ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker Toolbar

The ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker Toolbar, powered by ASK, is a web-browser add-on that may appear as an additional bar added to the browser's window and/or menu. It is commonly included, sometimes without notice, during the installation of other software. The Ask Toolbar and other applications are increasingly being packaged with programs, particularly freeware. It is often installed during the setup of a program, and the option to uncheck the Ask Toolbar is easily overlooked. Ask.com has formed partnerships with certain software security vendors and is compensated to distribute the toolbar alongside their software. When using the Toolbar to submit a query, the Toolbar sends this information to Ask servers, which is used to process web search requests and deliver search results pages. During installation, the user may be given the option to modify the home and search pages, although this is often pre-checked and missed. If the software is removed from the user's computer, the settings will need to be manually restored.