Is Google Toobar Spyware?

[Unsueable Davey Brown]

Firefox automatic updated me, and I had to reallow access to it through my firewall. The first one is Firefox.exe, and that's no problem, but the second one says firefox.exe, but it comes up with an IP address. I allowed the first, denied the second, but Firefox wouldn't connect. I don't get it. Why do I need to allow a special connection to an IP address to get my internet browser to work?

I did an IP search, and it comes up Google. I'm assuming this is a Google toolbar BHO that comes with Firefox. As I said I don't get it. Why do I need Google to get Firefox to work, and why do they need Firewall access?

[Dark Messenger]

yes
text too short

[Unsueable Davey Brown]

Any recommendations on the best way to clean it?

[Dark Messenger]

I've never installed it...but it may be possible to use add/remove programs to get rid of it..i wouldn't mess around with any registry cleaner programs as most of those do more harm than good.
In the future if u install something use a program similiar to 'inctrl5' to monitor the installation routine and see what's getting installed where..it in combination with a program called 'udoreg' can totally uninstall anything u install during a monitored installation with this software.

[lifehacker]

Google's toolbar is spyware.
With the advanced features enabled, Google's free toolbar for Explorer phones home with every page you surf, and yes, it reads your cookie too. Their privacy policy confesses this, but that's only because Alexa lost a class-action lawsuit when their toolbar did the same thing, and their privacy policy failed to explain this. Worse yet, Google's toolbar updates to new versions quietly, and without asking. This means that if you have the toolbar installed, Google essentially has complete access to your hard disk every time you connect to Google (which is many times a day). Most software vendors, and even Microsoft, ask if you'd like an updated version. But not Google. Any software that updates automatically presents a massive security risk.

[Unsueable Davey Brown]

Here's the thing though. I did't knowingly install it. Firefox automatically updated me, and I had to allow a connection to some Google IP in order to make any kind of connection to the internet through Firefox. Firefox didn't give me the option of not updating. WinPatrol usually informs me when something's being added to the registry, but not this time.

I figured it was some kind browser helper object built into the browser. I could download a BHO cleaner I guess, but I'm not even sure if that's the problem, if there is a problem, or if I'd do more harm than good. Like what if I wipe this out, then Firefox doesn't work.

Did anyone else get that automatic update from Firefox in the last couple of days? What exactly is this second thing you have to allow access to in your firewall after you update? It's not listed on Zone Alarm's program list.

[Dark Messenger]

google toolbar is also installed with java updates now starting with 1.5

[Mels_Smileys45]

Whats a toobar? Sounds like a musical instument or something the doctor would cut off your body beacuse of health reasons

[Unsueable Davey Brown]

I wonder if Mozilla somehow makes money on the side for adding this crap.

Hey, is it possible to disallow automatic updates for Firefox, because I haven't found a way to do it so far?

If Google is spyware, and Firefox sneaks it onto people's systems, how is Firefox any better than Kazaa?

[multi]

google toolbar is also installed with java updates now starting with 1.5
i wonder if you got it from the java and not firefox
unless its a recent thing firefox has just started doing..in which case we will hear alot more about it ;)

[littlebits]

All toolbars update themselves, but Google, Yahoo and MSN Toolbars are the safest. They really don't count as spyware. You might say that they are adware, but they don't install without your permission, you have to install them yourself. Some software has Google, Yahoo and MSN toolbars bundled with them, but you have an opt-out option. Not like MySearch Bar that requires you to install it when it is bundled.

Check this out- http://www.askbobrankin.com/inbox/google_toolbar_is_spyware.html

http://www.aladdin.com/home/csrt/grayware-list2.asp?GraywareNo=213

http://www.computing.net/security/wwwboard/forum/14185.html

Also so far no adware or spyware scanners will detect Google, Yahoo or MSN Toolbars.
Because they give you an option if you want to share your web searches with them.

Thanks.:icon_king

[multi]

if you use firefox
the customize google extension is pretty good

http://www.customizegoogle.com/

the only reason i would use their toolbar is if i wanted to use their PageRank™ display tbh..
their new calender thing sounds a bit invasive as well..

all the same i use google alot
but still have trouble trusting a faceless corporation of any kind