Adware:W32/180Solutions
Summary
This program delivers advertising content to the user. It is usually annoying but harmless, unless it is combined with spyware or trackware.
Removal
Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it may block the file from running, move it to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or ask you to select an action.
A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:
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Check for the latest database updates
First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.
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Submit a sample
After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.
Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.
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Exclude a file from further scanning
If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.
Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.
Technical Details
Update
On June 7th, 2006, 180Solutions merged with Hotbar to form Zango. For more details, please see the Zango description.
180solutions' main product is named 180search Assistant. It is an ad-delivery application designed to display targeted advertisements. The advertisements are selected based on web-searches and surfing habits collected by 180solutions' servers. Advertisements are displayed as pop-up messages directing users to third party websites.
180Solutions had many associated software products. A few of them are:
- Seekmo Search Assistant
- WindUpdates
- WinAD
- Media Access
- Media Gateway
- Media Pass
These are various freewares (such as games) that are bundled with advertising from 180Solutions. The games are basically free, as other companies depend on 180Solutions to push their advertising content onto the clients' desktops.
Activity
When installed in the system, the process of displaying the advertisements may consume system resources and become an annoyance to the user.
This is a sample installation page of one of the games that bundle Zango with it:
Note
180Solutions has a long history of being classified as greyware. They have periodically tried to rebuild their reputation. For a history lesson, you may visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zango.