Bonjour. Explain PLEASE.

[ECA]

http://developer.apple.com/darwin/projects/bonjour/

http://www.freshports.org/net/mDNSResponder/

This file is being distributed to ALOT of OS...
Its from apple and I THINK its causeing problems...
Anyone notine BUMPS in there ISP connect...Think its NOW part of iTunes...

[spankers]

How would Bonjour and mdnsresponder cause problems? It is just a set of protocols/programs to ease network setup.

Here's the Apple page that explains:
http://developer.apple.com/networking/bonjour/

[ECA]

Why do I need a Network on my Network.
Its running in the background and I cant turn it OFF. I understand its part of itunes, bbut WHY is it running when itunes ISNT on.. What is it doing?

It would be interesting to be a hacker and open the file and make a Bot/virus that takes advantage of this program.

[spankers]

Yeck! Looks like Apple included Bonjour with iTunes to check for other computers running iTunes on a LAN and enable sharing of music between computers. The problem with this is apparently it can bork up some systems.

A couple of solutions I've read on the net:
1. Disable all sharing options in iTunes preferences.
2. Under WinXP command prompt:
sc stop "bonjour service"
sc config "bonjour service" start= disabled

Bonjour by itself is not a bad idea, and is an implementation of an IETF draft. Forcing it on unsuspecting users by bundling and installing with an application IS a bad idea.

[ECA]

I didnt get the OPTION to turn it on... It just WAS.
And if it sits there, and pings my network card, looking for OTHER computers on a LAN, it will be Unhappy, but will STILL sit there and PING my network card.

[ECA]

OK, contacted APPLE...
This program IS..And cant be removed.
Its use, is only for LANs... Its been messing up ALOT of lans.
4meg of DRIVER, that isnt being used by 90% of those that USE Itunes and you cant turn OFF. Only way to get rid of it, is to Kill Itunes.

I feel sorry for those with LESS then 512meg of ram.
I feel sorry for those that it LOADS only to the C:\ directory, without warning or notification.
Its a pain as its not in the Startup, and is loaded without your knowledge or approval.
Its in the registry and cant be locacted easily..

I am sorry that I have to consider it a BOT.

[ECA]

http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/bonjour/

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20050707222434355