The Adultlinks Quickbar is reportedly a browser hijacker that is capable of adding a toolbar to the browser of the Internet Explorer.

Adultlinks Quickbar targets the toolbar of the search engine that exhibits pornographic and adult material and links to websites for adults.

We recommend removal of this threat immediately.

This malware supposedly takes control of the settings of the user’s Web browser. It usually modifies the user’s search page, homepage and other default pages to lead the computer user to hijacker-owned websites. The money made by these hijackers is based on the frequency of visits made to their websites. They stand to make a profit from forcing the user in viewing their websites every time they open their browser.

The characteristics of this malware reportedly include the display of ads and the hijacking of the user’s Internet browser.

Incidentally, hijackers are specialized applications that hijack or take over the user’s browser homepage. They are among the most recognized and detested types of adware because the sites that become the user’s homepage are frequently profane and annoying. Resetting the homepage with the hijacker still in the computer system is next to impossible. In addition to this, since the hijackers are normally one of the many programs that a Trojan drops into the system, finding one in the users’ browser could mean that there are more spyware programs that are working in the background.

While a hijacking is taking place, your browser could behave normally but it could be slower. The ‘Clot Factor’ measures how much the parasite compromises the machine by its addition of registry entries, files, and directories. When more objects are placed in the computer system, manual removal becomes more error-prone and difficult.

The files for this malware are as follows:

• qabar.dll
• qcbar.dll

The next time you log on to your online banking Web site, take a moment to consider this: someone may be spying on you! Spyware programs take many forms including pop-up ad generators to keystroke loggers, known as “keyloggers.” Some spyware programs analyze your online searches so that they can then send you targeted advertisements while others secretly record everything that you type in hopes of discovering your financial secrets such as account numbers and passwords. Either way, eliminating and preventing spyware is essential.

How Spyware Programs Get on Your Computer

Spyware programs are installed without your knowledge, often after downloading seemingly useful programs. However, even if you do not download programs off of the Internet, spyware can infiltrate your system simply by visiting a malicious Web site! This type of invasion is known as a “driveby download.” Another way that spyware programs invade is through other spyware programs; a notorious type of spyware called a “downloading Trojan” opens a door and invites other spyware programs into your computer – all without your knowledge.

In addition to stealth infiltrations, some spyware arrives due to sheer trickery. For example, a popup window may appear on your screen telling you that your computer has a security problem and to “click here” to fix it. Don’t be fooled! If you click the popup window, even the red X for exiting, you will launch the malicious code. Instead, disconnect your computer from the Internet immediately and reboot your PC - all without clicking the popup warning in any way.

Spyware Side Effects

Not only does spyware collect personal and private information about you, it reports this information to a third party who may then distribute it elsewhere. While this is potentially disastrous to your identity and finances, it also wreaks havoc on your computer’s performance. Most computers infected with spyware have dozens of separate spyware programs running silently in the background. Imagine each of these programs taking up processor power and memory. Now imagine each of these nasty little programs using your Internet connection to upload data to a remote hacker or launch “denial of service” attacks on targeted Web sites or networks. Slow PC performance is often one of the first clues that you may have a spyware problem.

Eliminating Spyware

Eliminating spyware involves running an antispyware scan on your entire computer with a reputable computer security product. While some anti-virus programs also take care of spyware, not all do. Running plain anti-virus tools is not enough to protect your computer from these types of threats. Look for an antispyware program that is updated frequently with the latest defenses. Before you make your decision, research the company offering the product to be sure that it is reputable. Pay attention to the name of the product as many imposters name their malicious programs with names that sound remarkably similar to well known computer security products. For example, Windefender, a notorious malware program, is not the same thing as Microsoft’s Windows Defender, but their names do sound similar.

Preventing Spyware

Preventing spyware is preferable to finding it after the fact as a great deal of damage can occur between the initial infection and the scan. Look for real-time blocking and start practicing safe computing. Be careful what you download and be on the lookout for imposters.

The likely suspect: Spyware
One of the first tip offs that you might have accidentally downloaded Spyware onto your computer is that it no longer functions properly. In fact, if you didn’t know better, you’d think that your computer is having a mental breakdown or going crazy. A variety of symptoms might be showing up on your computer, but most of them will have the same cause- spyware.

How do you know if your computer is infected with spyware? Quite a few symptoms usually appear suggesting this is happening. Look through the list of symptoms here and see if any of them sound familiar to you. Your computer might be showing all of these problems or it might be showing just a few. Either way, spyware is likely the problem.

Slowing PC Performance
Your computer no longer has the quickness that it once had when completing simple tasks. In fact, some of the time your computer simply freezes up and plays dead on you. This happens all of the time, most of the time, or some of the time.

Your web browser suddenly looks different. A new search bar appears or the colors are different. You might even have noticed that using your web browser takes longer to generate new pages. In fact, you’ve probably begun to experience poor search results that turn up websites that really don’t offer you the information that you’re looking to find. Worse yet, your searches for legitimate websites are suddenly being redirected to suspicious looking ones.

Popups Abound
Strange pop ups are appearing randomly on your computer whenever you connect to the Internet. These pop ups might advertise software applications or they might even suggest that your computer is infected with dozens or hundreds of spyware infections. Some of these pop ups might look legitimate, but you have your doubts anyway.

Perhaps the computer is experiencing difficulty in booting up or shutting down. It’s acting like a recalcitrant child who doesn’t want to do what she should. In fact, this crazy machine is suddenly making weird noises as it functions.

The solution
If a computer is infected with spyware, it usually has one or more of the above symptoms along with a few that haven’t been mentioned. The best strategy that you can take here is to install a reputable anti-spyware/anti-virus application and run it to remove the any spyware/Trojans/malware that has infected your computer.

Almost everyone has a computer. Yet, many do not fully understand how they work or the consequences of improper usage. What’s more, they are not knowledgeable concerning threats that lurk on the Internet, malware being a crucial one.

The potential for severe computer damage

It is essential to understand what malware is, as it is a common reason for causing headache and damaging the operating system. To better understand, let’s take a look at what malware is and how it can affect your computer.

Malicious Intentions

Malware, a shorter term for malicious software, is software written specifically for malicious intent. The writer has it in mind that he wants to cause destruction for fun; hence, he writes a program to do just that. Malware can come in many forms. Some are programs that cause minor nuisances. Some can ruin your life, and others render your computer completely unusable. In the case of your computer becoming unusable, the only fix is to reformat the hard drive entirely. This means that everything will be wiped out. If you have not saved your files, they will be lost.

Malware can do all sorts of things to your computer and to you. One thing that it can do is cause programs to open by themselves when you never initiated the process. What’s more, it can cause unwanted files to be installed on your PC, namely porn.

Browser Hijacking

Something else that malware is also known to do is hijack your browser meaning that you’ll be taken to web pages at random you never intended to visit. For instance, you may be doing a search for something you are interested in: but, the results are not at all what you expect. Sometimes, some pretty offensive material can appear within search results. Your browser settings will be changed; your home page will be, as well.  when trying to set everything back to normal you’ll find that it is impossible, as all of the settings will continue to go back to the way the malware programmed it. Usually, in cases of a hijacked browser, reformatting the hard drive is the only fix.

Guard your Identity at all times on the Web

Malware can even cause your security to be compromised. Your identity could be stolen, as there are malware programs that are written to record every keystroke that you make enabling the writer of the program to have access to private information, such as social security numbers, credit cards,  and bank account information just to name a few. This is not all. They can even see every message you send in an email. They can read all of your conversations while chatting online. Basically, it is the equivalent to the secret police. You have no privacy

Slow Computer Performance

Malware has also been known to slow a computer to a craw, as well as cause it to act oddly. Random shut downs and reboots are examples of odd behavior. In order to fix these problems, the hard drive will need to be reformatted, as not much else will work.

If you are on your computer, and you notice the above mentioned, chances are you are infected. Get help right away, so you can have an enjoyable and safe computing experience.

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Overview

Just a few short years ago, an antivirus program was all that was needed for protecting computers from vicious attacks. Those days are gone. Today, computers are under constant attack from a variety of attacks including spyware, spam, phishing scams, hackers, worms, and more. In fact, even visiting a legitimate-looking Web site can lead to a driveby download. PC Tools Internet Security is an all-in-one security solution that protects computers from viruses, spyware, hackers, spammers, hackers, and more.

Features

• Integrated user interface - PC Tools Internet Security features an integrated user interface containing all of the bundled tools for easy access and seamless integration.
• Protection from viruses and spyware - This all-in-one security solution protects you from viruses, spyware, adware, malware, root kits, Trojans, keyloggers, dialers, worms, tracking cookies, and other threats.
• Real-time protection - Active, real-time protection stops threats before they can sneak into your computer and carry out their missions.
• E-mail and Web site guards - These guards protect against threats that arrive via e-mail or on malicious Web sites.
• Anti-spam - Tired of spam? Not only is spam annoying, it can also be dangerous. PC Tools Internet Security filters out the spam and protects you from phishing scams.
• Built-in firewall - The built-in firewall allows you to control how traffic flows in and out of your computer, protecting your computer from unauthorized access.
• Automatic updates - PC Tools Internet Security automatically updates itself with the latest protections and enhancements.

Benefits

Instead of managing multiple security applications, you only need to deal with one. In fact, once installed, your job is over for the most part. PC Tools Internet Security will automatically download the latest updates and periodically scan your system according to a preset schedule. With real-time blocking and Web site guards, you can surf the Internet fully protected from viruses and malware.

How it works

PC Tools offers a free, limited functionality, trial download so that you can try before you buy. As with most security suites, a yearly subscription is required. The base subscription covers three computers with additional licenses available for five, ten, or fifteen computers.

Recommendations

With so many threats coming at your computer including viruses, spyware, driveby downloads, keyloggers, root kits, and downloading Trojans, a single antivirus program isn’t sufficient. Instead, consider an Internet security Suite such as PC Tools Internet Security. Try Free!

PCtools Products

• Spyware Doctor - A standalone spyware prevention application
• Spyware Doctor with Antivirus - This product adds anti-virus protection
• PC Tools Antivirus - A standalone program that protects against computer viruses
• PC Tools Internet Security - An entire suite of tools to protect against online threats including viruses and spyware
• Registry Mechanic - A registry cleaner for cleaning, repairing, and optimizing the computer
• Privacy Guardian - Software that clears the computer of online histories, habits, and program activities
• PC Tools Disk Suite - A suite of tools for maintaining computers including data backups, disk partitioning, disk defragging, and disk optimization. 

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Do you have experience with PCtools products? Please share your comments below … 

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Overview

PC Tools Spyware Doctor offers both a cure and preventative medicine for treating one of the Internet’s nastiest infections: spyware.

Features

PC Tools Spyware Doctor is an anti-spyware application that has a loyal following thanks to its comprehensive spyware protections including:

• Malware protections - Spyware Doctor protects against notorious spyware and malware including adware, hijackers, keyloggers, ActiveX controls, tracking cookies, Trojans, dialers, and more.
• Real-time spyware protection - All of these protections take place in real time, thus blocking malicious programs from ever landing on your computer in the first place.
• Behavior-based threat detections - Spyware Doctor monitors behaviors in search of suspicious activities that may be malware. When detected, the Spyware Doctor kicks in and blocks potentially dangers applications.
• Protection from rootkits - Rootkits are defenseless against Spyware Doctor which is capable of detecting and removing hidden files and processes.
• Automatic updates - Updates are frequent and automatic, further ensuring complete protection from the latest threats.
• Fast cleanup for sluggish, heavily infected computers - Because heavily infected computers barely run, it’s often difficult and time-consuming to remove the threats using security tools. When used in Safe Mode, Spyware Doctor uses technology that forces your computer to prioritize its resources, moving them away from other applications and to the Spyware Doctor scan engine. This allows for faster detection and removal of threats.
• Hacker defense systems - For computers running Windows Vista, the hacker defenses of Spyware Doctor have been improved to take advantage of Vista’s Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) feature.

Benefits

Spyware is getting trickier and trickier as it attempts to overcome security defenses. Prevention through real-time protection is the best medicine and Spyware Doctor actively prevents malware infections. The other features further protect PCs and clean up existing spyware infestations. By actively protecting your PC and removing threats, your personal identity is better protected from fraud and identity theft while your computer performs as it was meant to run.

How it Works

PC Tools offers a free trial version with limited functionality. The full-featured version of Spyware Doctor covers three computers and requires a yearly subscription. Additional licenses are also available for protecting even more computers.

Recommendations

If you’re in the market for a standalone anti-spyware program, try Free Download version of Spyware Doctor and give it a test drive.

If you like Spyware Doctor, you can even add optional add-ons such as virus protection, e-mail protection, and browsing protection.

PCtools Products

• Spyware Doctor - A standalone spyware prevention application
• Spyware Doctor with Antivirus - This product adds anti-virus protection
• PC Tools Antivirus - A standalone program that protects against computer viruses
• PC Tools Internet Security - An entire suite of tools to protect against online threats including viruses and spyware
• Registry Mechanic - A registry cleaner for cleaning, repairing, and optimizing the computer
• Privacy Guardian - Software that clears the computer of online histories, habits, and program activities
• PC Tools Disk Suite - A suite of tools for maintaining computers including data backups, disk partitioning, disk defragging, and disk optimization. 

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Do you have experience with PCtools products? Please share your comments below … 

Unfortunately, the application that you thought was going to protect your computer from spyware is actually promoting it. PCAntiSpyware is not a legitimate anti-spyware application despite its attempts to claim that it is. Its removal directions are designed not to work since it is spyware.

What is the PCAntiSpyware program?

If the application that you are trying to uninstall is called “PC-anti-spyware” or PCAntiSpyware program, then you have inadvertently installed a rogue anti-spyware application that you should remove at once. Re-installing it would be a mistake as this application is a form of malware that takes advantage of security holes in your operating system to perform unsolicited functions on your computer such as allowing other forms of malware to enter your computer.

What is Rogue Anti-spyware?

Rogue Anti-spyware is a software application is the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing. It is actually a form of malware that attempts to trick computer users into thinking that their machine has numerous virus applications on their computer in order to convince them to purchase a full version of the rogue anti-spyware application.

Removing Rogue Anti-spyware

How you remove rogue anti-spyware is partly a matter of the operating system that you use and partly personal choice. Look through the following options and use the one that best meets your needs. It might be necessary to try more than one of these options in order to remove this application completely.

Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool

If the operating system on your computer is Windows XP or Windows 2000, you have the option to download Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove this particular form of malware as well as any others that exists on your computer.

Microsoft Windows Defender

If the operating system on your computer is Windows Vista, you have the opportunity to download Windows Defender to remove this malware application as well as any other forms of spyware that exist on your computer.

Install a Legitimate Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware Application

No matter what operating system you have installed on your computer, you can purchase a reliable and legitimate anti-spyware/anti-virus application to securely remove this particular form of rogue anti-spyware. ParetoLogic Anti-Virus Plus is one such application that I can recommend. You can find out more information on it at the following link: Anti-Virus Plus. Additionally, you can use it for a free trial run that will allow you to see whether or not the application will be able to remove the PCAntiSpyware program.

Remove PCAntiSpyware program in Safe Mode

If you boot up in safe mode and attempt to use the add/delete program utility, you might be able to delete it from your computer. However, the only way to know if this has worked is to reboot your computer and see if the application comes back or not. To boot up into safe mode, press the “F8″ key as soon as you turn the computer on.

Spyware has overtaken viruses as the greatest online threat to our privacy …

Fact: Almost all of us have Spyware and Adware on our PCs.

• Scan your PC for free with Spyware Doctor!
• We also recommend PCtools Security Suite 2009
• Need antivirus and antiSpyware? Try this combo

People often ask whether they should use both antivirus and antispyware software

The answer, in short, is: absolutely. Almost invariably, antispyware programs do not provide the same kind of adequate protection from viruses, malware, trojans and downloaders as antivirus programs do, and even worse, they provide a false sense of security that can lead users to develop bad browsing habits.

So what is the difference

Antispyware software is specifically designed to protect your personal information and keep your computer free from programs, plug-ins, toolbars and cookies that can record, store and transmit sensitive data about you and your browsing habits to a third party. These spyware programs aren’t technically viruses; they don’t infect your computer, hijack your internet connection or use your computer to spawn copies of themselves. Although these types of programs occasionally work alongside with, and are complementary to viruses, trying to treat an underlying virus infection with antispyware software is a lot like trying to treat a brain tumor with Tylenol.

Antivirus software, on the other hand, often doesn’t scan for security risks like cookies that record browser habits or dubious tracking programs that piggyback on legitimate installations. Antivirus programs specifically scan for a list of known viruses, trojans, and various other threats that are known to proliferate across the internet, and often scan for new, previously unknown viruses using a method of pattern analysis called heuristics.

Should you get a Security Suite?

Many makers of antivirus and antispyware software often bundle them together with a firewall and market the package as a full-blown (and somewhat expensive) “internet security suite.” Often this degree of protection is unnecessary, but that isn’t to say that antivirus and antispyware software shouldn’t be used together.

PCtools offers well rounded protection

I’ve been using PCtools solutions for several months now. One layer of protection (antivirus) keeps users safe from malicious programs that could potentially destroy the user’s system and infect friends’ computers, while the second layer of protection (antispyware) helps to secure users’ personal data - so they can sleep at night knowing that sensitive data like bank account, credit card and social security numbers aren’t getting into anyone else’s hands.

Direct Download links for Products mentioned in this article

PCtools Spyware Doctor
PCtools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus
PCtools Internet Security Suite 2009

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Spyware has overtaken viruses as the greatest online threat to our privacy …

Fact: Almost all of us have Spyware and Adware on our PCs.

• Scan your PC for free with Spyware Doctor!
• We also recommend PCtools Security Suite 2009

Spyware Definition

The definition of “spyware,” though, depends on who you’re talking to. Companies trying to convince you to purchase a pay-per-use version of their software will usually try to convince you that spyware is anything on your computer that records any kind of information about you at all - including relatively harmless information like cookies that allow a website to “remember you” when you login, like Yahoo or Hotmail.

Spyware comes in many forms

In reality, though, spyware is any program, script or piece of data that records harmful or sensitive information about you and transmits it to someone else. That could mean cookies in which your web browser stores sensitive data, browser helper objects (BHO’s) that load up with and integrate into Internet Explorer, or additional “optional” programs or toolbars that come bundled with commercial software and record data about your browsing habits. Spyware can run in the background, behind the scenes and without your knowledge, or it could sit right out in the open, like many of the “toolbars” installed by companies like Alexa.

Piggybacking and Rogue Antispyware

Spyware isn’t always installed behind your back. Most of the spyware installed on my friends’ computers came bundled with programs they’d already chosen to install, a technique called “piggybacking.” In its most nefarious form, spyware comes masquerading as antispyware, playing off of users’ fears in a modern reproduction of an ancient confidence scheme. Any good antispyware program will alert users to both hidden and user-installed spyware threats.

Those annoying Pop-up Ads

Many antispyware programs also protect against so-called “adware,” programs that hijack your internet browser and open irritating pop-up windows that serve advertisements to you, often pornographic in nature. More than just a mere irritation, these can pose a serious problem if they end up on your work computer. Antispyware programs often include adware protection in their services, and the line between spyware and adware is often blurry.

Most antispyware programs protect against the full range of spyware and adware, but fall short of full-on virus and trojan protection. Please check out the solutions offered by PCtools below, the suite protects you against all web-borne threats while Spyware Doctor really hones in on Spyware and Adware.

Direct Download links for Products mentioned in this article

PCtools Spyware Doctor
PCtools Internet Security Suite 2009

Feedback

Do you have experience with this product? Please share your thoughts or ask questions below …

The Good News and the Bad News

Well, there is good news and bad news… the bad news is there is a spyware program on your computer. The good news is, we can fix it. Spyware is a kind of malware - or malicious code - that runs a destructive program on your computer. The infection that you are describing that redirects your online activity might be trying to advertise products and, as you mentioned, might try to download additional unwanted programs to your computer. These might be more malware or they might be trial versions of unsolicited programs, in either case, you don’t want them on your system.

One important thing to be aware of is that, sometimes, just going to the website that the spyware redirects you to is enough for another malware program to be uploaded to your computer, so you should stop browsing online until you have gotten rid of the infection. There are some simple steps to take to clean your system and get it back in working order.

Steps to Take

Remove Recent Downloads

1. Remove any recent downloads. If you suspect that an application, attachment, program or email that you recently downloaded or opened on your computer could be the source of the problem, try to remove it now. To remove a program or application, open the Start Menu, select the Control Panel, and then choose Add or Remove Programs. Find the name of the file that you want to remove and remove the check from the box beside it. If this is the infected file, there is a chance that it is programmed to refuse removal - let’s check a few other options to remove it.

Scan your System

1. The next thing to do is run a full system virus scan. Before you do, try to visit the website of the manufacturer of your security suite and look for updates. Keeping your antivirus program up to date helps detect new malware programs that might get access to your computer. Now run the scan. If it finds the spyware, or any other infectious code, follow the steps it gives you to contain and remove it.

Consider Alternatives

1. If the virus scan doesn’t find or can’t remove the malware, lastly, you might want to consider, if you don’t already have one, installing a spyware/adware detection program like Xoftspy or Adaware. Both are very good at finding and helping you remove spyware and adware programs that other security programs might miss or not be able to deal with. Specifically developed to find and remove this type of program, anti-spyware and adware programs are the second step, after an antivirus program, in keeping your computer safe online.

Use Caution

1. As always, be careful about what you open and allow to access your computer. Don’t open suspicious or unknown attachments or programs and don’t open links to websites from unknown email sources.

Dealing with a spyware program is important because it might be running additional instructions in the background. While the only problem you see right now is annoying redirection, it might also be gathering your personal information from your computer and making you vulnerable to identification or credit theft. It is important that you keep these programs off your computer, and with the right security software it should be painless.