I download the Google Tool bar to my computer at work, which is compatible with Internet Explorer. I mainly got it because it helped to block the annoying pop-up windows that infests the internet. The Google Toolbar has down a great job at doing just that and I recommend everyone who is annoyed by POP-UP’s to download it, but I’m wondering if its doing more than just blocking POP-UP windows.
Is the Google Toolbar also blocking spyware type programs that System Administrators at work install on workstations to monitor employees internet usage?
I kept getting these extra windows that arent’ actually POP-UPs, that seem to run in the background which seems to unsuccessfully do what there suppose to do. A message about being unsuccessful keeps coming up.
Anyone system administrators out there have any idea?
no. “Spyware” programs installed by corporations are usually along the lines of packet sniffers and things like that. AFAIK, all that the Google Toolbar is block new browser windows that are invoked by various coding methods by other webpages. I guess it could also block adware/spyware pop-up windows from real spyware, but if something as simple as the Google Toolbar could actually block system monitoring tools installed by network admins and IT departments, then I strongly suspect that those companies that produce those tools wouldn’t be in business for very long.
At this point, I would call your system admin, and if you’re not supposed to have the google toolbar installed, remove it (along with anything else you’re not supposed to have to have on your system) or go ahead and face the music for breaking company policy.
This question is skating real close to the edge of whether or not it is an acceptable thread - I would suggest anyone that wants to throw their 2 cents in on this one be careful about how they answer the question (ie, don’t say HOW you would block employee monitoring software )
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