KK - A word of warning about the Google toolbar: If you have installed it with the advanced options, every request you make for any web page is routed through Google's servers - even if you later turn the adv options off.
If you aren't concerned about privacy, that's ok, but the further issue is that there are occasional "hiccups" with Google that don't allow you to access the site you requested, even tho that site might be up and running fine. It will appear that the site is down, or simply can't be reached.
FWIW, I never install freebie 3rd party toolbars or browser helpers. There are several bad apples out there, such as Lycos Sidesearch, that not only spy on you (in order to "improve" your browsing experience
), but install ad-ware on your system. Ever get a pop-up when you aren't even browsing? Additionally, many of them DON'T uninstall themselves with their "uninstallers" or when you try to use "Add/Remove Programs".
There are a couple of trustworthy free tools to help you keep your system clean. I use AdAware, from
www.lavasoftusa.com. The free version does a fine job. You might be amazed how much ad-ware, spy-ware, and mal-ware gets on your system, and you never knew!
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