I originally posted this in the "Digital Image Processing" section, but thought I'd drop it here as well, so please forgive me if you've already read this elsewhere. If any or all of you kind folks think I am indeed being paranoid, please don't be shy, I can take it. I'm simply looking for opinions and perhaps some good reasons not to be concerned about what may be lurking in the dark.
"This may sound like a bit of paranoia on my part, but I am somewhat skeptical of the intent and/or possible ramifications of this offer from Google. I usually read all of the terms of use etc included with the installation of any software package. I have indeed downloaded the "free" NIK/Google collection, having been a registered user for many years. However, after reading the "Terms of Service" I have some minor reservations about the install. Google refers to this software as a "Service" and there are several items in the "Terms" that I find questionable and perhaps troublesome. Therefore, I'm going to refrain from installing until I've had more time to completely digest the information in the "Terms of Service". One of the sentences related to downloadable software is as follows - "You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of our Services or included software, nor may you reverse engineer or attempt to extract the source code of that software, unless laws prohibit those restrictions or you have our written permission". I have no issue with most of that statement, except for the reference to "copying". Generally the first thing I do after downloading any software is to make several backups of the installation package. In this case, three backups on three separate drives, plus a DVD. I take NO chances on losing downloaded software. My concern is how Google would know if I have copied the install package of the NIK/Google Collection. In my opinion that information can only be made available to Google through a thorough scan of my computer, and that is a very disturbing possibility to consider. And of course there's also the fact that at any time Google can make the "Service"(software) unusable on any computer, according to the "Terms". I may be way out in left field on this, but I'll exercise caution at this point and keep an eye on this thread until I'm satisfied that no one else harbors such concerns.
Gary
P.S. One of my favourite quips - "Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean someone isn't out to get me"