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    Is Ask.com taking over the world?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by fluffykorky, Mar 29, 2012.

  1. fluffykorky

    fluffykorky Newbie

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    I find that the option to install this POS ask.com now available by default in almost every program I tend to install! What gives?

    And what's sad, I understand that FREEWARE companies need to make some money but what about paid software? I have Nero 11 and it also has the Ask.com toolbar with its homepage as options by default!

    Please answer the following questions:

    1) Do software developers/companies get paid to include the ask.com toolbar in their apps?

    2) So even if I do install the Ask.com toolbar and set their homepage, what benefit does ask.com get?? is it like gonna land them a fortune or something if I am using their toolbar?

    3) Some apps now also have Google Chrome as a default option during installation, again, why does Google want to force people to use their crappy browser? and how come reputed companies such as Mozilla don't need to force people to use their browser yet millions of people do
     
  2. olyteddy

    olyteddy Notebook Deity

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    1) 2) 3):
    Ad revenues. And paid product placement. Remember the AOL 'Disk of the week' club?
     
  3. PatchySan

    PatchySan Om Noms Kit Kat

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    App developers should get a small commission for linking people to their affiliates toolbar and browsers, and since there are people out there who don't read the small print properly it can be easy pickings. Though I agree the amount of times I have to tell Jeeves that I don't want his Browser Toolbar does get a bit annoying.