Have you ever visited a site on the web only to later find your browsing experience captive to advertisements and prompt buttons you can't seem to get rid of? The odds are you allowed an adware toolbar to be added to your web browser.
Friendly Adware
Not all adware toolbars are bad. In fact, many can add to your browsing experience by putting a particular site and its information where it is easy to find and navigate. Some allow you to search for products, services, and other information without having to remember where to look. Everything from real-time weather to the stock market can be available instantly every time you open your web browser. Some good examples include Yahoo and InboxDollars.com.
The Bad News
Unfortunately, there is more bad news than good when it comes to adware toolbars. Some contain malicious malware and are next to impossible to remove from your system. Getting rid of some toolbars is as simple as unchecking them on your web browser toolbar. Too many, however, require peeking under the hood of Windows registry; something most users are better advised not to do.
Solutions
The good news is there are a number of freeware and shareware solutions to wiping the last trace of an adware toolbar from your computer. A bit of caution - not all virus, malware, and adware toolbar solutions are what they appear to be. Some are actually Trojans in the disguise of help. As with all software, it is best to obtain these solutions from reliable sources such as Download.com from C-Net. There are also a number of inexpensive commercial programs available that will handle removal of adware toolbars quickly and efficiently. The cost of these pales in comparison to the loss of time and patience malicious adware can cause.
The lesson learned from such unwelcome guests is simple; don't click on anything that you are unsure of. And remember to be slow on the trigger finger. Some adware disguises itself by asking you to do the opposite of what you would anticipate to answer no. When something pops up on your screen take the time to read the prompts carefully. You will be glad you did.
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