1200 West University Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: 605-995-2697
E-mail: helpdesk@dwu.edu
Web: http://www.dwu.edu/is//

What is Hotbar?

According to their web site, Hotbar enhances and personalizes your internet and e-mail applications. Most people use Hotbar to add smiley faces to their e-mail or to add colorful backgrounds to Internet Explorer (aka: "skins"). However, there are a few important facts you should be aware of:

1. Hotbar is adware/spyware. It monitors all web sites you visit, collects information about your interests and habits, displays pop-up ads, and provides buttons and advertisements in its toolbar.
2. Hotbar automatically updates itself from their web site without your approval. These updates can include new functionality that can by-pass security/privacy protection programs, and update the way it gathers information about you.
3. Hotbar is not an official upgrade from Microsoft for Internet Explorer or Outlook.

How do I know if I have Hotbar?

There are several ways to tell if Hotbar is installed.

Note: If you have changed the "skin" for Hotbar, the buttons may look different.

1. Open Internet Explorer (aka: your web browser). If you see a series of gold buttons, like in the picture below, you have Hotbar installed.
   
   
    
2. Open Outlook or Outlook Express. If you see a series of silver buttons, like in the picture below, you have Hotbar installed.
   
   
    
3. Open Internet Explorer. Go to the "View" menu and then click "Toolbars", like you see in the picture below. If you see "Hotbar" in the Toolbars menu, you have Hotbar installed.
   
   
    
4. If you send an e-mail to someone, an image similar to one of the following may be automatically appended to the bottom.
   However, if someone sends you an e-mail, and at the bottom there is an image similar to one of the following, then the sender may have Hotbar.

How do I remove Hotbar?

The following instructions are taken from Hotbar's web site:

To uninstall Hotbar from your computer please follow these steps: 1. Click "Start", "Settings" and choose "Control Panel". 2. Choose "Add/Remove Programs". 3. Find "Web Tools by Hotbar". 4. Click the "Add/Remove" button at the bottom right of the window. 5. Check both browser and email toolbars 6. Press the "Uninstall" Button.

Is Hotbar violating your privacy?

Yes. It monitors web sites you visit, forms you fill in, and searches you make on the internet. This can happen even when the toolbar is hidden/disabled.

Is Hotbar a security risk?

Yes. Hotbar's silent update feature gives the intruding company the ability to add any functionality they wish on your computer at any time, without notification.

Does Hotbar cause problems with my computer?

Yes. Hotbar slows down your computer and can cause lockups (aka: crashes) when you are using Internet Explorer or Outlook.

What information does Hotbar track/collect?

• Web sites you visit, in what order you visit them, and how often you visit them.
• What you search for on the web using search engines.
• Personally identifiable information such as your full name, postal address, zip code, age or e-mail address.

Does Hotbar use pop-up ads?

Yes. Hotbar monitors your use of web sites and uses pop-up ads on a regular basis. In many cases, you do not need to be browsing the web for pop-ups to appear.

Doesn't Hotbar have a privacy policy?

Having a privacy policy does not mean Hotbar will respect your privacy to the degree you would hope for. Their license agreement also states that they are free to change their policy or software at any time, without notification.

Policy links:
http://hotbar.com/site/privacy.htm
http://hotbar.com/site/license.htm

Where can I find lists of spyware/adware?

• http://www.spywareguide.com/product_list_full.php
• http://virgolamobile.50megs.com/spyware/spyware.htm
• http://www.cexx.org/adware.htm

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