1 Answer

Pay attention when installing software or updates. UNcheck options that offer you toolbars and other "stuff" that you don't need or want.

Read Why do I suddenly have another toolbar in my browser? for how, and why this happens, and what you need to be looking for.

2: The quick solution - don't display them.

In most browsers on the View menu, there's a Toolbars submenu. In there you'll find a list of most of your toolbars, with checkmarks. Simply uncheck those you no longer want to see.

It's quick and simple, but there are two problems with this approach:

even though you can't see them, the toolbar and the software that implements it is still around, using up memory, and perhaps even interfering with your browser
not all toolbars show up in that list
But it's quick and easy, and perhaps it's enough for you.

3: The practical solution - uninstall them.

This is still pretty easy, but it takes just a little more work.

Close your browser, and go to Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs (XP) or Control Panel, Programs and Features (Vista and 7). Look for the name of the toolbar in the list of installed software. Once you find it, click on Remove or Uninstall.