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SPYWARE A few weeks ago we were talking about this spyware.  I thought this article would be of interest to the membership.  Even though I got rid of HOTBAR weeks ago every now and then it shows up as a popup wanting me to reinstall it.   Burke McNulty      BEWARE of HOTBAR: Do not download this program as it is purported to be Spyware It may be disabling your ability to send pictures or stationery with your email! See what ZDNET Readers have Shared See what our Readers have shared directly with us How to Remove Hotbar The following is from resources on the web (see links listed at the bottom): "Many people have been tricked into downloading a known spyware program called HOTBAR. Hotbar disguises itself as a cool tool for customizing your net browser or to "Add COLOR to your emails" with unique backgrounds or "skins" and even makes itself look like a Microsoft product by using the Microsoft(r) trademark. Hotbar is not a Microsoft product! * Top of Page SpyWare, most often installed on your PC without your knowledge, sends information about your web browsing and email habits to advertisement companies, which, in turn, send you more pop-up ads, junk email, and potentially even pornographic emails or virus programs. In the case of Hotbar, which is user installed, installing it means you are allowing your email address and web browsing habits to be bought and sold on the internet."  * Hotbar not only tracks your online surfing, but may be disabling your ability to send pictures or email stationery. It is not an upgrade to Microsoft and it is not supported by Microsoft, even though it purports itself to be an "Upgrade to Outlook." It is far from an upgrade; it is not even recognized or endorsed by Microsoft. If you want to restore your ability to send and receive email stationery and pictures, you will have to remove this program. We have help for this on our FAQ page, Question #20 at http://thundercloud.net/faq The bottom line? **** 1.      This is not an official upgrade from Microsoft Outlook. 2.      Hotbar is considered Adware / Trackware.  It is a program that adds  graphical skins to Internet Explorer toolbars. It monitors all websites you visit to add link buttons to its toolbar dependant on the websites you visit.       Is Hotbar violating your privacy?  Yes, it spies on websites visited and forms filled in, even when the toolbar is disabled. 3.      Is Hotbar a security violation?  Yes.  Hotbar has a silent update feature, which means, that without your knowledge or approval, this software will go to its home website and download newer versions automatically.  4.      Does Hotbar cause problems with the computer system?  Yes, it can slow down you computer or cause lockups when you are using your web browser or email. Top of Page When you install Hotbar, you are agreeing to their privacy policy, which states: TERMS OF USE AND END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR HOTBAR SOFTWARE AND WEB SITE:  HOTBAR COLLECTS AND STORES INFORMATION ABOUT THE WEB PAGES YOU VIEW AND THE DATA YOU ENTER IN SEARCH ENGINE SEARCH FIELDS WHILE USING THE SOFTWARE. HOTBAR USES THIS INFORMATION TO DETERMINE WHICH ADS AND BUTTONS TO DISPLAY ON YOUR HOTBAR TOOLBARS AND WHICH ADS TO SHOW YOUR BROWSER."  Furthermore, they include this under "Disclaimer of Warranties  " they state (a) ... Licensee may be exposed to contaminated files, computer viruses, eavesdropping, harassment, electronic trespassing, hacking and other harmful acts or consequences that might lead to unauthorized invasion of privacy, loss of data and other damages. and "Licensee shall receive, and desires to so receive, various product/service promotions, marketing ads, and campaigns of third parties through the appearance of links, menus, pop-ups, and other methods on and/or in connection with the Service and the Software." Our advice? Always read privacy policies so you know what you are really agreeing to when using various software programs on the internet.   Resources: * http://smccd.net/portal/announcements/details.asp?ID=435 ** User Opinions and Experiences from ZDNET:  http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/3302-2366-10156187.html   *** http://www.simplythebest.net/info/spyware.html *** http://www.safersite.com/PestInfo/h/hotbar_adware.asp  Pest Patrol *** http://www.readytorun.com.au/start/newstips/spyware.htm **** http://www.ecu.edu/itcs/cas/newsletter/st2002-NOV.htm *** http://www.state.me.us/newsletter/jan2003/whos_spying_on_you.htm *** http://www.pestpatrol.com/PestInfo/db/h/hotbar.asp   *** http://www.howtouniverse.com/CI/removehotbar.html ***   http://www.xs4all.nl/~myranya/skins.html ... This list goes on an on. A search on a major search engine for the words Hotbar and Spyware, will turn up dozens of related resources.