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Resolved browser choice!

Discussion in 'General Internet' started by ianamal, 2012/07/27.

  1. 2012/07/27
    ianamal

    ianamal Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hello everyone!

    I like the Opera browser best of all, before I used Google Chrome and liked the older version best.

    Opera is like the older version of Chrome and has a built in pop up blocker as well!
    I was getting fed up of Chrome constantly changing my search engine parameters without my consent, from Google to searchqu or mainly Babylon!

    Has any one else noticed this problem?

    I also seem to get far fewer cookies using Opera and I am not happy with Google's recent changes to their privacy policy.

    Most people I have spoken with have never heard of this browser and doesn't seem very popular in the UK, although may have become more noticeable since farcebook have been interested in it's purchase!

    Your thoughts please, are any of you using this browser?

    Regards Ian.
     
    ianamal,
    #1
  2. 2012/07/27
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Steve R Jones,
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  4. 2012/07/27
    ianamal

    ianamal Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks I've already had a quick look but can't vote anymore!

    With recent events in the Russian 24 hour hackfest targeting Opera and getting nowhere and the recent security issues with Chrome and others I thought It might change some peoples choice of browser.

    Sorry I'm just a fan of Opera and actively try and get friends family to change over to it!

    I also needed a reason to post to introduce myself and I have no problems with my three systems so a poor post but It's done now!

    Thanks again, regards Ian.
     
    ianamal,
    #3
  5. 2012/07/27
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    SpywareDr,
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    ianamal likes this.
  6. 2012/07/27
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Chrome DOES NOT ever change you search preferences. Your search engine preferences change because your computer is infected with adware and/or malware.

    For example, Babylon is a intrusive toolbar application bundled with other tracking software and oft times malware.

    Searchqu is a browser hijacker and definitely unwanted.

    I suggest you start a thread in the Removing Malware forum.
     
    TonyT,
    #5
  7. 2012/07/28
    ianamal

    ianamal Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks Tony I had come to the same conclusion, sort of!
    But with anti malware and anti virus installed why does it happen when using Chrome?

    I've been on the same sites and downloaded programs to try and Opera doesn't ever get infected with anything to change it's settings!

    Chrome has recently had twenty security issues fixed and my settings had been changed without downloading anything so it must be Chrome!

    It is annoying though when you forget to uncheck a box and get something you didn't want, have you noticed how many sites are pushing Chrome?

    People don't say "I'm going to look for something on the internet" anymore they say "I'm going to google it ", IMO google are getting to big for their boots.

    So what do you think of Opera, have you tried it?
     
    ianamal,
    #6
  8. 2012/07/28
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Because your Chrome preferences/under-the-hood settings probably allow changes to be made.

    Not all anti-virus apps prevent browser hijackers, because hijackers exploit vulnerabilities in either Windows itself, browsers or other software like the java plugin or javascript.

    Opera can be hijacked just like other browsers, but a site you visited that ran malicious code was probably targeting Chrome specifically.

    I have tried Opera in the past, I don't like it at all. I use Firefox.

    I find nothing wrong with Google expanding its market share, such is the nature of business. Expansion is good. There's a social insanity/irrationality that permeates society which states "smaller is better ". It comes from peoples' past experiences with businesses that failed to grow in responsibility as their businesses grew in size. Google maintains their responsibility by releasing fixes to their browser as fast as possible and distributing them via its auto-update system.

    Did you start a thread in the Malware forum?
     
    TonyT,
    #7
  9. 2012/07/28
    ianamal

    ianamal Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    No I just wanted to see if anyone else is fed up with chrome and their general attitude to business, like being investigated over slurping unprotected wi-fi data whilst on their street view campaign!

    If I get any idea something is on my system snooping, no matter what I am doing waits until It's been cleaned and I erase history and scan daily so they won't get much from me.

    I do like firefox as well but settled for opera because of the speed dial, I like to have a visual tab of my fav url's and it's not had any issues with security.

    Thanks for the input, regards Ian.
     
    ianamal,
    #8
  10. 2012/07/28
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    They don't care if you delete history and stuff daily. They get what they want immediatly when you do it. That is if you are infected with something. My suggestion would to be go to the Malware section on here and do what is asked. Broni will tell you if you are clean or not and if not, he will get you clean as a new whistle.

    PS
    Welcome to the boards. Enjoy your stay.
     
    MrBill,
    #9
  11. 2012/07/28
    ianamal

    ianamal Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks for the advice, my machines clean, boot scan etc no probs at all.
    Raised the point as Google are under the microscope with the Information Commissioner's Office.
    I've not used their browser for a long time, they just seem to me to be getting sticky fingers with peoples data/info etc!
     
    ianamal,
    #10
  12. 2012/07/28
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Your choice.
     
    MrBill,
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  13. 2012/07/29
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    FYI:

    If this still occurs, Babylon or Searchqu, you are still infected. Also, anti-virus and anti-malware won't remove all of the core files of those 2 malware programs, they still exist in various system directories on your computer.
     
    TonyT,
    #12
  14. 2012/07/29
    ianamal

    ianamal Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi thanks for the concern, tried your advice with and checked main PC second PC and laptop all OK YIPPEE!

    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Trial) 1.62.0.1300
    www.malwarebytes.org

    Database version: v2012.07.29.02

    Windows 7 Service Pack 1 x64 NTFS
    Internet Explorer 9.0.8112.16421
    lappy :: LAPPY-PC [administrator]

    Protection: Enabled

    29/07/2012 08:29:52
    mbam-log-2012-07-29 (08-29-52).txt

    Scan type: Quick scan
    Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
    Scan options disabled: P2P
    Objects scanned: 190391
    Time elapsed: 3 minute(s), 7 second(s)

    Memory Processes Detected: 0
    (No malicious items detected)

    Memory Modules Detected: 0
    (No malicious items detected)

    Registry Keys Detected: 0
    (No malicious items detected)

    Registry Values Detected: 0
    (No malicious items detected)

    Registry Data Items Detected: 0
    (No malicious items detected)

    Folders Detected: 0
    (No malicious items detected)

    Files Detected: 0
    (No malicious items detected)

    (end)

    I was just hoping for some damming evidence to change my cousins mind and to use another browser when I opened this thread, Thanks again.
     
    ianamal,
    #13
  15. 2012/07/29
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Careful what you wish for. If everyone only liked exactly what you do, we’d all be after your woman. :eek:

    :)
     
    SpywareDr,
    #14
    ianamal likes this.
  16. 2012/07/30
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Do a Search on the computer for Babylon and you'll find many folders and files leftover from its uninstall. (it is listed in add-remove programs along with its bundled adware)
     
    TonyT,
    #15
  17. 2012/07/30
    ianamal

    ianamal Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    The only file search brought up about Babylon was the doc file I wrote my draft in!

    So I think I'm clear, I did the original uninstall with advanced system care 5 and used the powerful scan option to remove traces in the registry.

    Thanks again Ian.
     
    ianamal,
    #16
  18. 2012/08/01
    flyboy1565

    flyboy1565 Inactive

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    as broni says be very careful with registry cleaning programs. Also i recommend having him run through your system logs. He's great at what he does and it only take some time to run the logs for peace of mind.

    And just word of warning again be careful with registry cleaners.
     
    flyboy1565,
    #17
  19. 2012/08/01
    ianamal

    ianamal Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I keep my systems cleaned up, defragged and optimised and reboot between stages.

    My HP and Dell machine are on new HD's and have never had chrome installed on them and have AV AM software all up to date.

    My laptop is clean as well, fully checked and working perfectly.

    Considering the amount of hooks some programs put into the registry a clean up is something that can't be avoided and have never had any problem from there use.

    I thank you for your concern and advice, you didn't say what browser you use and what you think of google or chrome.

    Regards Ian.
     
    ianamal,
    #18

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