5 replies to this topic

[tizzyliz]

i know that usually all the cool toolbars you can download for IE usually have tracking on them and can see everything you do. MSN offers a toolbar that has linkis to all your usual msn items, plus it has a pop-up blocker. Does anyone know if this toolbar is safe to use, or is it spyware too?

Thanks!

Tizzyliz

[Drastik]

I dont wanna download this, it might be microsofts secret hidden weapon on various things.....

[CES]

Note: These views about toolbars are the Member's own and in no way reflect the opinions of forums.Spywareinfo.com or its staff. cnm


See 4c. below.

We do not recommend any search toolbar at present or searching from MS-IE's address bar.

The safest way to search, (other than your MS-IE Favorites list) is to us a Google or other search engine “bookmarklet” to access their search engines. Then Google, MSN, and others cannot use their toolbars to track your habits and serve up custom ads and other junk you don’t want.

Search engine bookmarket’s are like having your own private toolbar and other cool search features. - CES

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Our current standard recommended layered web filter protocol is comprised of:

1. ZoneAlarm Pro (We do not recommend the latest ZAP 5.0 series);

2. An up-to-date & locked Win TCP-IP HOSTS file and IE6 Restricted Sites Zone list;

3. LavaSoft’s Ad-watch, (as part of Ad-adware Pro package) with an up-to-date and locked “sites.txt” file;

(For advanced users instead of Ad-Watch 3, we use/recommend AdShield or WebWasher in this combo package with up-to-date and locked filter lists.)

4. Our recommendations for:
(a) Internet Properties - Security settings and Advanced settings menus
(b) Internet surfing and computer cleaning “lifestyle habits”
© Internet search toolbar. (We do not recommend Google or MS/MSN toolbar)
Use search engine “bookmarklets” instead. 100% times safer!

5. We use and recommend Symantec’s-Norton AntiVirus, but don’t recommend running it in the active mode, except high risk surfing, i.e. porn sites, “free” software sites, etc.

(Note: I have been using/recommending Symantec’s-Norton for 21 years. They are not the high quality company/software they used to be, but who is these days)

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Edited by cnm, 24 July 2004 - 10:40 AM.

[VashonDude]

I don't use it (I use Google), but I haven't heard anything bad about it.

-- LB

[Foxcub]

Having not heard of "Bookmarklets" before, I would be particularly interested in hearing opinions from some of our SWI resident experts as to whether they are in fact, better/safer than Google.

Google is freely recommended & is a particularly useful tool in analysing HJT logs,so before I start downloading, I would appreciate some advice.

I must say that CES other points are certainly logical.

Foxcub

[Foxcub]

Having not heard of "Bookmarklets" before, I would be particularly interested in hearing opinions from some of our SWI resident experts as to whether they are in fact, better/safer than Google.

Google is freely recommended & is a particularly useful tool in analysing HJT logs,so before I start downloading, I would appreciate some advice.

I must say that CES other points are certainly logical.

Foxcub

Has anyone got a constructive opinion on this

Perhaps I have resurrected a dead duck

Foxcub