Are You Using Digsby? You May Want To Read This

If you are using Digsby as your instant messaging client, then you must already know that it installs a lot of "optional" crapware applications such as Yahoo/Ask.com/SomeRandomCompany browser toolbar. Digsby takes bundled crapware to a whole different level, however. During the install you are prompted for not one, not two, but six different pieces of junk software, and then for good measure they offer to replace your home page with something terrible and take your search engine down a notch.

But let's say we can choose not to install those. Here's what their terms of service says:

15. USAGE OF COMPUTER RESOURCES.
You agree to permit the Software to use the processing power of your computer when it is idle to run downloaded algorithms (mathematical equations) and code within a process. You understand that when the Software uses your computer, it likewise uses your CPU, bandwidth, and electrical power. The Software will use your computer to solve distributed computing problems, such as but not limited to, accelerating medical research projects, analyzing the stock market, searching the web, and finding the largest known prime number. This functionality is completely optional and you may disable it at any time.

Yup, they are going to use your computer for "searching the web", without asking for your permision.

This has been reported, on the Digsby forum, more than a few times, and in fact was announced on the Digsby blog as an official way they are going to make some money, with Plura Processing as a partner.

Anyways, you may want to read this Lifehacker article about Digsby.