RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE(spyware)

Many programs like mediacoder and SUMO updater come bundled with a software called relevant knowledge. During installation of such programs a box like an EULA box comes which tells the user about the extra software(relevant knowledge) included. Many a times we tend to ignore this and continue the installation of the software. This software first come into light when i saw my uncles computer which had mediacoder.
I checked the installed software and found relevant knowledge. Through some research I found it is a software which collects computer usage and user details to form an extensive profile database.
It then displays user surveys and pop -up boxes. There is no way to skip relevant knowledge during installaton
It is said it can be removed from add/remove programs in control panel. U can also use revo uninstaller to do so. Many antivirus flag this as a spyware or pup(potentially unwanted program)
I would recommend that until very necessary do not install any progs bundled with relevant knowledge

Removal instructions: How to Remove Relevant Knowledge Spyware Free | eHow.com

Some info taken from ghacks.net

It depends on which version you download

SUMo Lite, KCleaner lite (the ones with RK crossed) does not come with Relevant Knowledge KC Softwares

SUMo Lite is Gizmo's top pick for Software Updater category Best Free Software Update Monitor

So its quite safe to use the lite versions.

In case you have Relevant Knowledge installed, simply un-install it from add/remove programs, although I would recommend to use Revo Uninstaller Free to "Purge" your system :p

PS: Link to the Ghacks' article About Relevant Knowledge

Bitdefender recognizes this as an adware

link:Adware.Relevant.A

But KIS don't. It not even says it is a virus, it says it is a web toolbar and Symantec says nothing about it :mad:.

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Originally Posted by Samuel

But KIS don't. It not even says it is a virus, it says it is a web toolbar and Symantec says nothing about it :mad:.

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:noidea: No idea about that

A google search landed me an interesting thread at Malwarebytes forum, apparently MBAM detects/removes RK :mod:

"Relevant Knowledge" malware - Malwarebytes Forum

PS: I see that the MBAM guys recommend running both KIS and MBAM (pro) at realtime. :spy:

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Originally Posted by ashwin

PS: I see that the MBAM guys recommend running both KIS and MBAM (pro) at realtime. :spy:

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Both in realtime :faint2:

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Originally Posted by Samuel

Both in realtime :faint2:

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I am not sure though. Won't it slow down the computer? :noidea:

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Originally Posted by ashwin

I am not sure though. Won't it slow down the computer? :noidea:

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No...i used to have both

Relevant Knowledge indeed is a nasty and annoying spyware.:sleepy: