ROF, stop arguing semantics because you are entirely wrong.

MPC is not spyware. As per the definition of spyware it must covertly gather infromation about you and then phone home. If it gathers information about you and ASKS you if it's okay to phone home (e.g., Firefox when it crashes) then it is not spyware.

If it gathers some information about you but does not phone home, it also is not spyware.

Most programs will remember settings like recently opened documents and the like. This is not spyware. For you to say it is is frankly ridiculous.

In any case, if you actually read that link, it says that MPC is adware which it clearly is not.

The Sony rootkit is defiintely a rootkit. Even though it does not do anything "evil" by itself, it opens up a security breach on your computer, which has since been exploited by others. That's why rootkits are bad.

As for Microsoft's "antispyware" software, these programs are clearly targeting the entire group of "malware"... which includes adware, spyware, trojans, etc.

Frankly, I'm getting more than slightly annoyed at your persistently stupid arguments. Stupid in that you are deliberately ignoring facts or take a very narrow view. This is going to be your first and final warning. Any further arguments on semantics from you in any other thread and I will start issuing warnings.

Regards.