Some versions of CoolWebSearch are installed through what's known as 'drive-by installation', in which browsing an infected webpage can automatically install CoolWebSearch without the user's knowledge. CoolWebSearch attempts to evade detection by not labelling the ads it presents as such, nor does it provide a EULA, nor any data about itself nor is there a website directly associated with it. Certain variants insert links on random text, leading to advertisements. Others attempt to access websites which are redirected to pay-per-click search engines which may install more malware display ads. Some variants of CoolWebSearch also add links to pornography, and gambling sites to the user's Desktop, Internet Explorer's bookmarks and history. Certain versions attempt to edit users' trusted sites and modify security settings as well as to hide from removal programs. Variants are often named for the effects they have such as msconfig, Msoffice, Mupdate, Msinfo and Svchost32.