PhilC - 2:02 am on Mar 1, 2004 (gmt 0)

jazzx. I think I must have the advanced features because under the More tab of the Option there is a Web Buttons heading, under which is listed the Google Compute Client button. When I realized what was happening I found that the button had been checked, though not by me. However, the double helix button wasn't displayed on the toolbar at the time. I unchecked it and, so far, Google Compute hasn't tried to access the Internet again - or my firewall is not asking me about it again - I said no the last time it asked.

Also, I found that I have the Google Compute stuff on the hard drive, although I've no idea if it was put there with the Toolbar installation even when I'd declined to join the program - I don't know how long it's been there.

claus. I remember being offered the option of joining the program from way back, but I declined. Google Compute suddenly started to access the Internet within the last week. I haven't even looked at the Options in that period of time. It became turned on without my knowledge or consent and I wonder how many other people's computers are being used by Google without their knowledge or consent.

Also, claus, I am alone here, so nobody uses the computer but me. If it had been turned on by someone on this computer, it must have been me - which it wasn't.

I realize that it could have been a Google bug rather than intentional, but when a company uses my computer without my permission or knowledge it makes me very angry. Whether it was turned on intentionally or not, I can't imagine that I'm the only that it's happened to. I've emailed Google about it, and I'm waiting for a response.