That Google toolbar is a major problem waiting to happen (and
it already has in some instances). For one, when I tried it I
had all kinds of problems. It "took over" the IE toolbar. I
could NOT disable it. When I'd try, it kept coming back on
every browser window I opened and what made it even more
irritating is that it came back not in the state that I wanted
it, and kept deleting my "Links" toolbar, my PopUp stopper
toolbar (which works perfect and I don't want to use Google's),
and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary/spell check button I added,
and also totally rearranged my customized toolbar layout
settings. Obviously not everyone is having that problem.
The other issue is the function of the toolbar itself which
DOES effect every user. The toolbar is tagged as spyware by
some anti-spyware programs which was not a surprise to me since
Google DOES track your surfing habits when the toolbar is used.
It's possible you're being tracked even when it's "disabled"
since it doesn't appear to ever be *TOTALLY* disabled.
Another issue is the most serious of all, and that is the fact
that anyone and everyone can play "internet God" and "make or
break" ANY website by abusing the "page rank" feature. What's
to stop one of your "competitors" from standing on the "blue
face icon" thousands of times a day until your "page rank" is
zero?? Google is going on the assumption that every single net
user is a "perfect human being with high morals and high
scruples bearing no malice towards anything or anyone", which
of course is ridiculous. What happens to those of you with
websites and they are similar websites as some others; when
those "others" and their friends visit your site and have a
field day on the blue face icon? You suffer dearly.
There are at least two lawsuits now pending against Google for
the toolbar, and I think more will follow.
Is it handy? Yes. Does it have nice features? Yes. Does it
have some problems with functionality? Yes, in my case it did,
that's why I removed it. Can it be "immoral"? Unfortunately,
yes, and that's just up to the user to determine whether they
want to use it or not, and be part of how it can victimize
website owners in the wrong hands. I just thought it would be
a good idea to open some eyes about its issues.
BTW, I use Panicware's PopUp Stopper Pro, and it's the best
I've ever used. There is a non-pro free version that works the
same, however it must be in the system tray and running in the
background to work. The Pro version has nothing running in the
BG, it becomes part of the IE toolbar and is NOT intrusive at
all, it's just a tiny icon that sits next to your "Links" or
anywhere you want. http://panicware.com/product_downloads.html
. Hmmm, looking at that it looks like the latest free version
is similar to the Pro version now and may not have to be in the
system tray anymore.
-Clint
God Bless
Clint Hamilton, Owner
----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas Fisher" <
I'll second the google toolbar. I used it for some time before
I
installed Avant Browser and used the built in pop-up stopper
there.
As Keith mentioned, take a look around at other browser
options. Many
have the ability to block scripts, media types and other items
all with
the click of a button. Some of those browsers are totally
different
options, and others are built onto the IE shell, like Avant
(http://www.avantbrowser.com/) and MyIE2
(http://www.myie2.com/). Take
a look at the toolbars and other browsers before you download
and
install an separate program to do the same job.
Thomas
-----Original Message-----
http://toolbar.google.com
or
http://toolbar.msn.com
Have it built in, free.
Thank you,
Eric Vogel
Hi All..
I just upgraded to XP Home editon.. and now
need a good ad pop up killer..
Can some recommend a free one??
Thanks a million..
Liz
