Fast Start

Fast Start, also referenced as Fast Start New Tab, is a browser add-on that modifies your browser's new tab settings to promote links to additional sites, software and services. However, this feature has no benefits to the user and may, when desired, be replicated by configuring your browser's settings to fit your personal preferences. Considering these limitations, malware researchers felt no choice in classifying Fast Start as anything other than a Potentially Unwanted Program. Using dedicated PC security software can offer the simplest way of removing Fast Start, and most other PUPs, whenever you don't want them.

A Faster Start to Links You didn't Need

Although many of the latest PUPs see fit to distribute themselves independently of other, potentially competing software, Fast Start may bundle itself with additional browser add-ons. Malware experts especially have seen Fast Start installed as part of the ongoing browser hijacker campaign for iStart123.com, which redirects all Web searches to that website. As an extension of that campaign, Fast Start does not provide search redirects or other hijacking functions, but, instead, replaces your browser's default new tab with a page of its own.

Fast Start's new page includes links promoting the installation of adware (in addition to DynamicPricer or other adware already installed) under the guise of providing online coupons. Additional links also may promote other websites, such as a customized search engine link. In practice, neither of these features offer any new content with the exception of sponsored advertisements, making Fast Start arguably a form of adware in and of itself. Although iStart123.com may be seen in hijacked versions of Internet Explorer, malware researchers have been able to verify Fast Start's compatibility with other browsers, namely Firefox.

Getting Away from an Unwanted Tab Fast

Although Potentially Unwanted Programs may describe their features as invaluable, their functions frequently boil down to injecting advertisements and links without any solid benefits to their users. Fast Start is an apparent continuation of that business strategy, particularly emphasized by its installation practices in which its users are unlikely to have downloaded Fast Start deliberately. For PC owners who would like to be able to determine their tab preferences without Fast Start's opinion, free software websites with adware-heavy reputations and fraudulent updates served through pop-ups always are to be avoided.

Many installers for Fast Start also include one or more other PUPs for your Web browser. Since the manual removal of multiple, unwanted programs has a high chance of failing to remove all of the associated components, use system scans by appropriate security products to identify all threats from a Fast Start installation. Although Fast Start isn't threatening, prolonged contact with advertisements or links related to Fast Start may cause genuine threats to be installed. A rapid reaction always is best both for your computer's safety and for guaranteeing basic Web-surfing comfort.

Technical Details