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 ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
