Can My ISP See What Programs I Install?

[auzzle]

I know my ISP can see what I browse and all the emails I send and what I download but can they see what programs I install?

 

[kgrevemberg]

they might be able to see that you downloaded the program. They cant see what you actually install on your personal computer

 

[M0j0jojo]

They can only see what you downloaded. So basically yes, unless you are connected to a VPN

 

[auzzle]

Ok because I have a program downloaded on another PC and I'm I bring it on my PC they can't see it installed correct?

 

[M0j0jojo]

They could probably see that you downloaded something on the other PC, but they won't know if you installed anything on some other PC

 

[USAFRet]

No.
However, if you are installing some cracked/hacked/illegal program, very often those do have a signature of some sort that will go online and talk to home base. That signature can be detected and known.
The ISP may then know that auzzle installed the cracked version of "X".

 

[kgrevemberg]

this sounds fishy lol

 

[auzzle]

Well I downloaded the program on another PC at another house, also USAFret can you explain it in a more simple way, I don't know much about networking.

 

[USAFRet]

Well I downloaded the program on another PC at another house, also USAFret can you explain it in a more simple way, I don't know much about networking.

What program is it?

 

[USAFRet]

With most current applications, there is an incredible amount of data that is passed back and forth from your PC to wherever its home base is.

Adding to my earlier comment, with a cracked program, those also talk to some home base. And those are known quantities.
If it phones home....your ISP will know where it talks to.

 

[auzzle]

The program is Microsoft flight simulator x

 

[USAFRet]

The program is Microsoft flight simulator x

If you bought it, then why worry?

 

[auzzle]

That's doesn't help to wander the question?

 

[auzzle]

Awnser*

 

[USAFRet]

I already answered it.
In theory, yes, they can.

Again....if you bought it, why worry? You did buy it, right?

 

[M0j0jojo]

lol

 

[auzzle]

Oh ok thank you