Stop Internet Popups

Many people have trouble with Internet popups. Whether they're pornographic, spam, or just plain unnecessary, popups are both a hassle and a danger to your computer. Popups, however, can be effectively neutralized with the right steps. By using the tips in this article, you should ensure that these popups will not do any harm to your computer, and stop popping up.

Steps

Enabling Popup Blocking from Within Your Browser

  1. Enable popup blocking from Microsoft Internet Explorer. To navigate to the popup blocker, click Tools → Options → Privacy, and then check the "Block pop-ups" option.
  2. Enable popup blocking from Google Chrome. Google Chrome should automatically block popups as a default setting, but you can make sure that the setting is enabled by clicking the Chrome menu, then clicking Settings → Show advanced settings → Content settings, and then checking the "Do not allow any site to show pop-ups" option.
  3. Enable popup blocking from Apple Safari. Open Safari, and then click Safari → Preferences → Security. Select the "Block pop-up windows” option.
  4. Enable popup blocking from Mozilla Firefox. Like many other browsers, popup blocking should come already enabled. If, for whatever reason it isn't, navigate to Firefox → Preferences → Content, and then press the "Block pop-up windows" option.

Getting an Extension to Add to Your Browser

  1. For added security, get an extension for your browser. Extensions add to the functionality of browsers in specific ways, adding a new tool or strengthening an existing one. Most browsers support extensions. Here's how you get to your extensions page on the following browsers:
    • Firefox: go to Tools → Add-ons → Get Extensions.
    • Chrome: go to Tools → Extensions → Get more extensions.
    • Internet Explorer: go to Tools → Manage add-ons
    • Apple Safari: go to Safari → Safari extensions
  2. Choose a popup blocker extension that suits you and your browser. There are several popup blocker extensions that improve the functionality of your browser's popup detection. Some examples of popular popup blocker extensions include:
    • Popper Blocker (Chrome extension)[1]
    • Adblock Plus
    • Better Pop Up Blocker
    • Flashblock
    • NoScript

Using Software to Block Popups

  1. Use popup blocker software if your browser doesn't block the necessary popups. Sometimes, for whatever reason, your browser's popup detection will fail and a few ads will get through. Most of the time, fixing this is simply a matter of turning on your browser's popup blocker option. Sometimes, however, for simple peace of mind or for heavy-duty security, you'll want to buy or download software to get the job done.
  2. Research free versus paid popup blocker software. Although most good popup blocker software isn't free, there are a few good popup blockers that are fully-loaded yet don't cost a dime. If you're hawkish about internet security, or constantly bombarded with ads, you may want to consider paying for software. With paid software, you'll usually get:
    • Easy installation and ready usability
    • All the bells and whistles, with most centering on detecting and removing adware and spyware
    • Help and support, with good customer service
    • Added security features, aside from just the bells and whistles
  3. Decide which software is best for you. Each user and computer's individual needs should ultimately dictate which software they choose. Still, here are some popular software options that many people choose to use:
    • Free software:
      • AdFender
      • Smart Popup Blocker
      • Popup Free
      • Ad Arrest Popup Killer
    • Paid software:
      • Super Ad Blocker
      • Popup Ad Smasher
      • AdsGone Popup Killer
      • Popup Purger Pro
  4. Install the software and let it work for you. After installation, tinker with the settings to optimize the software for your individual needs. If you want to add exceptions to your software, do this now. Otherwise, try surfing onto a popup-prone website and see the magic in action.

Bolstering the Internet Privacy from Your PC's Hard Drive

  1. On a Windows device, navigate to the Control Panel. Click Start → Control Panel.
  2. Find the "Internet Options" tab in the Control Panel.
  3. Click on the Privacy Tab in Internet Options.
  4. If it isn't already, turn on "pop-up blocker."
  5. Click "Settings" and turn on the Filter level to its highest setting. Close out the Settings tab and click "Apply" to the Privacy change.



Tips

  • You can override the pop-up blocker by holding down the 'ctrl' key in Internet Explorer.
  • Google now has a pop up blocker you can download.
  • Sometimes pop ups are not from the sites, but from a downloaded virus, trojan or other piece of malware. For those that require you to "unsubscribe" and give away your personal information (so they can call or email you), just enter false information. Alternatively, run an anti-virus software to clean the spyware or virus from your computer.

Warnings

  • Don't trust everything you see on websites (or on the banners) about their toolbars or add-ons.
  • Keep in mind people rely on advertising for monetary purposes and it is considered polite to only block the ads that degrade the user experience.
  • Some add-ons that claim to block pop-ups are actually viruses in disguise. Look at reviews of the add-on to make sure the pop-up blocker you download is legitimate.

Related Articles

  • Stop Norton Antivirus Startup
  • Use Explore on Google Plus

Sources and Citations

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