YoWindow
Weather Program & Screen Saver
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Mac, iPad
32bit and 64bit Systems
Approximately 11MB download
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE — THERE IS A HUGE CHANGE TO THIS RECOMMENDATION:
“Yo Adrian!” “Yo Rocky!” “YoWindow!” Yep, we’ve found a doozy of a program for you this week, it’s weather station and a screen saver. The free version, the one we’re promoting because this is the freeware pick of the week, gives you a three-day forecast for your location – and you’re limited to two locations – yours and someone else’s – or if you’re wealthy like EB and live in two locations at once, this program will serve you well. If you live someplace warm, enter any Ohio city for fun. Right now it’s raining and 48 degrees. Wait until January and check back — enter any Ohio city and you will find you have more fingers than we have degrees.
Anyway…
The developer really loves his program (and so do we) so he waxes liltingly about it – such as:
“We are trying to make YoWindow close to reality. The location of the sun, moon, moon phase, sunrise and sunset times correspond to the actual values for the place you choose. The look of the landscape changes considerably depending on the season. YoWindow selects the most appropriate season for the given date at the place you choose (we use weather history). Scroll through the year using the calendar – and you will see how seasons change.
The weather is updated automatically, fast and only on necessity.
You can use YoWindow as a reliable world-clock. Whatever location you choose, the local time displayed by YoWindow is correct. Daylight saving time is computed flawlessly. Occasionally, you may notice interesting objects in the skies like a plane or a shooting star.”
No, honest, TC didn’t write it was either Mr. Yo or Mr. Window – they don’t say. Anyway, wait there’s more. Mr. Yo and Mr. Window haven’t even begun to effuse:
“About YoWindow project
YoWindow is the new generation of weather program. The magic of YoWindow is the living landscape that reflects actual weather.
Original YoWindow is the #1 weather program on CNET’s download.com.
1. Picture reflecting actual weather – clouds, rain/snow, grass swaying with the wind, fog, thunderstorms.
2. True astronomical calculations – Sun and Moon, daylight.
Weather in Oxford
3. Move in time! Watch the weather forecast exactly at the moment you need it.
4. Seasons change in sync with nature.
5. Animated landscapes – Village, Seaside, Airport, Oriental plus 1400+ picture based landscapes.
6. Full featured weather station – lots of information.
7. Surprises 🙂
Every weather parameter you need is available for display: temperature, wind speed and direction, pressure, humidity, etc.
You can choose virtually any place on earth to watch (21,000 locations)…”
We swear TC did not write that, so English teacher hold thy emails!
By now you’ve learned exactly what YoWindow is and who Mr. Yo and Mr. Window are. And thanks to their flowing prose, you didn’t have to listen to me prattle. I’m so wont to prattle you know.
It’s a really useful and fun program. While I’ve seen no birds flying nor animals loping over the landscape (yet), I’ve seen clouds moving, the moon phase correctly displayed, fireworks spraying the skies with sublime splendor. and the landscape matches the season – autumn here in the Northern Hemisphere (Is that capitalized? It is in my book!) . It’s 50 degrees (F) here tonight –no bird or loping beasts are moving about. It’s a quiet, October night, in October. When else would you find an October night?
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE — THERE IS A HUGE CHANGE TO THIS RECOMMENDATION:
You want to know more don’t you? You want to download this nifty little combo screen saver and desktop weather application, don’t you? OK, I will defer to Mr. Yo and Mr. Window. You can visit them, learn more about YoWindow and/or download this very nice program from, where else? http://www.yowindow.com/. Tell them EB and TC said “YO!”..
We tested the installer on 17 October 2013 and it was free from any sort of bundled software or trickery. A reader wrote on 20 October 2013 telling us there was malware bundled with the installer…we checked the installer again — keep in mind this is only 3 days after we tested it the first time, and Yowindow’s installer now has not one, but two, but malware programs bundled with it and a browser hijacker. Here’s a screen shot taken 20 October 2013:
This is UNACCEPTABLE. Everyone who has downloaded this program needs to contact the author and complain about his underhanded way. Make a difference and tell everyone about this developer using your computer to make money. He’s already made the free version  restricted — the program is good enough to give users a 30-day trial and at the end of the trial they can buy it for $9.98 if they like it. But this is just plain deceit. And you need take a stand on this and write to this company and tell them what you think.
Here is what we wrote on 18 October in our newsletters:
We tested the installer on 17 October 2013 and found no other software bundled with it. The free version is very useful but the paid, unlimited version has more features — and if you’re really into weather and strange pictures and scenery, the unlimited (paid) version may be worth the $9.98 (sounds like Wal-Mart pricing) the developers are asking for it. Not a bad price, but free is nice and the free version is excellent – naturally, or we wouldn’t be prattling on and on and on.
We go through a lot of work to ensure we recommend only excellent freeware without bundled installers and without trickery. This shows you how quickly things can change. Are we flip flopping? You bet.
Have a freeware program you like and want us to feature? Let us know!
So sad to see this! I love this program enough that I bought it several years ago. When I get updates, I don’t see this bundled stuff, so it makes me a little angry and a lot sad because it’s a wonderful little program with a huge community.
Thanks for letting us know so promptly about the very recent change in this ‘freeware’ pick. I had downloaded it, but had not installed it yet–and won’t now. I am also more than happy to let the company know how deceitful and underhanded they are to bundle malware and more with their software!
I have a idea just stop recommending any freeware at all. These days theres nothing free. Always some string attached somewhere. Theres no free software anymore. Its the old bait and switch game over and over.
Sounds like a good idea, but one we hope we never have to implement. There are thousands of good freeware programs out there, the trouble is that it takes more and more time to find it.
Whew!! I had already decided I did not need this ‘fancy’ weather software on my computer and I am glad to have made the decision. Thanks for letting us know.
Well, Trend Micro Titanium on my wife’s PC red-flagged this as well, really had me scratching my head. Trend Micro is one of the best, so I deleted the program.
I have been using YoWindow for quite awhile. I haven’t noticed anything different about it. Once it’s installed is it ok to use as long as you don’t update it? I use it everyday as well as your Calendar Pal program. I love it!! I can type any appointment or reminder note right on the day of the month!!!
An earlier version that came out some time ago didn’t have bundled bad boys. The times they are a’ changin’.
I did download YoWindows and was surprised to see the toolbar extensions, etc. I highlighted the customized version and deleted their toolbar extensions, homepage, etc. I still have my own homepage, etc., but may delete the program. I have enough weather info as it is.
Thanks for the warning.
This is a Russian program,dont think they will pay a lot of attention.Joe
I thought that CNET had lost credibility because of the nasty malware and tool bars. I don’t download anything there because of this. Have they changed?
I had this on my computer quite a while ago and it was junk so I got rid of it. Was surprised when I saw it recommended!
Actually the software is quite nice — very nice animations. The developer and the slimeware they try to trick users into installing leave a lot to be desired. It’s too bad that people don’t care whose computers they ruin or how much trouble they cause users — as long as they line their pockets.
Hey TC and EB. Aren’t you glad you have some readers that are “watching YOUR back”?
I went to the YoWindow website to find an address to write to. I discovered they have a very nice forum. (link in upper right corner). I registered (create username and password)and left a post under the feedback-other section and created a “new topic” with a subject something like “I’m very disappointed”.
The posts are moderated, so it might never be published on the forum. However, my feedback I’m sure will be relayed to whoever NEEDS to know. I was polite in case you’re wondering. Maybe others here would like to follow me?
I had this a few years ago and loved it, but lost it when local guy put in a new hard drive so was delighted to see it back and recommended by you.BUT when I downloaded it this time everything on my computer has zoomed to about 300% What did I do wrong and how do I fix it?
Yo, TC! 😉 I, as Nita replied earlier, was fortunate to catch that little trick they tried to play by recommending “Express” installation rather than “Custom”. Thanks to all the good info you guys have put out in the past, I now look VERY carefully at everything before I click an install button. And, actually, I rather like this program. I have mine set to the village scene right now and the birds do fly around in the sky and the horse walks around the pasture. Kind of a fun way to keep an eye on the weather. Thanks for all the hard work you and EB do for us!
I did the same as Ms.D and unchecked the “express installation” and used the “custom installation” thanks to your advice that you should never install any program without reading everything and making sure you only install the items you want.
I enjoy this program and so far no problems. Thanks for your alert…I will keep an eye out for any problems.
I was wrestling with this download, your article could not have been more timely. Golly, Guys….this is the fourth application I have had to delete due to your recommendations. I trust you completely, and have for many years. Best? You tell it like it is. Even to change from positive to negative ratings, and, vice versa. Thank you from the bottom of this 77 yr. old, who is still very active on the computer.
Hey, my name is Pavel, I’m the author if YoWindow.
Let me explain why I’m bad and greedy and scumbag as some people called me in emails.
Me and my friend spent 7 years working on YoWindow non stop
We love the project and want to make it better.
There are no ads inside because we care about the users.
Anyway thanks for making YoWindow pick of the week.
When you install the app you are prompted to install some other software.
This is the second source of money we need to work full time on the project.
This software is picked semi randomly by a plugin called Open Candy.
We have been trusting Open Candy for a long time.
As far as I knew there was no malware distributed with OC.
I will report this toolbar is malware to Open Candy.
The disgusting emails were ver sad experience, guys.
Honest developers charge an honest price for their software. They do not trick users into installing crap — and you know that garbage you install with YoWindow is crap. You wouldn’t install it on your comptuer, your friends’ computer, nor any of your family members’computers. And if you say you would, you’re a liar too. You know what that garbage is.
We have developed software too. And we know how tempting it is when someone offers you 50 cents or a dollar per download. You start counting up the thousands of downloads and multiplying by 50 cents or a dollar.
Your program is a nice program and well worth $9.98 or even a little more. There is not reason you have to slink around tricking people into installing hijackers, malware and other garbage. Give people a 30-day trial. If they like it they’ll buy it — it the don’t. And if they don’t, you have to figure out why they don’t.
We have been struggling to survive since Microsoft Windows 7 killed our stationery site by leaving out Windows Mail. And we may well have to leave this business if we can’t survive financially. But never in a million years will we stoop to the level of trickery — to glean money from unsuspecting users’computers or associate ourselves with the kind of garbage you bundled with your program.
When I tested it on 17 OCTOBER 2013 — it bundled nothing. Both of us where going to buy your program to help you out. When we started receiving letters from people who trust us that your program was a bundler — we test it again — and found it full of garbage. Needless to say you won’t be getting any money from us. We have removed your program from our computers — and sure won’t trust anything from you again.
You’ve worked 7 years? Really? We have been around since 1998 — that’s 15 years –and though we don’t have much money, we have thousands of people who trust us and that’s worth more to us than all the money we could have made from the kind of slime-ware you try to trick people into installing. Express Install? Really? How low.
You can run your business any way you see fit. As for the critical emails you’ve received, all I can say — if the shoe fits, wear it.
Yes, I received the same email back from YoWindow when I sent them a nasty gram !! Person won’t admit anything is wrong with their program Open Candy.
@infoave…
Though I can fully appreciate your outrage over the bundler installer…I think Par has made it clear that it was clearly not his doing putting the malware into the installer package…It was ‘open candy’s’ fault…And I’m pretty sure the developers of YoWindow are gonna have a serious talk with open candy…
I myself have been a registered user of YoWindow and have never had any issues with the installer package…
So…let’s all take a deep breath and let things play out…I’m sure this matter will be resolved in the near future…
OPEN CANDY? Do you know what that is? They are malware developers who PAY software developers to include their junk in the developers installer. We have been approached by ASK.com, SWEET IM and others. They pay 50 cents to $1 for every download you can trick users into installing the crap bundled. So, good ol’ Pav is trying to make a buck on the freeware version– which is crippled compared to the full version. If a developer makes a program that people want they will pay for it. They don’t need to make an extra 50 cents or a dollar on every download.
I really don’t mind criticism if it’s constructive and the person criticizing knows something about what he’s commenting on. I don’t really know if you’re from OPEN CANDY or a Pav’s gofer but Open Candy did not force YoWindow’s developers into including their junkware with the YoWindow installer.
I will end up closing this topic as I can see that Pav will call out his buddies to come save his honor. I’m sorry but it’s not possible.
To educate you about Open Candy (because you apparently don’t know what it is) see:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/controversial-advertising-program-now-being-embedded-more-software.htm
Easy for you to close this topic…so…by all means do so…
But don’t gimme that cr*p about Par’s buddies coming to his rescue…
Though I do not know him personally…I am a very satisfied user of YoWindow and an active member in the YoWindow forum…
Look…nobody gains from malware…in the long run…
And I’m pretty sure the developers of YoWindow aren’t gonna dig their own grave in doing so…
But if you want to throw these guys off a cliff because of one mistake…then I think you should reconsider…
Just my 2 cents…
@ Muriel Schlecht…
I beg to differ…but posts on the Yowindow website are not moderated…They appear in the forum the moment you hit the send button…
Of course your forum has a moderator. Any good forum does. And yes, when I hit the “submit” button, the prompt told me it did. The fact that my post was accepted and actualy posted makes me like the way the forum is run.
The point of my post expressed an honest assessment. I don’t really care about how and why malware suddenly appeared in the installer. The fact remains that it’s there. Good anti-malware programs are flagging it, and that chases people away while destroying the reputation and integrity of the YoWindows business.
InfoAve gave a great review. It was deserved as far as the program itself goes.
If the owner/developer of the program really didn’t know what kind of a company Open Candy is, then he sure didn’t check it out before he agreed to do “business” with them. If he’s truly sorry about his error in judgement, then he should be thrilled that InfoAve and it’s readers brought it to his attention before any more damage was done.
Open Candy doesn’t care about you, me, YoWindow, or anybody else’s concerns or property. Anyone who makes software, and has to pay someone to GIVE it away, should have been a super clue.
infoave, why don’t I see my previous comment?
I just have sent the following email to Open Candy representatives.
I hope this explains our attitude to the malware distribution.
——–
Dear, …
it seems that Open Candy integration has seriously undermined YoWindow reputation recently.
We need to sort it out or take our ways apart.
Lots of people complain that YoWindow bundles malware.
That’s because of Open Candy offers.
Some of them seem to be or are malware software.
I want you to help us.
1. Can you make sure on your side that no Malware is distributed via YoWindow?
2. I want you to eliminate the misleading offers, like on this picture.
https://thundercloud.net/infoave/new/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/yowindow1.png
Can you?
3. I cannot find MyFreeGames offer (see the screen shot) in Open Candy control panel.
https://thundercloud.net/infoave/new/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/yowindow1.png
How am I suppose to disable this offer?
4. Please comment on the following threads and explain Open Candy attitude.
This is the most important conversation we need your comments.
https://thundercloud.net/infoave/new/a-change-in-fridays-freeware-pick-of-the-week-important/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thundercloud%2FIapJ+%28Cloudeight+InfoAve+Computer+Tips+%29
MalwareTips.com – YoWindow is prominently mentioned
http://malwaretips.com/Thread-YoWindow-OpenCandy
This post is about Open Candy in general
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/controversial-advertising-program-now-being-embedded-more-software.htm
Yes, we are very disappointed with the problems Open Candy brought to our project.
I’m waiting for you feedback.
Pavel Repkin CEO
——–
Infoave,
I have trusted Infoave for years, and this YoWindow needs to understand that they will NEVER be trusted when they turn their good name and hard work over to an outfit like Open Candy without checking them out before they allow themselves to be maligned by the deceit of others! YoWindow has been set straight by the “lectures” of Infoave and its loyal customers and fans……YoWindow needs to learn a few things about how Infoave has gained such loyal followers….just my point of view after reading all the back and forth posted here !!! I have bought a few items from Infoave, and I’m saddened to hear that they have it tough financially; however,they still have their integrity but YoWindow will never acheive that with their attitude of “blame others”.
Want a good FREE weather station on the computer? Go to the Weather Channel.com and look for the FREE weather app for your computer. It’s wonderful, have been using it for some time, also have Calendar Pal, and use that as a daily calendar since the weather part doesn’t work for me any longer. Try it, you’ll like it, no problem with malware on it and it’s FREE.
My opinion of OpenCandy has nosedived, before this, I’d have rated OpenCandy as “mostly harmless”. a mild annoyance that normally delivered a “recommendation” of reasonable quality, and a simple “install / don’t install” prompt. Note this time the lack of a simple “don’t”.
If OpenCandy is going to associate with scumware toolbars, then their reputation, and anyone that uses them, will be MUD. This is a serious move to the dark side by OpenCandy.
To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. I’ve had Yo Window on my computer for a while and the paid version for over a year and have enjoyed it. It is all the things Cloud8 says about it, but now? It’s a sad day when a good program turns to deceit. I would like to think after reading all the comments that Yo Window will listen and change their ways, only time will tell.
Excellent article TC & EB.
Open Candy did not want to provide excuses in this thread.
When we were beginning OC cooperation it was a nice company.
The offers were clean and we have not seen any complaints.
The things have changed.
We are going to remove Open Candy from YoWindow in the next build unless OC provides the excuses.
A comment from the future.
We just released YoWindow 4 – there are no Open Candy nor any other bundled software inside.