Quick Computer Tips

 All Tips:

Problem:
Your email is not working quite right. And you downloaded that appealing tool bar that lets you add animations and symbols to your email or decorates your browser window. This tool bar is called "Hotbar" and displays among other buttons, a cute red heart.

Background Information:
The "Hotbar" is really spyware in disguise! Not only does it add its own toolbar to your browser, it also tracks all your site visits and reports them back to Hotbar Marketing. This information is then used to 'tailor' a marketing plan targeting you based on your surfing habits (which means more popups and more junk email). Additionally, Hotbar automatically updates itself and downloads various software onto the infected PC (both without your permission), in an effort to remain updated and to avoid removal by spyware software. This makes Hotbar removal extremely hard!

Some variants of Hotbar add the Hotbar Toolbar to your browser and / or to Windows explorer. (We have seen both here at the college.)

This is what Hotbar does once it gains control of your computer:

• Popup advertisements
• Redirects to Hotbar partner sites
• Adds buttons to your browser on the left-hand side leading to advertisers' and/or paid search sites dependent on the site you are currently viewing
• Installs software on your PC without your consent
• Tracks your site visits and reports them back to Hotbar (for advertising purposes)
• Adds the Hotbar Toolbar to your browser and / or Windows Explorer (some variants of Hotbar)

What to Do:
Just un-displaying the Hotbar won't work. It lurks in the background, still spying on your actions. You must remove the Hotbar using a special program. If you think you have the Hotbar, call the Help Desk (x1435) for assistance.