I noticed that when you start DVDXCopy Express, it holds open a https connection to:

secure.smarterimage.com

(on port 443) and this remains open for several minutes.

I thought I would ask whats going on before getting out the ol packet sniffer :)

Joe

It is checking for updates when you launch the program.

I dont think so...

If that was the case, then these would be no need to to have an "updates" button... The program would simply tell you that an update was availble, and ask if you want to upgrade :)

And checking for an update does not require a secure https connection (downloading might, but you would want the code that checks for an upgrade to hit the server with a non-secured hit on port 80, as it would use far less resources, unless of course, you are sending stuff like creditcard numbers.

Besides, these programs should not access your network without your premission.

So, if it is getting update info, it is poorly written (thats obvious anyway, as it leaves the connection open even if you close the program).

If anything, it is sending info about how many times a user starts the program, and perhaps even what a given user is doing with the program.

Joe [who writes a lot of auto-updating code]

JoeCHecht

I asked 321_Q/A DVDXCopy Moderator this question earlier today :

Why does Xpress try to access the Internet when I start the program ?????? I am using Nortons Personal Firewall and it says Xpress.exe is attempting to access the Internet. Why ??

And this was his response :

All,
OK, I just got done talking with the developers, and they are aware that it tries to connect each time you open the program.

When you start the XPRESS, it tries to look at our server and see if there are any updates available, which there aren't at this time.

Go ahead and tell your firewall to never allow the access, if you want. Then you'll just have to click on the "Check for Updates" button to see if there are any available.

This is from the Xpress thread I think it is around page 16.

There is absolutely NO private information being exchanged between your computer and our servers that do not expressly relate to your specific installation of DXC XPRESS.

There is NO spyware, NO adware and we are not counting how many times you open the program. This connection, although it should not be left open, is there to check for updates and application integrity.

Cheers!

So your servers do not keep log files (that would give a count and would identify many users), and my packet sniffer will show that no serial numbers or other identification is sent?

Good point.

I don't worry about that, i.e. I never run DVDXCopy while internet is on.