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February 23, 2005

Google Changed the Toolbar Checksum Algorithm... Again!

By Olivier Duffez, February 23, 2005 at 07:56 PM in: Google

Google has just released a new beta version of its toolbar: v3.0.119.6.

The Toolbar checksum

As you may know, the Google Toolbar has a built in code (in a DLL) for computing the checksum associated to each URL viewed in the browser. This checksum depends only on the URL and is needed to retrieve the PageRank displayed in the toolbar.

In September 2004, we already reported that Google has changed this checksum algorithm. On the same day, it was cracked and the code of this algorithm was released all over the web.

The new algorithm

Our tests show that Google has just changed this algorithm. Once again! :-)

Let's see some examples:

Tested URL: http://www.prweaver.com/

  • With the last version (2.0.114), the checksum is 62294342280
  • With the new version (3), the checksum is 7163426257

Tested URL: http://www.prweaver.com/blog/

  • With the last version (2.0.114), the checksum is 6831794505
  • With the new version (3), the checksum is 791700217804

Comments

I have noticed that the new checksums begin with '7', whereas the checksum of toolbar v2 begins with '6'.

At the time I'm writing this post, I can't find yet any other blogger reporting this change. I'm sure there is already a new crack somewhere on the web...

Why do you think Google is changing its checksum algorithm?

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A JavaScript that Kills Google AutoLink Links

By Olivier Duffez, February 23, 2005 at 11:43 AM in: Google

Chris and Gurtie at Search Guild have published a working script that webmasters can insert into their webpages that kills Google AutoLink links.

Google Toolbar AutoLink Feature Disabled

What you need to do:

  • Insert the script anywhere in your html
  • or link it using the <script> tag in the <head> of your pages
  • and it will rewrite, the rewritten urls. Killing the Autolink functionality.

Here is the code:

// AutoBlink
// Puts Google's Autolink on the Blink :)
// (c) 2005 Chris Ridings   http://www.searchguild.com
// Redistribute at will but leave this message intact

var linkcount;
function countlinks() {
  var numlinks;
  numlinks=0;
  for (i=0; i < document.links.length; i++) {
    numlinks++;
  }
  return numlinks;
}

function checklinks() {
  if (!(linkcount==countlinks())) {
    // Something changed the links!
    // Iterate for an id of _goog
    found=0;
    for (i=0; i < document.links.length; i++) {
      if (document.linksi.id.substring(0,5)=="_goog") {
        // If we find an id of _goog then remove the link!
        var tr = document.linksi.parentTextEdit.createTextRange();
        tr.moveToElementText(document.linksi);
        tr.execCommand("Unlink",false);
        tr.execCommand("Unselect",false);
      }
    }
  }
  setTimeout("checklinks()",500);
}

if (document.getElementById && document.createElement) {
  linkcount=countlinks();
  setTimeout("checklinks()",500);
}

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Yahoo! Image Database Increases to 1.5 Billion Images

By Olivier Duffez, February 23, 2005 at 11:39 AM in: Yahoo!

Yahoo! has just indicated that they now index more than 1.5 billion images in their Images Search Engine.

Yahoo! Images Search

Yahoo! claims: No other search engine gives you a more complete picture.

Now over 1.5 billion images

Whatever you're looking for, odds are you'll find more of it with Yahoo! Image Search.

Photos of your favorite newsmakers

See the latest pictures hot off the presses from Yahoo! News and Yahoo! Movies.

Pictures, illustrations, and more

Clip art for a presentation, or pics of your next vacation destination... all just a search away.

Truly advanced search options

Search by coloration and size. Or search specific types of sites (.com, .gov, etc.).

Earlier this month, Google announced that their image database contained more than 1.1 billion images.

Via Gary Price

Read more: Inside Google,

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Picsearch to Power MSN Image Search

By Olivier Duffez, February 23, 2005 at 11:22 AM in: Microsoft (MSN)

PicsearchPicsearch announced collaboration with MSN: Picsearch announced that it has entered into an agreement to supply the new MSN Search service with image search services. This means that MSN consumers may search for electronic images on the Internet using technology made available by Picsearch.

Nils Andersson, CEO of Picsearch, said:

I am very excited that Picsearch's technology will be used to find images on the Web for this worldwide service. MSN shares our desire to be at the forefront of the net search market. Picsearch will continue providing the highest quality image search service in the world. New features are always being developed.

Justin Osmer, product manager at MSN, said:

The new MSN Search service offers a large index to help consumers quickly and easily find the information that is of interest to them. MSN is proud to team up with Picsearch to offer a vast index of high-quality images that are relevant to our consumers' queries.

About Picsearch Picsearch creates leading image search solutions that power visual search for many of the Web's leading properties. The company syndicates its technology to search engines and portals to enable them to complete their own search package by acquiring powerful image search capabilities. By enhancing the service that they can offer to their users, Picsearch's syndication partners benefit from increased user-traffic and higher revenue. Since Picsearch's inception in 2000, its syndication partners have come to include top Internet properties MSN, Ask Jeeves Inc and Lycos Europe GmbH.

Via SE Roundtable

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