Alright, I've checked out the Akami malware.
What this is, is a P2P data mining application. You cannot uninstall it, as DDO automatically reinstalls it upon loading the client. It loads on boot, and from what some have said, multiple instances of it. It runs whether or not you boot up the DDO client. This virus is used to monitor what websites you visit, search terms you use, and so forth, and akami sells this information to whomever wishes to buy it.
The EULA gives Akami the "right" to access your computer at any time, change the program settings at their will, and denies you legal right to sue for damages.
Turbine has refused to pay attention to complaints, and has attempted to lock down the forums from what I've heard, deleting numerous posts. Many people claim to have uninstalled the client and cancelled their subs in protest.
That has to be the most ridiculous EULA Ive ever read. They can terminate the agreement which allows them to amend the parts they want but still enforce the parts they want to enforce on the user.
We may terminate this Agreement at any time and without prior notice if you violate it. You must destroy all copies of the Software in your possession or control promptly upon termination. Our termination will not limit any of our other rights or remedies under this Agreement or at law or in equity. Any provision of this Agreement that by its sense and context is intended to survive termination of this Agreement will survive termination.
Then they also retain the right to modify the agreement, and its on the players to go to their website to make sure they are aware of any modifications, but if you agreed, they can enforce those modifications they make in the future - even though you did not have a chance to review them before you agree to them.
You acknowledge that from time to time we may modify the terms governing your use of the Software. Notice of such updates will be provided by posting the effective date on the Software Terms of Use appearing on Akamai's Website. You consent to and agree to be bound by the current Terms of Use if you continue to use the Software after the effective date of such Terms of Use.
WOW.
This is from Chai, whom I normally don't care for, but he's spot on on this. I didn't even get that far down into the EULA before saying "heck no".
Pylotro does bypass this virus' install, by bypassing the DDO launcher.
[URL Removed due to suspicion.]
This is the Windows PyLotrO program. It's fairly easy to set up, load pylotro.exe, go to tools, options, and find the game directory (wherever you installed it. Mine is in steamapps since pando never worked). Allow it through the firewall, and you're done. I patched and was in-game briefly.
Amusingly enough, I was able to log in far faster, and without load to red, using PyLotrO instead of the standard launcher.