Surf
Anonymously - When you visit a webpage, any
webpage, the computer where that page resides (its' "server")
can log several pieces of information about you, including
YOUR computer's IP address, the host computer and its'
location, what browser you're using and other information.
An unscrupulous user, or even a hacker, could use that
information to invade your privacy and, in some instances,
even "backtrack" to your machine. The only way
to prevent this data acquisition is to not let it ever
originate by surfing via an "anonymous" remote
server specifically designed so that your personal identifying
info is never transmitted in the first place. If you're
visiting a familiar site or a trusted merchant you should
surf normally. But if you sometimes go off "exploring,"
remaining anonymous gives you another layer of "just
in case" protection. As a rule of thumb, if you're
unsure or uncomfortable before visiting a site, you can
make your first contact anonymous. Once you're comfortable
with their intentions, future visits can be made normally.
Online
Virus Scan - "But, I already have an anti-virus
program on my computer," you say? Congratulations
and good for you! Everyone should have virus
protection installed on their system but, of course, not
everyone does. Even if you do, no anti-virus program is
always 100% accurate and effective. Each program has small
things it can miss. Each can give "false positives."
The database of the program on your machine has to be
regularly updated to catch the newest threats, sometimes
even as often as multiple times in a single day. And it's
even possible for the anti-virus program on your machine
to be "disabled" by some viruses or, worse still,
to become infected itself. For all these reasons and more,
getting a "second opionion" occassionally is
a good idea. Here you'll find access to free "remote"
(online) virus checking that might spot something your
"in-house" program missed. Plus, because it
"lives" on a server at an company that specializes
in virus protection, the database being used will always
be up-to-date and clean.
Online
Spyware Scan - Spyware is different than viruses.
Fewer people have anti-spyware programs installed at home
than have anti-virus programs. For all the same reasons
outlined above in refernce to virsuses, running a remote
spyware checking program, even if you have your own, can
be helpful.
Online
Trojan Scan - Although much closer to viruses
than spyware is, trojans are still their own unique breed
of malicious program. Even if your local protection measures
include trojan hunting, running a remotely-hosted checker
that specializes in recognizing trojans won't hurt.
Clear
Cookies / Clear Cache /
Clear Search History / Clear IE History
/ Clear Recent Docs /
Clear Temp Files / Empty Recycle Bin
- As you surf the Web, various files are downloaded and
stored on your machine's hard drive. Everything from graphics
and audio files to a history of recently viewed Web page
addresses (even complete copies of many pages) and identification
"cookies" and more find their way onto your
computer's drive. All those files take up valuable space
on your machine. If the address of a page changes, files
that have previously been downloaded can sometimes interfere
with future access. And, from a privacy standpoint, all
those bits and pieces make it possible for someone with
access to your computer to retrace your steps and even
recreate your activities. To help you maintain your privacy,
your BargainBar gives you one-click access to periodically
erase your tracks and clear out the junk.
The very first thing you'll see on your toolbar is the BargainBar
Logo. Clicking
it opens a sub-menu of general BargainBar items:
Beside the logo you'll see a Bag of Money.
It's your access to one of the most popular features for BargainBar
users; Clicking on it opens a small window with just the headlines
of the day's bargain finds from around the Web (compliments
of our friends at BargainsYes.com.) From computers, electronics
and home theaters to clothing, shoes, books, music and movies
(in other words, a little bit of everything,) you'll find
a tempting list of the hottest and most popular online bargains,
updated each morning. You'll be able to scroll up and down
to browse through the list of bargains. Clicking on a listing
will take you to a concise description of the item, the bargain
and precise instructions on how to score it for yourself.
Savings from tens up to hundreds of dollars aren't at all
uncommon... and you've got a fresh selection every day!
This is where the versatility of the BargainBar really shines...
Search the Web faster, better, deeper and
more efficiently than ever before.
Right beside the toolbar are a couple of other very helpful
features:
on the search results page. Makes it easy to pinpoint what
you're looking for among all the results.
There are lots of ways to communicate online, but email is
by far the most common. That's both its' strength (it's universal)
and its' weakness (spam, hoaxes, privacy holes, etc.) This
area of your toolbar is designed to make your message sending
a little easier, a little more secure and a little more private.
Popup Blocking - Blocking obtrusive popup
widows not only removes an annoyance, it makes your surfing
faster too; One less popup window is one less piece of code
that has to be pumped through your connection.
Security concerns (and preventitive measures) come in all
shapes and sizes. 
The daily listing of new bargain sightings (see the