Some concerns from someone that knows nothing about this 'Pando' thing.

So while browsing NeoGAF today, I came across a rather provocative thread concerning 'stealth mode P2P clients'. MapleStory was mentioned as including this 'Pando' thing during the installation process.

From the reactions in that thread, it sounds bad, but I admittedly know very little about how all of this works. This concerns me mainly because I'm about to get a new laptop soon, and I'll be installing MapleStory into that one. So I figure I'll ask people who probably know more about this than the average person in that thread.

- Is this 'Pando' thing really detrimental enough to the point where it would significantly negatively impact my laptop somehow, or is it more of a 'it's being installed without my permission' issue?
- Are there ways to install MapleStory without this 'Pando' thing? A quick search suggests that you guys are aware of Pando and there is a way, but I'm not sure if those downloads work anymore.
- If not, should I just install MapleStory and try to figure out how to uninstall Pando afterwards (if it is indeed detrimental)? Or is uninstalling it not recommended somehow?

Isn't Pando massive spyware or adware?

Isn't Pando massive spyware or adware?

From what I can currently tell, it's something that constantly runs in the background that takes part of your bandwidth to upload content to other people. Invisibly. But I'm not sure if this is an entirely accurate description though.

I just went through not too long ago and deleted Pando, it doesnt hurt anything to do so. In fact, you might actually play better overall seeing as its not on anymore.

In the download section is the MSDownloaderV89.exe and the setup.

"The MapleStory Downloader allows you to download the game client faster than a traditional manual download, and allows you to pause and resume the download at your convenience. Once you have installed the Downloader after clicking the button above, you can begin downloading the latest version of MapleStory by double-clicking the Maplestory Downloader icon on your desktop, and selecting the location where you would like to save the game client file."

If you have download problems with the Downloader, or would prefer to get the game client the old fashioned way, click here.

Hope that helps. (:

So I guess that means that using the MSDownloader does not come with Pando.

Alright, thanks guys. I'll keep all this in mind when I finally get my new laptop. (Hopefully Windows 7 compatability comes before Big Bang...)

EDIT: Okay CarrionCrow, thanks. I guess that means my old craptop didn't have it after all. I think.

So I guess that means that using the MSDownloader does not come with Pando.

Alright, thanks guys. I'll keep all this in mind when I finally get my new laptop. (Hopefully Windows 7 compatability comes before Big Bang...)

Using the MSdownloader is what gets u the Pando crap, download it the old fashioned way.

Yeah, the MSDownloader in itself is what uses P2P downloading. I assume installing it will install Pando. So when the average user goes to download the game, they're downloading from a bunch of random maplers without them knowing it.

And if one has used the MSDownloader, how does one get rid of the P2P/Pando thing?

And if one has used the MSDownloader, how does one get rid of the P2P/Pando thing?

Is it in the 'Program and Features' list when you try to uninstall it?

Actaully Pando can be turned off the the System Startup services menu. It's a P2P client Nexon and other game developers use to have a BitTorrent-like download for the game as well as a download accelerator.

There's nothing wrong with it running or not running. It's just another invisible harmless service. My advice. Disable it after install. It is safe.

http://www.pando.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1059

So essentially it uses your bandwidth for other people, without your consent. Seems like malware; delete it nao.

I checked JMS to see if they had pando but the "smart downloader" feature seems to have mysteriously disappeared. Will look into it some more later.

Is it in the 'Program and Features' list when you try to uninstall it?

If it's called "Pando Media Booster," then yes.