Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Ask Social Toolbar?

Developed by APN LLC, the Ask Social Toolbar is a browser add-on claiming to enhance Internet users' browsing experience by adding quick links to social networks, for example Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. This browser toolbar is developed by a legitimate company (a question answering-focussed web search engine) and is not a virus or malware.

The downside of using this browser add-on, however, is that it modifies Internet browser settings - changing the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to search.ask.com Note that in most cases, users can opt-out of these modifications during the installation phase of this toolbar.

Many users, however, do not pay close enough attention to the installation steps, thus resulting in unwanted changes being made to their Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox). Computer users should be aware of a popular and deceptive software distribution method called 'bundling'.

What is Aducky?

Aducky is an advertising network responsible for creating the AdDucky Pops add-on. This app causes unwanted ads, which appear when browsing the Internet. Furthermore, Aducky ads can be implemented by various software developers to monetize their free applications or browser plug-ins.

The developers of this browser plug-in employ a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', thus, most computer users install this browser add-on inadvertently without their consent. After successful infiltration, Aducky generates intrusive banner, interstitial, full-screen, and text link ads.

Furthermore, this add-on tracks users' Internet browsing activity by recording IP addresses, browser types, Internet service provider, web pages visited, and other information.

What is DiscountCow?

Developed by Smart Apps (Innovative Apps), the DiscountCow browser add-on claims to enhance users' Internet browsing experience by enabling comparison shopping and displaying special offers when users visit online shopping websites.

While such functionality may seem legitimate, be aware that the DiscountCow add-on is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application. Developers of this browser plug-in use a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', thus, many users install this browser add-on inadvertently without their consent.

After successful infiltration, DiscountCow generates intrusive online advertisements by converting words on pages viewed into hyperlinks that link to advertisements.

Furthermore, the add-on continually displays banner, shopping comparison, in-text transitional, and in-text link advertisements. Clicking these ads can lead to installation of additional adware or even malware infections.

What is Wallpaper Changer?

Created by a company called Digital Distribution, the Wallpaper Changer app claims to display Facebook or Twitter photos on the user's desktop.

While some users may find this functionality useful, the Wallpaper Changer application is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application since it infiltrates computers via a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling'. Computer users often install Wallpaper Changer inadvertently without their consent when downloading free software.

What is Yawtix?

Developed by SuperWeb LLC, the Yawtix rogue browser plug-in claims to improve the quality of users' Internet browsing experience by enabling coupons, comparison shopping, and adding other useful functionality. Although this may seem a legitimate browser extension, be aware that Yawtix is categorized as a potentially unwanted application or adware.

The plug-in employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of additional applications together with the chosen software) to install on Internet browsers without users' permission.

Following successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, Yawtix tracks users' Internet browsing activity by recording various software and hardware information, which may be personally identifiable, for example, URLs visited, search queries entered, pages viewed, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, unique identifier numbers and other similar details. This behavior may lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

What is GeniusCoupon?

Compatible with Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, the GeniusCoupon browser add-on displays various coupon and deals advertisements when users visit online shopping websites. While this added functionality (and potential to save money when shopping online) may seem legitimate, in fact, GeniusCoupon is categorized as adware.

Creators of this browser extension 'bundle' it together with free software, and therefore, most Internet users feel that GeniusCoupon was installed on their computers without consent.

What is ShoppingAdd-On?

Compatible with Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, the ShoppingAdd-On browser add-on displays various coupon and deals advertisements when users visit online shopping websites. While this added functionality (and potential to save money when shopping online) may seem legitimate, in fact, ShoppingAdd-On is categorized as adware.

Creators of this browser extension 'bundle' it together with free software, and therefore, most Internet users feel that ShoppingAdd-On was installed on their computers without consent.

What is Savings Hen?

Developed by Smart Apps, the Savings Hen browser add-on claims to enhance users' Internet browsing experience by enabling comparison shopping and displaying special offers when users visit online shopping websites. While such functionality may seem legitimate, be aware that the Savings Hen add-on is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application.

Developers of this browser plug-in use a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', thus, many users install this browser add-on inadvertently without their consent. After successful infiltration, Savings Hen generates intrusive online advertisements by converting words on pages viewed into hyperlinks that link to advertisements.

Furthermore, the add-on continually displays banner, shopping comparison, in-text transitional, and in-text link advertisements. Clicking these ads can lead to installation of additional adware or even malware infections.

What is SavePass?

Created by a company called OutBrowse (Pinwid), SavePass is a potentially unwanted application, which installs on users' Internet browsers (Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox) together with free software downloaded from the Internet.

Developers of this browser add-on claim that SavePass can help to save time and money while shopping online by displaying discounts and coupons. In fact, this add-on is categorized as a potentially unwanted application since it installs on Internet browsers without users' consent and generates intrusive ads.

Following SavePass installation, computer users continually observe various banners and coupon ads whilst browsing the Internet.

What is MarkKit?

Created by Revizer Technologies Ltd, the MarkKit browser plug-in claims to make Internet browsing more productive by integrating quick sharing and search functions of any highlighted text. While this added functionality may seem legitimate, MarkKit is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application.

Developers of this add-on employ a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', and therefore, computer users often install this plug-in inadvertently without their consent when downloading free software.