it's very easy to "pass the blame"... if an ISP doesn't know, or can't take the time to locate a problem, just assert it's "spyware".    likewise, when you're using a brand "D" computer, with a printer from brand "H", a router from brand "L", a software firewall from brand "Z", and anti-virus from "N", and ... (i think you get the picture)... each one can try to pass-off "incompatibility" results on the other factors.

North,

 

it appeared to me that the point of your message was to advise readers of your experience whereby what turned out to be a poor isp connection was instead being "blamed" on spyware.   On that basis, I was concurring that "passing the blame" is indeed, in general, very common in the consumer computer environment.

 

If i've misunderstood/misinterpreted your intent, then please allow me to retract my comments.

 

you're right that I've never used Vif, and am not in a position to pass personal judgment on them.   I don't believe i was trying to.   I don't live in Canada, and already have a decent ISP, so I don't have any plans for testing (nor switching to) Vif.