Browser homepage hijacks and surprise toolbars are the result of bot software.  An automatic sort of malware whose job is to seek out vulnerable browsers and secretly download in the background, while the user works as usual.  Often referred to as Spyware or AdWare, depending on the action they take against your computer.  These are closely related to Worms and Trojans and becoming more sophisticated.  

These programs download and install without your knowledge and reset your preferences without your permission.  


A Few Symptoms You May Experience:

Nothing out of the ordinary happening
Redirecting to a search page with every site typed into address bar
Multiple pop up advertisements (speedy & difficult to close)
Program dialog box popping up from task bar (Windows Users...bottom right corner near clock)


Here are a few links to more detailed information on these tacky programs & helpful tips too:

Security Tips from PC World Magazine - http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,117425,00.asp

Alarm Growing Over Bot Software at ZDNet.com - http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105_2-5202236.html

Microsoft's PC Protection Site - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

Symantec Site (Makers of Norton Software Products) - http://www.symantec.com/

10 Commandments of PC Security at PCWorld - http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,113175,00.asp


Want more?  Google: Adware, Spyware, bot software,  & malware
(funny how Google can be used as a verb now, isn't it)


There are many Freeware programs that help protect against these naughty bugs. Here are two to start with...

Spybot S&D http://www.spybot.info
AdAware http://www.lavasoft.de


Got any to add to the list?   What works for you?

I too use SpyBot S&D and Adaware.
I also use these:
SpywareBlaster, which is free, and it prevents most spyware from installing in the first place.

HijackThis, which is free. This is a tool that lists all installed browser add-on, buttons, startup items and allows you to inspect, and optionally remove selected items. However, unless you know what you're doing, it's best to post the log, and let someone with experience look at it, and tell you the entries to delete.

Spy Sweeper Cost 29.95. It scans your system, and it offers prevention features that will keep spyware out of your computer. A review of this software can be found

here.

Also setting these programs up correctly is vital, and I would recommend visiting DR. Tweak's guide to setting up each of these programs correctly.  

Yeah, there's plenty of places to get help, this forum being one of them. If you have a log you need someone to look at, post it here or pm me, and I'll be glad to help you get rid of any crud you may have.

It's usually Mr. Brother, but to you, brother is fine.  

That sounds like redirection. One way to get out of that is to click on the arrow next to the Back button to see the list of pages you have been to and select the one you want to return to.

my favourite keyboard buttons do it for me (alt + F4), they close almost every window i've tried them on

Having many years' expreience in this stuff, I am now using F-Secure Internet Suite, which believe to be the best protection, apart from using an OS more decent than Windows.

 
Hmmm ... I seem to have posted to the wrong spot. Please disreguard. Levelebst