Devoted to hardware, software, IT issues, and information technology management

Due to its large and versatile feature set, Advanced Searchbar for Windows makes a fine surfing companion to just about all regular Internet users. The program takes a bit longer to install than most toolbars, but once you see how much easier it can make your life, you'll probably forgive this. Similar to other applications of this type, Advanced Searchbar for Windows provides a tool for quickly searching the Web, but its list of supported sites is enormous, ranging from stalwarts such as Yahoo and Google to specialty locations such as FindLaw. This toolbar also features icons for accessing many other sites and applications, including popular media players, IM clients, e-mail programs, Web-based video games, news sites, and antispyware utilities. The ability to add and remove any shortcut you don't regularly use is an excellent touch, as are the built-in file shredder, calculator, and calendar. As you might expect, this toolbar includes a pop-up blocker, which demonstrated decent but not immaculate performance during our tests. We also liked the user-customizable RSS reader and the assorted tools for tidying up your computer. Even though Advanced Searchbar for Windows' utilitarian name might not make you sit up and take notice, its extensive functionality surely will.