[dmh3]

When using Google Search, it was apparent that targeted ads were appearing on my screen. I then noticed that my geolocation appears on the left side side of the search page. When I select "Change location," then select "Auto-detected," a subsequent info page tells me that "My location is off by default" and that "the Location icon on the Google Toolbar can be used to turn off "My Location."

Geolocation is NOT off by default, because I never turned it on!

I never installed Google Toolbar (and never will); how can I otherwise turn Geolocation off?

I have contacted Google Support and the only response I received was apparently computer-generated with non-relevant links to my request for help.

I read the editorial by Steve Fox in the PCW August issue with great interest. I am also grateful to PCW to have discovered (and have installed) Do Not Track Plus by Albine.com.

This post has been edited by dmh3: 21 July 2012 - 08:33 PM

[Flashorn]

Hey dmh3 !

Which browser do you use? If it's Google Chrome, there should be a setting for that. Have you tried the "Private Browsing" setting?
This might be the setting that helps you the most. You could also install the add-on AddBlockPlus for Chrome here : http://adblockplus.org/en/chrome/
IF you use Firefox then we do have a Private Browsing setting which you can alter at will
but, have you also installed "AddBlockPlus" This will eliminate all adds from Google search and from web sites.
Get it here : http://adblockplus.org/en/

As for that Google Tool Bar, go to Add/Remove (XP) or Programs and Feature (Vista & 7) to uninstall this pest.
Run CCleaner on it's default settings to get rid of the rest of those temp files that might still contain some
personal info and cookies. Piriform.com

Make sure Google Tool Bar is still not in the Startup folder where, it will boot with Windows.


FLASHORN.

[dmh3]

Thanks, FLASHORN

The browser I have been using is IE9. Due to my current opinion of Google, I don't anticipate using Chrome any more than I would their toolbar.

My IronKey memory sticks with hardware encryption each have an embedded version of Firefox, which I do occasionally use and, upon checking, have discovered geolocation to be lacking (!).

I will check on AddBlockPlus. Thanks.

I use Webroot SecureAnywhere System Cleaner for cleaning out temp file junk.

A check via Windows Control Panel to "Programs/Uninstall a program" and via Revo Uninstaller Pro indicates the Google Toolbar is non-existent on my computer.

A recheck of the Startup folder shows that only Secunia PSI is present.

Most likely, I'll simply replace Google searches with Bing.

dmh3

[Flashorn]

Hey dmh3 !

When I use IE9 (which is rare) I have been using Simple AdBlock for the last three years. I started using it when it was completely free
but now, the free version will only block 200 adds a day (which is not allot).
The paid version well, I'll let you decide. I thought it might be worth taking a look at :

http://simple-adbloc...m/downloadpage/

Download Simple Adblock

BTW, Welcome to PCWorld Community!

My manners went out the window with this post, sorry.


FLASHORN

This post has been edited by Flashorn: 22 July 2012 - 09:05 AM

[dmh3]

Hi FLASHORN,

Your suggestion for using Adblock (for IE) would seem to be my best bet. Thanks for the info and your kind welcome. I've been a reader/subscriber to PCW since the late '90s, but have not used PCWorld Community until now.

Thanks & regards, dmh3

[Flashorn]

Hey dmh3 !


OK, don't want to bore you with all kinds of hacks but, you might just want to try this little
trick bfeore you install or buy another adblocker :


http://www.learnwith...block-plus.html


I just tried it after the Free Simple AdBlock kicked out (remember, 200 ads) and it seems to work.

I only used IE9 this time to see if it works. Maybe I can help someone else with it.


Feedback if it works for you.



FLASHORN.

[dmh3]

Hi FLASHORN,

I don't want to get too bogged down with what should have been a simple issue to deal with directly, if it weren't for Google's lack of help and apparent sleaziness for misleading users.

I don't mind a one-time payment of a few bucks for solid security software and your Adblock Pro appears to be the ticket (plus I'll now be using Bing).

Many thanks, dmh3

This post has been edited by dmh3: 22 July 2012 - 02:51 PM