Re: [PL] ePrompter help needed

de jon 01/14/2007 07:50

Ron May wrote:

>For those with the skills to write their own rules, KPF (and obviously
>other firewalls) can block an endpoint IP range that would prevent
>phoning home, but not only would that block updates (which believe it
>or not, some users consider to be a GOOD thing) but it would also
>block the use of ePrompter's free SMTP servers for those acoounts
>which don't allow SMTP and in cases where the user doesn't want to use
>his OWN ISP server for outgoing messages.

My first, lazy, test was to block access to 66.70.67.15 while allowing
access to my AOL server. Result: no messages.
What I was forgetting was that perhaps an upgrade might be necessary,
so I rechecked and an upgraded ePrompter with 66.70.67.15 blocked
would now access AOL. So on that count you are correct.
The disturbing thing I find about ePrompter phoning home is this:

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Q. ePrompter tried to connect to www.ep1020.com using HTTP port. This
is a concern, what with all the spyware and similar stuff. But I would
like to think there could be a valid reason for it. Any ideas why?

A. The ePrompter email notification program will periodically connect
with the ePrompter application on a user's computer (using
www.ep1020.com) to track the number of active users, transfer
automatic software updates, and send messages through the
communications button. But that's all. We are totally committed to
maintaining your privacy*. We do not ask for or collect personal
information. The identity information you provide when downloading and
installing is encrypted and stored only on your own computer and will
never be shared with anyone. This information is actually mentioned in
the ePrompter End User License Agreement (EULA), but does anybody
really read the EULA's?

http://www.eprompter.com/faqs.htm

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I don't want to be tracked as an 'active user', nor do I want to
receive messages.
I agree that eP is a superb app, and I used it regularly for years;
its ware status has always been slightly questionable though.