Hello everyone,

Note: Part 2 of this post can be found here

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 post I will explain how to rid your computer of these “plagues”.

Professor Randy 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!