Hundreds of sharewares (NetVampire, CuteFTP, Go!Zilla, GetRight, Copernic 99...) are sponsored by banner ads. To achieve this, they use a system provided by the Aureate firm.

If Aureate intentions do not look evil, we cannot accept that the Aureate system connects to Aureate servers without the consent of the user, even if you uninstall Aureate-related programs and whenever you use your browser (be it Internet Explorer or Netscape). The nature of data sent to these servers is not clear.

This way of operating is in no way acceptable and introduces a flaw in computer security.
To block the Aureate system, you have 2 options:
· Eliminate the Aureate system by running SpyBot S&D, OptOut, orAdAware. Aureate-enabled software won't probably operate after this. These programs are freeware.
· Temporarily block the Aureate system with No-Aura

Note : Aureate has changed its name to Radiate. You can read their privacy policy at this address.

No-Aura deals only with the Aureate system. Unfortunately Aureate is not the only spy system. These kind of programs becomes widespread.

I highly recommend SpyBot Search & Destroy: this program is free and updated often to keep up with spywares.