Existing users, 
As a developer of widgets and other software, I acutely understand the dangers of errant software. In order for a widget to be errant, it must be able to execute undesirable code. In order to run such code, specific options must be specified to be turned on. Options such as: Allow Command line, Allow external network connection, Allow Plug-ins for widgets, etc. This is all documented in the Dashboard developer section at http://developer.apple.com.
The problem I have with this widget is that if any of these options are turned on, Dashboard will ask you if you want to run/install the plug-in. This would inform you of possible errent widgets.
The other thing is that this seems like it should be a System preference instead of a widget. A widget watching other widgets not only seems like a marketing companies dream, but is just too ironic. You need to have this widget open in the first place!
You don't even show the widget nor tell anything about the size. Seems frivolous.
Widget, The World Watcher
prevent widget unwanted auto installs
Version: 1.0
Why?
Feedback Type: Commentary
Contributed by: maxmac Tuesday, May 10 2005 @ 08:10 PM PDT
Product Platform: MacOSX
Used Product For: Have Not Tried
Comments
Why? - Dolomite2
Just because a widget does no malicious damage to your data does not make it any less undesirable. Widgets that autodownload and install themselves without any notification could be an adware/spammers dream. Now they finally have an inroad to Mac OS X. Dashboard offers no way from the interface to remove Widgets from the system. Lots of people dont know to go to Library and delete them from there. Apple really dropped the ball on this one.Tuesday, May 10 2005 @ 09:08 PM PDT
Why? - RAngol
While your comments are all good (and I've taken the precautions you mentioned) a mere question "do you want to install?" is too easily overlooked. I feel the precautions of using Little Snith and a utility like this (there are about three of them now on VT) are added insurance. When we get in a hurry sometimes we too often click "ok" and I'd like more than that as a warning. I'm not entirely convinced a widget of this sort is needed (I am convinced of the need for Little Snitch) but for the time being I intend to look at this an all widgets like them. It may happen I decide that they're not necessary, but for the time being I think they're worth consideration until we all understand the ins and outs of how widgets function (the best way being the writing of several being my best suggestion).Tuesday, May 10 2005 @ 09:54 PM PDT
Why? - RAngol
PS I clicked on "found this helpful" because I hope others who read your comments will become better informed about the many present discussions of safety issues related to widgets which you present in good outline form in your comment.Tuesday, May 10 2005 @ 09:59 PM PDT
Why I posted Why? - maxmac
The author clearly posted this under the category "widgets." The category of widgets is for widgets. This Applescript should go under Inernet Utilities. This was my fundamental misunderstanding.Wednesday, May 11 2005 @ 08:49 AM PDT
Why? - ZackS
This isn't a widget, it's a folder action with an installer. I made it and I'm willing to admit that it's nothing great, but you obviously didn't even bother to check it out before commenting.Reply to This
Tuesday, May 10 2005 @ 08:50 PM PDT