Is Yahoo hijacking browsers?

[Lyte]

Ya know, this doesn't seem to be that big of a deal to me. Heck, what software, internet, browser company ISN'T trying to sneak their way onto your computer! Am I bieng too harsh? Am I the only one saying, "Well duh!"

Is Yahoo hijacking browsers?
By Steve Ragan From Monsters and Critics.com
Jan 17, 2007, 19:05 GMT

Several articles on Slashdot and other websites are reporting that, in an attempt to gain more of a foothold on browser searching, Yahoo is employing some shady tactics.

One way for a search engine to gain a popular place among internet users, is to become the default search tool of choice in the browser. You see this in the upper right portion of the browser in both Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Being the default search engine builds brand loyalty and can return millions in advertising revenue for the company who gets the most searches and the most results. The fight for default search on browsers is well known. Google threatened a lawsuit when Microsoft made its MSN Live the default search in Internet Explorer 7. Google has also signed deals with Firefox and Opera, successfully beating out the competition, as most people often do not change the default settings.

Yahoo is taking a different approach. When you install or download a Yahoo program you are given the option to include several ‘features’ things like a tool bar for internet explorer, links added to your desktop, your bookmarks to other Yahoo portals and services. Some users are complaining that even after opting out of these extras, Yahoo changed their default searching function.

The new software for ‘Y! Messenger’, Yahoo’s own instant messenger program, comes with and ‘auto update function’ using this will allow Yahoo to alter your browser. You are told this in the fine print when you install the program, but as one comment on TechDirt put it, “*looks for the "yes, I agree" box*” often no one notices until it’s too late. Many people are aware that by adding a new Yahoo services, they will be adding features and programs to their computers, but seldom do they realize they will be inundated with programs and updates that they have no particular interest in obtaining. Browsing the comments on TechDirt one can see other examples.

“Yes, I was baited with this Yahoo thing late one night while not thinking clearly! I thought I was downloading an upgrade to Windows. Next thing I knew my whole page had changed, with Yahoo crap everywhere...it eliminated my Favorites, something I use continually. Thankfully my son was able to get rid of it. It was very annoying.” - Megan White.

User Chaos reports, “Few weeks ago I downloaded the most recent YIM install and unchecked everything extra and still got [Internet Explorer] loaded down with Yahoo crap and links to games I'll never play dropped everywhere.”

While brand loyalty is how smart business is done, isolating your customers and forcing them to remain loyal is the fastest way to lose them. It is interesting to note that most ‘bloat ware,’ or applications that install other things aside from the intended program usually focuses on Internet Explorer users. This is mainly due to the large market share Internet Explorer commands on the internet.

However, its users are quickly moving to other browsing solutions. Firefox and Opera are fast becoming the browser of choice, and often these ‘extras’ don’t work or will not install on them.

[dr911]

Hey Lye & others,

This is 1 of many reasons I don't "down-load" too many programs,unless I check them out very carefully. I can get just about any program I want from friend, co-workers, etc. (only on a CD and or disk.

As for "Yahoo".....I "had" their IM a while back, my PC started to act funny.....got rid of it completely. Fully of litle bites of "spy-ware". If people want to get a hold of me.......e-mail !!!

Interesting artical though. Google is set as my "home-page". Yahoo can yahoo off !!!

[crafterz]

I use HJT to remove anything yahoo or aol or google put on my computer, i even get rid of toolbars and button that way. Even if yahoo changes it, ill just change it back :P