1) Instead of allowing the user to choose to install it, the default is that you are agreeing to installation: I was aware of the options the last time I updated Bittorrent and very carefully unchecked all of the boxes. I don’t want my browser (and browsing) bogged down by toolbar add-ons, let alone additional toolbars. But Of COURSE I wanted to finish my update (or finish installation), however by clicking this button I inadvertently agreed to install the toolbar.

2) Deceptive installation/Deceptive links: This button did not even offer a hint that by clicking it I was installing the toolbar, nor was there a check-box on this window allowing me to opt out. I didn’t even know about hovering over it to reveal the hidden menu until I came to this forum! That’s ridiculous! You cannot blame careless users in this case, it was clearly meant to be deceptive.

3) Installation is using the very same tactics utilized by viruses and malware so OF COURSE people are jumping to the conclusion that it is a virus or dangerous malware infecting their computers and going into panic mode. People have a right to be angry over this! It should not be that hard to opt out–and if they are being that sneaky, if it’s installed like a virus, if it acts like malware, AND it bogs down your browsing,…it really makes you wonder DESPITE reassurances.

4) Removal instructions are hidden: To top it off, uninstalling the thing is really annoying and depends on the type of browser you are using BUT the information for uninstalling it is very hard to find–the forums don’t even have a search option (but that is a complaint not specific to this issue). Again, acting like mal-ware or a virus.

5) It’s another d*#^$ toolbar. AND plugin: I–as well as most people, do want to support our software developers, but this business of automatically adding toolbars and adware onto our browsers is a big problem. They restrict our viewing (especially with the new aspect ratios) and can slow browsers to a creep–which is not of any benefit to the user (or the software provider–it IS after all, a SEARCH bar).

6) Changes Home page: Seriously? Why? At least this checkbox is easy to see.

7) INFORMED choice: I have to say that the few ad pop-ups I saw (from the adware) weren’t terribly intrusive and were easy to dismiss. If I’d had an actual choice, perhaps I’d have chosen to install it. Show us how the adware would look and work: web shots for example. Provide settings and other options for the user (options like how often the ads appear, size, flash on or off, blocked ads, interests, etc.). Ads aren’t all bad and can be helpful to the viewer (but consider your target consumer here, we tend to prefer anonymity). I understand that the software developers need to earn revenue, but the users need to be in control of how those ads are presented, and that control can certainly extend beyond all or none.

Conclusion:DON’T ACT like MALWARE. If the software developers just changed HOW the stupid toolbar is installed that would go a long way in soothing ruffled feathers–allowing people to opt in rather than forcing them to opt out. Provide information regarding what they are installing. No pressure. Definitely make it easier to uninstall–like including the information on the toolbar under “help”, or installing it so the Windows programs “uninstall” wizard works. Better yet, find another option that doesn’t affect our browsing ability. This toolbar is very invasive in more ways than one.

To the moron who says you need to read before clicking Next, it is not the install process, you are tricked into downloading the shit you do not want.