Google is like a virus on my computer

[pd123]

All of a sudden I have a new addition to my toolbar in my IE browser. Without me knowing about it, GOOGLE put itself on my toobar. I think that's nerve, I think I will steer clear of Goole because of this maneuver. I checked properties and a Google application was installed today, it's 725KB. It can easily be seen under VIEW>TOOLBAR where I can choose to view it but it can be removed in ADD/REMOVE. I wonder if anyone else had this imposed on them? I hate when my computer does changes without my permission. My sister had the new Google GMAIL, do you suppose this application came from an email from her? To me that is a virus.

[revil]

That's odd. I would never suspect google to be like that. they've never done anything like that before.

[zippyjuan]

Run a spyware scan- do you have AdAware? I had Lycos pop up on my toolbar plus a few shortcuts and I had never used Lycos. I also had some strange programs listed under Add/Delete programs. It was part of a spyware which was hard to get rid of. I would delete it and it would come back. It was called VX2. Adaware helped identify it, but it took some time to get rid of it. Some of the files I had to search for and delete individually.

[pd123]

I ran Spybot and it found nothing to do with Google. Would Ad-aware do better than Spybot?

[bachviet]

Switch to Firefox and problem solves.

[Bires]

Control Panel-->Add/Remove Programs-->Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer remove

Personally, I like the google toolbar. The MSN toolbar catches more popups, but hey, if you like popups...just uninstall it.

[pd123]

Control Panel-->Add/Remove Programs-->Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer remove

Personally, I like the google toolbar. The MSN toolbar catches more popups, but hey, if you like popups...just uninstall it.

I did uninstall it, but how did it get there? If I chose to put it there that's one thing but if it snuck there, I don't want it.

[zippyjuan]

I ran Spybot and it found nothing to do with Google. Would Ad-aware do better than Spybot?

For me, AdAware finds more things than Spybot and Spybot never found anything that AdAware did not. I still have both on my computer, but only use AdAware.

[DaFunkyUnit]

I did uninstall it, but how did it get there? If I chose to put it there that's one thing but if it snuck there, I don't want it.

maybe your sister installed it without you knowing?

[aggieSlaughter]

I'm betting someone just installed it without your knowing it. I've never heard of the google toolbar just getting installed. Anyways, it's da coolest. If you still use crappy IE you need something to stop the pop-ups, and it does a good job. It's search/hilight feature is pretty nice too....use that at least 10 times a day.

[pd123]

I posted this same question at another forum and they confirmed that it was put there because I installed Real Player and it came in through that. Anything that sneeks into my computer is a virus as far as I'm concerned. It may be a great program, but I no longer trust Google. As you all probably know, Google is coming out with a new email service Gmail and they are being criticized for lack of privacy. They are getting too aggressive. Has anyone very recently installed or updated Real Player? I bet they end up with Google on their toolbar. BTW, I also don't like Real Player because they make themselves the default and whenever I remove it in ADD/REMOVE it is back on the taskbar next time I boot.

[Grubbie]

Ummm anything that sneaks into your computer like a toolbar which CAME in a installation, is NOT a virus. Since you were installing something, you probably had the choice to have it installed, or if you weren't paying attention it was a option which was checked to yes and you didn't say no.

[CynJon]

I posted this same question at another forum and they confirmed that it was put there because I installed Real Player and it came in through that. Anything that sneeks into my computer is a virus as far as I'm concerned. It may be a great program, but I no longer trust Google. As you all probably know, Google is coming out with a new email service Gmail and they are being criticized for lack of privacy. They are getting too aggressive. Has anyone very recently installed or updated Real Player? I bet they end up with Google on their toolbar. BTW, I also don't like Real Player because they make themselves the default and whenever I remove it in ADD/REMOVE it is back on the taskbar next time I boot.

See, you found the problem yourself! REALcrappyPLAYER IS THE VIRUS. If you are going to not trust someone, RealNetworks is probably a good choice for the top of the list...Google toolbar is probably the LAST thing you need to worry about RealPlayer installing--at least you can UNINSTALL that!

IMO, RealPlayer is right up there with AOL for my least favorite apps...

[aggieSlaughter]

See, you found the problem yourself! REALcrappyPLAYER IS THE VIRUS.....
IMO, RealPlayer is right up there with AOL for my least favorite apps...

Don't forget GATOR!!, haha

[redcolours]

realplayer is the most intrusive media player ive ever used. i never use it anymore, nor recommend using it to anyone.

having said that i still have some .rm or .ra files i need to play, but use real alternative to play it (within media player classic ). works equally well without the perpetually annoying spyware that is REAL player.

buffering 12%...

[Kevster]

You can always download RealPlayer Alternative 1.23. I use it and it works great. Just do a google search and you'll find it quick. As Mojo once said, realplayer=realevil. I couldn't agree more.

[Cheesypuff]

realplayer = buffering

[revil]

realplayer = buffering

hahaha, did you see the photo of real's parking lot where there was a sign that had their logo on it and someone taped a sign that said "buffering" on it?

[CynJon]

hahaha, did you see the photo of real's parking lot where there was a sign that had their logo on it and someone taped a sign that said "buffering" on it?

[yippiekiyeh]

See, you found the problem yourself! REALcrappyPLAYER IS THE VIRUS.
IMO, RealPlayer is right up there with AOL for my least favorite apps...

More like REALcrappy PLAY.... buffering...22%....