Google Toolbar - auto updates [spyware]

[elroy]

I'm finding more and more friends using the Google Toolbar add-on. Found an interesting article about Google in general that makes reference to the toolbar's auto update feature that I'm sure most people are not aware of. Silently behind the scenes it updates and downloads new programming. Interesting reading.
scroll down to item #6
http://www.google-watch.org/bigbro.html

Read this too.

http://schram.net/articles/updaterisk.html

wow... just wow i love that bar so much but from reading it. looks like it needs to go.

but doesnt the website google record your searches?

[DanGrease]

Never really liked that toolbar, and I always doubted it. This doesnt surprise me at all. I just cant believe it has to be from Google, which is my favorite search engine.

dan

[jkrohn]

GZ3: Yes the google website records your searches.

That article is really bad IMO. It truly is one of the most one sided articles I have ever read. They have some points, but many of their points lack any sort of argument or factual information to back them up. Reading that article reminded me of Bill O'Reily and his "no-spin zone". We all know how "fair-and-balenced" that is.

Jkrohn

[sweeper2]

i posted on a thread i used the google toolbar, but found out i actually use the MSN tool bar, which i find to be great. Blocks pop-ups and has alot of options etc.

[vass0922]

Today up to half of each screen is dedicated to paid ads on Google, as compared to the ad-free original Google. Everyone wants a piece of this new wave in web advertising, and Google is making a lot of money.

huh?! I did a search on "Google Watch" There was ONE ad for a blogger TShirt

Its kind of scary that its called "Google-watch.org" .. sounds like a paranoia group.

Well if you want paranoia...
Maybe Microsoft owns the Domain and they're starting paranoia to move away from Google and use their POS search... *shudder*
I've RARELY had any luck with a Microsoft search tool
Don't even get me started on using MSDN search

[sweeper2]

Originally posted by vass0922

huh?! I did a search on "Google Watch" There was ONE ad for a blogger TShirt

Its kind of scary that its called "Google-watch.org" .. sounds like a paranoia group.

Well if you want paranoia...
Maybe Microsoft owns the Domain and they're starting paranoia to move away from Google and use their POS search... *shudder*
I've RARELY had any luck with a Microsoft search tool
Don't even get me started on using MSDN search

??? I don't know what you had problems with, there search doesn't produce some of the results I look for, but as for the additional toolbar, works well for me? I just use internet explorer to get online or just hit my links (like techIMO) to connect to what ever I want to, but the toolbar is always there and blocks alot of pop-ups...73 so far and have been running for about 3 weeks or so (cable)

[Starfury_2260]

I'm sure most search engines record what you search. Why would google be any different?

And on the MSN toolbar, that is SUCH A COPY! of google's.

Toss the proprietary search bars and popup blockers. Grab a free copy of MyIE2, and learn how to vastly improve your Internet Explorer experience.....

http://www.myie2.com/html_en/home.htm

Robert Richmond

[sweeper2]

awsome robrich. thanks, downloaded today, works well, alot of options also.