]software_reporter_tool.exe[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]I saw this file name pop up in a Norton "This file is safe" box, and wondered what it is. Having found out, I followed the "block" procedure.
[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot][URL]https://www.ghacks.net/2018/01/20/how-to-block-the-chrome-software-reporter-tool-software_reporter_tool-exe/[/URL][/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]Software Reporter Tool, the executable file is software_reporter_tool.exe, is a tool that Google distributes with the Google Chrome web browser.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]It is part of the [URL="https://www.ghacks.net/2017/10/16/google-rolls-out-new-security-features-in-chrome-on-windows/"]Chrome Cleanup Tool[/URL] which in turn may remove software that causes issues with Chrome. Google mentions crashes, modified startup or new tab pages, or unexpected advertisement specifically. Anything that interferes with a user's browsing experience may be removed by the tool.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]------------------------------
[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]Google Chrome users may have two main issues with the Software Reporter Tool:[/FONT][/COLOR]
[LIST][*]It may cause a high system load when it scans the system. User reports range from it using 30% and more CPU while running. Since it may run for as long as 20 minutes, that is something that may interfere with other activity on the computer.[*]The tool informs Google about the scan results which some users may dislike because of privacy concerns.[/LIST]

[QUOTE=kladner;524019]The tool informs [the company] about the scan results ...[/QUOTE]This is normal operating procedure for companies these days, sadly. Many companies feel they have the right to monitor and control the user's systems in order to make their product(s) "better", or to "improve your experience".

Naturally it's all for your protection.

[QUOTE=kladner;524019][COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]software_reporter_tool.exe[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]I saw this file name pop up in a Norton "This file is safe" box, and wondered what it is. Having found out, I followed the "block" procedure.
[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot][URL]https://www.ghacks.net/2018/01/20/how-to-block-the-chrome-software-reporter-tool-software_reporter_tool-exe/[/URL][/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]Software Reporter Tool, the executable file is software_reporter_tool.exe, is a tool that Google distributes with the Google Chrome web browser.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]It is part of the [URL="https://www.ghacks.net/2017/10/16/google-rolls-out-new-security-features-in-chrome-on-windows/"]Chrome Cleanup Tool[/URL] which in turn may remove software that causes issues with Chrome. Google mentions crashes, modified startup or new tab pages, or unexpected advertisement specifically. Anything that interferes with a user's browsing experience may be removed by the tool.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]------------------------------
[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#111111][FONT=&quot]Google Chrome users may have two main issues with the Software Reporter Tool:[/FONT][/COLOR]
[LIST][*]It may cause a high system load when it scans the system. User reports range from it using 30% and more CPU while running. Since it may run for as long as 20 minutes, that is something that may interfere with other activity on the computer.[*]The tool informs Google about the scan results which some users may dislike because of privacy concerns.[/LIST][/QUOTE]:bow:

Thank you. I wasn't aware of this bit of Google evilness and don't do Windoze by and large. However, SWMBO's machine has now been disinfected and my telescope control system will be done later today. I've also passed the news around to colleagues.

I use Microsoft Edge.

For mathematicians: Let X be a program. Let x be another program (usually installed by X) which deletes, or alters in any way, programs that interfere with X. Delete X and x and install Y which does not have some y companion, it does the same thing as X, faster and better. Problem solved.

Who the hack needs Chrome nowadays? The main issue is not reporting to the base (as said in the past, we are just a "shoes factory", not NASA, see the relevant posts), but the fact (which is known for a long time) that Chrome, beside of making your system slower, may kill some important programs or apps you have in the system, into which you invested important work in the past, because they are some "unknown" stuff (of course! I am talking here about proprietary java apps!) which, he believes, interfere with his own majesty... :poop:

[QUOTE=LaurV;524103]For mathematicians: Let X be a program. Let x be another program (usually installed by X) which deletes, or alters in any way, programs that interfere with X. Delete X and x and install Y which does not have some y companion, it does the same thing as X, faster and better. Problem solved.

Who the hack needs Chrome nowadays? The main issue is not reporting to the base (as said in the past, we are just a "shoes factory", not NASA, see the relevant posts), but the fact (which is known for a long time) that Chrome, beside of making your system slower, may kill some important programs or apps you have in the system, into which you invested important work in the past, because they are some "unknown" stuff (of course! I am talking here about proprietary java apps!) which, he believes, interfere with his own majesty... :poop:[/QUOTE]

So just use Edge or Firefox.

Coming to a popup dialog box soon:

Chrome has detected suspicious activity on your system.
A program called "Prime95" is using excessive CPU time.
It is also writing random data to the disk periodically.
It is also communicating with a command-and-control remote server.
For your protection Chrome has securely erased the program and all the data.
You are welcome.

[QUOTE=Bulldozer;524107]So just use Edge or Firefox.[/QUOTE]Or better Opera.

[QUOTE=Uncwilly;524109]Or better Opera.[/QUOTE]

Opera is also based on Chromium.

[QUOTE=Bulldozer;524110]Opera is also based on Chromium.[/QUOTE]
So? Firefox too.

(we use Firefox)

[QUOTE=LaurV;524112]So? Firefox too.

(we use Firefox)[/QUOTE]

Nope. Firefox is based on Gecko.

[QUOTE=Bulldozer;524110]Opera is also based on Chromium.[/QUOTE][QUOTE=Bulldozer;524125]Firefox is based on Gecko.[/QUOTE]Aren't these just the rendering engines?

I don't think they are related to the other parts of the browser that send all your doings to the mothership.

[QUOTE=Bulldozer;524110]Opera is also based on Chromium.[/QUOTE]
But it does not have that nasty little program. I searched before I posted.

[QUOTE=Bulldozer;524107]So just use Edge or Firefox.[/QUOTE]


Now Edge is based on Chromium as well.
[url]https://www.windowslatest.com/2019/04/08/microsoft-chromium-edge-is-now-officially-available-for-windows-10/[/url]

[QUOTE=retina;524108]
For your protection Chrome has securely erased the program and all the data.
You are welcome.[/QUOTE]Drones bearing GPS w/coordinates of Google parking area, M80s and electrical igniters. So many gas tanks...
(Not me mind you. But it could occur to someone with more drones and less self restraint. Just the sort of sortie to launch from some evil lair, for instance.)

[QUOTE=kriesel;524217]Drones bearing GPS w/coordinates of Google parking area, M80s and electrical igniters. So many gas tanks...
(Not me mind you. But it could occur to someone with more drones and less self restraint. Just the sort of sortie to launch from some evil lair, for instance.)[/QUOTE]Small fry. Needs a larger scale evil scheme.

[QUOTE=Uncwilly;524109]Or better Opera.[/QUOTE]

Opera WinFree?

I only recently started using Chrome some of the time. There are some sites that don't seem to work with IE or Firefox (my long-time main browser.) Given all the bad karma reported, I guess I'll put Chrome in the last resort category again.
EDIT-after Retina commented: The first time I started using Chrome, all the additional files it seemed to be downloading irritated me so much that I terminated it with extreme prejudice. This started with Revo Uninstaller Pro, followed by registry sweeps with jv16 Power Tools, and maybe some other search-and-destroy actions. That may be the best course this time, too.

[QUOTE=kladner;524227]I only recently started using Chrome some of the time. There are some sites that don't seem to work with IE or Firefox (my long-time main browser.) Given all the bad karma reported, I guess I'll put Chrome in the last resort category again.[/QUOTE]Or just don't bother with those fussy sites.

If sites want our viewership they should be more compatible and less of a special snowflake.

[QUOTE=ewmayer;524223]Opera WinFree?[/QUOTE]
:davieddy:

[QUOTE=Till;524177]Now Edge is based on Chromium as well.
[url]https://www.windowslatest.com/2019/04/08/microsoft-chromium-edge-is-now-officially-available-for-windows-10/[/url][/QUOTE]

I use the old EdgeHTML Edge forever. If MS completely removes the UWP Edge in a version of Windows 10, I'll roll back to the previous version immediately.

[QUOTE=ewmayer;524223]Opera WinFree?[/QUOTE]Been there, done that. Had enough other probs that I changed to Chromium on Linux.

While we're Google-boxing (UK readers take note) I recommend using DuckDuckGo as the default search engine

Duck Duck Go is not only my home default search, but also that of my work computers.
BTW: I trashed Chrome again, last night.

[QUOTE=retina;524228]Or just don't bother with those fussy sites.

If sites want our viewership they should be more compatible and less of a special snowflake.[/QUOTE]
The fussy sites tend to be the ones important for daily life like government and banking, ones that unless you're willing to physically jump through hoops (like driving to the bank so they can log into your online account for you) you have no choice but to use. The 99% get Firefox with ad and script blocking, the 1% special snowflakes get vanilla Chromium.

Read 2600 once in a while and try Lynx (for fun).