Is Google getting too intrusive?

[Coldicote]

I've just submitted a problem about opening Firefox, but felt this point might be worth a second question. Any attempt to download Firefox (and also other activities) seems to be 'taken over' by having to download through Google, with its offers of a tool bar, Updater and various other things. Google seems to be poking its nose into too many things these days and I'm getting fed up with it. Does anyone else share this view or know any alternatives?

[Ethel]

I downloaded firefox without the google toolbar:

http://en.www.mozilla.com/en/firefox/

I am a big fan of many of googles products, but I do object to having it foisted on me.

[jno]

Google will soon be the new Microsoft

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/jul/ 23/news.searchengines

[Whiskery Ron]

I am trying to lose Google altogether. Can anyone tell me how to do this? I have removed all references to Google from my control panel,yet when I open Windows Internet Explorer, there's Google as large as life. How do I lose it.

[jno]

have you still got it listed as your home page?

[Whiskery Ron]

How can I check?

[Ethel]

In IE - Tools - internet options

Your home page will be shown in the 'general' tab.

[Whiskery Ron]

Thanks to you both. Yes Ethel my homepage was Google I have altered this to default to Microsoft. Thanks again.Ron.

[Coldicote]

This seems to have generated some interest and thanks to all who responded. Thank you Ethel for the link to Firefox, which is now in Program Files and the icon is on the desktop, but for some reason it will not open. A full system scan has not produced any gremlins and it seems I have more work to do - so must keep trying.