Even with the window maximized, it should never cover the status bar at the bottom of the Windows screen. It is possible, however, to drag the status bar off the bottom of the screen. This is sometimes handy if you really, really, really need all the screen space you can get.

If you don't have the bar with the "Start" button on it, at the bottom of the screen, just run your mouse down to the bottom until you get the "double arrow" cursor. Click, and drag up, and it should bring the status bar (or call it the Start bar, if you like) into view. The Start button should be on the left, with your "quick-start" tray of shortcuts next to it on the left. There should be a short bar of what we used to call your "TSR" programs on the right.

In the middle of the bar, you should have a button for each Window that is running. When you right-click on one of the buttons, you get the options to resize or move the top window (the one that's displayed) or to close it.

In most versions of Windows, you can drag the status bar to either side, or to the top of the Screen. If you happen to have put it somewhere else, you'll have to go to the edge where it was when it got pushed off.

This is a Windows feature, and doesn't depend on what browser you're using - but you do have to be using Windows.

Given the stated nature of LookPortal, it's unlikely that anti-spyware, or even firewall software, will have much beneficial effect. If you initiate a search while you are connected to a site that has signed up to LookPortal you have, in effect, voluntarily opened the LookPortal link. The fact that the site tricked you into doing it isn't considered (by your computer) to be unethical, immoral, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. It will likely make the connection that you requested - no matter that it was done inadvertently.

If you put the LookPortal site in your "block list," it should at least question you about whether to override, but that does depend on what level of security you have set (at least in IE). It's also likely that the search engine is initiated "second-hand" (by alias) and may be accessible via more than one site link, so you may have to block several sites to stop it.

The most effective counter would be to identify the site that's signed up for this "service" and is giving you the "blown" link; and inform the site manager that you will cease visiting his site, and will inform your friends to do likewise, if he/she doesn't get it fixed or get rid of it.

Then let us all know who's responsible, so we won't go there.

John