How to Get Spyware-free RealPlayer through the BBC

I've seen on various sites an excellent tip. Apparently the 'BBC made a unique deal with Real Networks which disposes of their spyware tactics. Basically, if a user clicks on a link to download Real Player from a BBC website, the referrer script sends them to a page where they can download an expiry-free, spyware-free and nuisance-free version of the player. It's because the BBC have such a stringent public service remit, that it was offensive to charge people a license fee for BBC content, then make them pay all over again for the facility to view/listen to it.' See here An excellent choice for anyone who wants to install RealOne Player without all of the bloat. The normal free RealOne Player is 8.52 MB, whereas the BBC version is 8.15 MB.

EDIT 6 May 2004: It looks like this loophole has been closed, alas. I received an e-mail today informing me that the download size has now gone up to 9.75 MB and the file now contains spyware. I haven't downloaded it myself but it looks like what used to be called RealOne Player has now become RealPlayer 10.

Comments

[km changsub]

I will use well

[Mark Henly]

Thanks this is a very interesting I enjoyed reading this alot I have a spyware removal board also at http://www.spywareboard.com

[Spyware Removal]

Killer info thanks again. I bookmarked this blog

[suzi]

I had a similar comment posted on my blog by Mark Henly. In my opinion, he is a comment spammer. The second link he posted contains undesirable links at the bottom on the page and has been added to the MT Blacklist. I did some research on the links he posted - pless see the info here:

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewtopic.php?t=3023

[Daniel Shakhmundes]

I hate Spyware, and simply refuse to install or use RealPlayer. For some time I could not open those streams, but someone (or some people, God bless them all) has developed Real Alternative, which plays those very same streams.

[Harry]

Hello,

i have come across something called "real alternative" which removes real player, and allows you to play rm and ram files through media player classic (which comes with it) and windows media player. Does anyone know if this contains any spyware?