We have drifted slightly away from my original question.
I have software in place which alerts me when these things try to install themselves (and I'm talking about the ones from known companies, not the trojan horses and viruses).
I can block their installation.
I can remove, either through standard installers, by Scottie the Win Patrol guard dog, by that Tools option JiK has just mentioned (One I wasn't aware of until he told me where to look), or by other means.
What I am wanting to find out is Are Any Of Them Worth Having? or should I just block the lot?
SRS likes the Google Toolbar because it gives easy access to certain functions. Are they ones which cannot be accessed by other means, or does it just link directly without messing about?
Are the different toolbars all trying to offer the same services (Anti-pop-ups etc.), but with their own name on it rather than a competitor's company.
Is their motivation more sinister - reporting your web habits back to a data collection point?
Does anyone here actually know?
I'm not particularly paranoid, but that doesn't mean that they arent out to get me...
Quack!
GtD.