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Is it possible that this "software" would do just the opposite of what you want?
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Yes it is possible. Downloading an EXE file, the possibilities are endless as to what the program could do.
For example, I think it was Netscape that had a PR backlash when it was found that when you download a file using RealDownload, AOL/Netscape SmartDownload or NetZip Download Demon, the name of any file you downloaded, the URL and your IP was was being communicated back to Netscape.
Ok, who's "sextracker" and why is it all over my computer
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If you visit a site, they generally put a "cookie" in the temporary internet folder. Then when you visit again, the site can find that cookie and recognize you. It can be convenient, it can save time, it can even be used to help enhance security for that site. Other web sites can't read that cookie (if it was a well-written cookie).
But cookies can be used for marketing too. Suppose a web site doesn't want to create it's own cookies, but subcontracts that out to a cookie company. One such as DoubleClick. Then it would be DoubleClick that is placing cookies in there even though you never visited DoubleClick. Any DoubleClick-enabled site you visit could be compiled into a list of sites that you visit.
SexTracker is another cookie company that writes cookies for adult sites.