Viewpoint Toolbar v2.0 -
searching the internet with big brother watchingI thought that this toolbar looked really
cool and thought I'd give it a try. While preparing to install it I was
stopped dead in my tracks by this message in the EULA (end user license
agreement).
the Viewpoint Toolbar sends a
request to Viewpoint’s servers or the servers of Viewpoint’s licensors.
This request includes the keyword query, time of day, browser type,
default language setting, IP address, an anonymous unique ID, and a code
which identifies the distribution source of the Viewpoint Toolbar used by
you to conduct your search. We use this information in order to
properly process your search request.
By most definitions, this is spyware. I'm not
saying it's bad. I'm just saying it spies on you and I don't want anyone
tracking my visits around the web. So this is one toolbar that ends up in
the toilet as far as I'm concerned.
The Viewpoint Toolbar 2.0.0.35 features graphically enhanced search
technology and makes searching the Internet more fun, visual, and
productive. With substantially improved speed and performance, this
application also is packed with new features. You can now receive
real-time thumbnail previews and text in the results tray, block annoying
pop-ups with advanced Pop-Up Slammer technology, share favorite visual
bookmarks with friends, and personalize the look and feel with skins. You
also can highlight and right-click to search directly from the Web page,
get comparative results when searching with other providers, and enjoy
image and multi-media search. You'll always receive accurate and relevant
results provided by Yahoo search. The Viewpoint Toolbar is free and
installs easily.