WeatherBug
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| Stable release | 6.08 / August 2010 |
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| Operating system | Desktop Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux Mobile Android, BlackBerry OS, iOS, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Maemo |
| Website | weather.weatherbug.com |
WeatherBug is a brand owned by Earth Networks, based in Germantown, Maryland, that provides live weather data and maintains a network of (at last count) 8,530[1] weather stations. Along with its weather station network, the company operates a dense lightning sensor network that uses broadband technology to constantly track total lightning in hurricanes.[2] In early 2011, AWS Convergence Technologies, Inc. (formerly Automated Weather Source) changed its name to Earth Networks, Inc. The WeatherBug desktop application is considered to be malware by some security services.
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[edit] History
WeatherBug, originally Automated Weather Source, now operates under the name Earth Networks. The company was founded by Bob Marshall, the current CEO, and other partners in 1993. It started in the education market by selling weather tracking stations to public and private schools, and then using the data they contributed for profit. Later, the company began partnering with TV stations, such that broadcasters could use WeatherBug's local data in their weather reports. In 2000, the WeatherBug desktop application was launched, and later, the website.
[edit] Spyware/Adware/Malware concerns
In 2005, Microsoft AntiSpyware, since renamed Windows Defender, flagged WeatherBug as a spyware program, but this classification was removed.[3] The program is adware, including both banner and pop-up ads, but may be upgraded for $19.95 to WeatherBug Plus, which does not include advertising.[4] Early versions were difficult to uninstall and warned users not to remove WeatherBug since it could "save your life".[5] For most PC users, the easiest way to remove WeatherBug was to format the hard drive and reinstall all programs and data. Several computer security services still classify WeatherBug as malware and firewalls to block and programs to remove are kept current and available.[6] In 2005, the editor of PC Magazine wrote an article entitled "WeatherBug is Not Spyware" and referred to it as "a handy app."[7]
[edit] Non-U.S. locations
At present, the desktop application of WeatherBug is designated for U.S. ZIP codes only. Details regarding non-U.S. locations can be found at WeatherBug's website. Non-U.S. users can also receive RSS global weather feeds via email or through their RSS reader.
[edit] WeatherBug Backyard
WeatherBug Backyard is a branch-off of WeatherBug. WeatherBug Backyard, or WB Backyard for short, is a community where weather enthusiasts can come together and discuss the weather in their area, post pictures and video, and create a profile. WeatherBug Backyard has also branched-off to create WeatherBug LIVE, a 24/7 online weather network that streams educational videos with Rachel Peterson. During severe weather, WBL will break in with updates. WBL has also started scheduled shows, such as TravelCast, Your Week In Weather, and many more.
[edit] External links
[edit] Notes
- ^ http://madis.noaa.gov/mesonet_providers.html
- ^ Daily Record Staff (August 25, 2011). "Germantown-based Earth Networks finds correlation between lightning, storm path". The Daily Record. http://thedailyrecord.com/2011/08/25/germantown-based-earth-networks-finds-correlation-between-lightning-storm-path/. Retrieved 2011-10-05.
- ^ Naraine, Ryan (2005-01-07), WeatherBug Miffed at Microsoft's Spyware Classification, eWeek.com, http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1749409,00.asp
- ^ What is AWS Weatherbug?, pchell.com, http://www.pchell.com/support/weatherbug.shtml
- ^ WeatherBug begs for forgiveness - dslreports.com: "save your life"
- ^ Remove Weatherbug. Description and Removal Instructions, www.2-spyware.com, http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-weatherbug.html
- ^ Lance Ulanoff (October 18, 2005). "WeatherBug Is Not Spyware". PC Magazine. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1872520,00.asp#fbid=NRBqJPznp9k. Retrieved 2011-10-05.
