Yahoo has released a version of its internet-services
toolbar that removes spyware and adware.
As users surf the web, such programs download to their machines
without their consent or knowledge, tracking their web usage,
launching pop-up ads or undertaking other undesirable
activities.
When introduced last May, Yahoo's enhanced toolbar was
criticised for failing to scan for adware by default - users had to
enable the option. The new version default-scans for adware,
spyware and other intrusive and stealthy software, such as cookie
trackers.
Although many people regard spyware and adware as equally
obnoxious, some point out that spyware is more intrusive and
potentially dangerous. The Yahoo toolbar defines spyware as
programs that track how you use your computer or surf online
without your permission and adware as launchers of pop-up and
pop-under ads.
After scanning for such programs, the toolbar lists those it
finds and suggests which should be removed as potentially malicious
and harmful, and which should be further evaluated. The scanning
software comes from Pest Patrol.
The enhanced Yahoo toolbar can be downloaded free at
toolbar.yahoo.com/. It also
contains a search engine box, a button for blocking pop-up ads and
shortcuts to a variety of Yahoo internet services such as e-mail,
calendar, notepad, games and the Launch online music section of
Yahoo's portal.
Juan Carlos Perez writes for IDG