Hello everyone,
In just the past month I have witnessed a veritable plague in my area of computer repair work. Unwanted items are almost secretly installing themselves to the Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer browsers. Many of my great clients are seniors and they are being “suckered” into installing these unwanted programs.
These malicious items cause annoying pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, and coupons. They change Windows start-up settings and Internet browser settings. They change the homepage, redirect browser searches, and generally make Internet browsing experience hell! Ultimately they will ruin the computers functionality!
These vicious little programs primarily bundle with third party software, most often freeware and shareware. Once in a while the user may be given the opportunity to decline the offer to install the “piggyback” item, but many times the offer is presented in a manner that attempts to trick the user. Often these malicious programs will install even if declined!
Here is a list of what I’ve eliminated from ten or so machines in the past month (no particular order):
1) Shop At Home Toolbar
2) Inbox Toolbar
3) Ask Toolbar
4) MapsGalaxy Toolbar
5) CouponBar
6) Babylon Toolbar
7) VAFMusic4 Toolbar
8) Snap.do
9) WebCake
10) Blekko Search Bar
11) Yontoo
12) WebSearch Toolbar
13) Default Tab
14) SaltarSmart
15) Win32/AddLyrics
16) Delta-homes.com (redirect)
In my next series of posts I will explain how to rid your computer of these “plagues”.
Intranet Help Says: Certain unfriendly entities want to enter your computer without your knowledge. First, be aware or who/what they are, and second, learn how to protect yourself from them!