It seems that everything I install on my computer these days wants to install a "Helper" Toolbar in Internet explorer. Google, Yahoo, my Epson printer, Old Uncle Tom Cobbleigh and All-bar.

If I let them all do so, I would have a screen full of toolbars and a visible browser window the size and shape of a small arrow slit to view the virtual world through.

My general attitude if "someone" (that is, software auto installers) say "I am going to install this thing you haven't actually asked for", would be "Oh no, you're bloody well not!".

Do any of you have opinions or useful information on different ones?
Some claim to defend you against problems, but do they do anything which isn't already done better by standalone programmes you have greater control over?

Are any of them ACTUALLY worth having, or do they just slow your computer down with even more bloat?
Are there any to be specifically avoided? Nasty bits of work masquerading as good guys (Yes I know Ad-Aware and Spybot will teke some of them out).

What are your thoughts?
Quack!
Geoff.