BWAHAHAHA... I clicked on the link you provided, avenger_jcc, and it said "Sorry, your browser is not WIN32 compatible". Schmucks.

Browser hijacking on the windows platform is easy to do with the inclusion/use of IE. It may seem more prevelant because users are more willing to complain about it (and are being heard this time). I think this has been going on for a while. Perhaps recent changes in IE have made it somewhat easier.

By entering the site, http://www.realphx.com, you agree that you authorize an automatic install of our adware which will create a link to RealPhx.com, in place of your current America Online Instant Messenger (AIM) profile and change your internet start-page to http://www.RealPhx.com. The adware will automatically install a file called av.exe on your computer. This program IS NOT a virus, worm, nor trojan horse. It is simply adware. This file will not harm your computer nor will it delete your files.
*note if you are a windows/IE user and you click on one of those links, I don't want to hear about it. You have been warned.

Interesting terms that one "agrees" to.