Does VCI have a web search Highjacker as a client?

[Booger]

Folks,

In the banner advertising section at the top of the page, a company advertising something called "Websearch Toolbar" pops up from time to time.

I don't know about the rest of you, but almost every time I visit a VCI site the company described above asks me if I want to download their "software". This pisses me off to no end as I can't do a damn thing on my computer until I answer.

Is anyone else having a similar experience?

The Anti-spyware program I have on my computer gave me the below description of this Company:

ADWARE Description:

Name:
WebSearch Toolbar

Author:
WebSearch.com

Category:
Adware

Threat Assessment:
Medium




Description:

WebSearch Toolbar is an Internet Explorer toolbar that may provide a search box and link buttons, as well as hijacking searches. WebSearch Toolbar has the ability to hijack your Web searches, home page, and other Internet Explorer settings.

Characteristics:

WebSearch Toolbar has the ability to hijack your Internet Explorer settings and install a toolbar on your Web browser. This toolbar may display advertisements on your computer. It has the ability to run in the background, hiding its presence. WebSearch Toolbar also has the ability to redirect your Web searches through its own search engine and change your default home page to http://www.download.websearch.com. This hijacker may also change your other Internet Explorer settings.


Method of Infection:

WebSearch Toolbar is generally installed via ActiveX drive-by download. A "drive-by download" program automatically downloads itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent. Drive-by downloads can be initiated by clicking on an advertisement or visiting a Web site. WebSearch Toolbar may have hijacker tendencies. Hijackers are typically installed via ActiveX drive-by download from pop-up advertisements. Drive-by downloads refer to deceptive pop-up windows that ask you to run and install a certain program. The windows appear to be Windows system messages, but the software you are being asked to download is not needed to view the page content; it may do something else entirely.
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I realise advertising pays the bills but please!

This is my formal complaint to VCI concerning "Websearch Toolbar". Any consideration would be appreciated.

I have no problem with any of the other Advertising clients of VCI and actually purchase some of their products.

[C-Force]

It is definately spyware. I wouldn't recommend downloading it, but hey, whatever floats your boat.

I am using netscape navigator and it is able to block the popups offering to install software. So I haven't noticed them for a long time.

They shouldn't bother you every time you visit, when I used to get them it was more of a random factor, popping up every 10 visits or so.

Now I'm realizing that it probably doesn't come up because it's not designed for Navigator, not because of the popup blockers (it's an IE toolbar). Yet another reason to dump IE.

Booger, it's time to get that Explorer monkey off your back. Download the new Navigator, Firefox, or Opera. Let your company be the one getting hacked through IE holes. Since ALL companies use IE for some reason.

Originally posted by Booger
I have no problem with any of the other Advertising clients of VCI and actually purchase some of their products.

Nice way to kiss butt, dude.

[Booger]

sorry bro. For some reason I only read the bottom part of your post.

Seriously, How difficult is it to change from IE? I'm scared. Throw me a bone here (not that kind of bone ).

[C-Force]

Originally posted by Booger
sorry bro. For some reason I only read the bottom part of your post.

Seriously, How difficult is it to change from IE? I'm scared. Throw me a bone here (not that kind of bone ).

It's ok.

I was scared when I was trying to change from IE too. I'm mean, you have to move all your favourites and personal settings and stuff, it can be a real pain in the butt.

I did it slowly though. I would recommend Navigator (which you might already have on your PC), and just kind of test the waters once or twice to start. But keep on using IE for your major surfing. Then try Navigator a little bit more and before you know it, you'll no longer use IE anymore, and you will not miss it.

Navigator is actually simpler to use than IE. Just check out the "tools" menu and go through all the functions, even if you don't understand them at first, you'll slowly become familiar with the new format.

If you have any questions, just ask me.

Was that bone big enough for you?

[yavsyovremyazdec]

Boogz, if you don't want to ditch Microsoft, then try an IE based browser like Avant. It's pretty cool for an IE spin off.

[Booger]

Thanks for the info, peeps. I'm a real ckicken shyte when it comes to major tweaks to my computer. I still have "system restore" if I screw it up though.

I'm still pissed off at VCI for having such a low life, scum sucking maggot for a client.

[Voyager13b]

Booger,

Just download Opera and Firefox. Nothing changes on your sustem, as IE will still be there. Try both of the others, and see which floats your boat better. As for the adware, it pays the bills for VCI, and I just ignore it. Some people like that kind of thing. How many people have AOL?

Voyager