AWS Weatherbug is NOT Spyware (?)

From PC Pitstop:
Weather.exe
File Information
The following information was collected about this file during testing.

Full Path C:\PROGRA~1\AWS\WEATHE~1\Weather.exe
Vendor AWS Convergence Technologies, Inc.
Product AWS, Inc.WeatherBug
Version 5, 0, 0, 5
File Size 827392 bytes

Our running programs database has the following information about the most likely source and function of this program. More than one possible match was found; all matches are listed below with the most likely match shown first.

Match #0
Description
WeatherBug
Recommendation
Not an essential component, but see the information below before disabling it.

More Information
Displays the weather forecast. Although it shows some advertising it does not appear to be spyware.

Note: There are two weather forecasting programs with the name WEATHER.EXE. One is from AWS, and the other is from WhenU. The file information above can help you confirm which version you have.


Match #1
Description
WhenU Weather
Recommendation
Disable in most cases. Known to cause resource or system stability issues.

More Information
WhenU has made spyware programs in the past. The privacy policy for this program does not appear to make it spyware, but given the company's history it is probably better to get your weather forecasts elsewhere.

Note: There are two weather forecasting programs with the name WEATHER.EXE. One is from AWS, and the other is from WhenU. The file information above can help you confirm which version you have.


Other Resources
Google search for Weather.exe
Google search for WeatherBug
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I'm ambivalent about WeatherBug because it was known as "spyware" (collecting anonymous statistical data), but it is also a functional weather station run out of our local school by the seniors who get a little "funding" from AWS for a credible lesson plan and supplies. The kids actually do more than empty the rain gauge and chart it- and AWS pays for it. I was impressed at the computer equipment and software AWS makes available to the weather stations at the school.

Spyware phoning home- bad. State of the art weather observation and reporting by neighborhood teenagers who are actually learning something without additional expense to me-good. PC Pitstop does not call AWS Weatherbug "spyware" anymore!! Whew!

WeatherBug

Johanna

 

You know, I think AWS Weatherbug really needs to be placed at the top of a different category than spyware/malware.

Annoying-but-useful-ware

 

Still I see recommenation that you uninstall Weatherbug, unless you are using the paid version. The free version is adware but does not contain any spyware. Tropic Designs WeathPulse is freeware with no ads and is available here: http://www.tropicdesigns.net/weatherpulse.html

Regards

 

Newt
Annoying-but-useful-ware
LOL

I don't have the paid version, but I don't see the ads. (Thank you, Norton & AdSubtractPro!!) I DO see alot of internet activity, but it's got to check in for updates periodically to work right, and it's got to listen, if new info comes in. I appreciate the chirping sound to tell me that Indiana is sending a blizzard or tornado or thunderstorm my way. (Indiana is merciless on my part of the world.) WBug doesn't hog resources or interfere with any other activity. and it is convenient. And I like the part where teenagers are doing and learning something CONSTRUCTIVE, without me having to pay for it...

It's 75 in your city now, 82, here, Newt. Looks like we both could get some thunderstorms this afternoon.
Johanna

 

Still blaming everything on Indiana. Didn't Zander tell you it all comes from North Dakota? I suppose that Annoying-but-useful-ware (love it Newt!) says it's coming from here. Instigator!

Nice to here that AWS is doing good things with our schools though. And thanks for the info pointing out the two different apps.

May the sun shine brightly on Ohio.....AFTER the mud bog created by the ND thunderstorms you so freely and readily blame on the Hoosier state has attached itself to your childrens feet on their way IN.