According to WebmasterWorld and DigitalPoint Forums, OpenDNS has accused Google and Dell of teaming up to install spyware on PCs. Danny at Search Engine Land summarized this discovery as well.
From OpenDNS:
In short, Google and Dell have teamed up to install some software on Dell computers that borders on being spyware. I say spyware because it’s hard to figure out what it is and is even harder to remove.
Danny writes:
I wouldn't consider it spyware, but it certainly isn't friendlyware. But you can understand why some people would think it's spyware, when their computers seem to be acting in a strange way.
And forum members are sharing thoughts and tips of how to avoid this issue. One such tip: buy from Dell Small Business, not Dell Home.
Others just think it's evil:
Googles motto is "Do no Evil..... Unless it make Us money"
Or not:
i think google will never do that..
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld and DigitalPoint Forums.