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Topic: Privacy concern? (Read 4909 times) previous topic - next topic

Privacy concern?

Got this message last night when I opened the program:
This preview edition is very old.  It is recommended that you visit our website for an updated version.
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Went there, and got this:
NoteWorthy Composer 2 - Check for Web Updates
You are currently using the latest preview release. There is not anything new to download.
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That's a little frustrating, but is explained this morning, when that message is supplemented by

There is not anything new to download.

** Note: A preview update will be available for download in approximately 20 hours.
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I would like to know why my Windows toolbar knows to tell me there's an update to be had.  It seems to me there's a communication of some sort taking place between my computer and the NWC server, and I would like to know what information is being sent back and forth - is this a privacy concern?

Re: Privacy concern?

Reply #1 –
I am sure that NWC2 is not periodically sending messages out, of its own accord. That's according to my firewall, which would notice any such attempt.

More likely than not, there is a Windows Registry key that has info regarding current version and expected update time.

What the program does when you check for updates, I don't know.

Re: Privacy concern?

Reply #2 –
I just had the same thing - automatic pop-up, then "currently using latest preview" message, but we're down to 13 hours now.

It's about 9am Friday in Canberra, which makes it GMT 11pm Thursday.  I just posted to another thread which shows about 7pm NWC time-zone.

So we can expect the new release at on Friday 8am NWC time, 12 noon GMT and 10pm in Canberra!  Too bad I'll be in a pit most of the way through second act!

Re: Privacy concern?

Reply #3 –
I believe there is a timeout in the program itself.  According to Eric:

"The preview is designed to strongly encourage updates as they become available. This message started at midnight on June 2 (today), using your computer's time. An update for NWC2 will be available shortly. In the mean time, you can simply dismiss the message box and the browser window when you first open NWC2."

This message was placed on the NG last night (my local time)

Lawrie

Re: Privacy concern?

Reply #4 –
I'd say this is the price you pay for being a beta tester ( and well worth it, considering that it has solved about half my formatting problems!)

Still it is annoying. This is my 3rd launch of NWC2 today and this time it took about 5 seconds to access the website.  But it's a lot better than having to put my v1.75b disk in and enter my Authenticity ID like I had to for 2.0a - e.
Registered user since 1996

Re: Privacy concern?

Reply #5 –
NWC's message is ambiguous - does "This message started at midnight on June 2 ...using your computer's time" mean the last update was programmed to give the update message?  If so, that's fine for me.  If not,...

If there was an online check whenever we open the program, it wouldn't be a problem on my home machine which is permanently connected to the web, but those who don't have permanent connections might have problems.

Re: Privacy concern?

Reply #6 –
>the last update was programmed to give the update message?

EXACTLY.

The update prompt being discussed here is hard coded in the program. None of our software directly connects to the Internet. The update check will open a browser which is pointed to the appropriate resource. The new update (preview 1j) will not even do this without your consent.

Re: Privacy concern?

Reply #7 –
So the only Noteworthy that's online is Noteworthy Online on this forum. Not your/my/our copy of Noteworthy at home!
Privacy matter dealt with. -

Re: Privacy concern?

Reply #8 –
I am satisified and relieved.  Many thanks, E at NWC.

Also, I am delighted to have the newest version and thank you for that too.