Hi Pergurd - I normally use AdShield, which, if you maintain its
Block List every now and then, almost totally stops this. In
addition, it stops a variety of ads/banners/etc. (particularly
spyware like doubleclick) on pages I access. This is probably all
you'll need; however, I've also investigated a program called
webwasher which appears to be very good, but decided that AdShield
was sufficient. At the bottom of this post, you'll find a list
provided courtesy of bc_acadia of a number of free popup blockers
with links.
****** NOTE: As of 28 Apr 03 AdShield appears to have partnered with
a new reseller, and AdShield is no longer free. There is a trial
version of AdShield3; however, IMO it is seriously crippled in not
being able to import or export block lists and I think for reasonable
utility one would have to go to the full version. While I don't
normally recommend non-free software, I personally will continue to
use AdShield3, since I think it is the best currently available
combined Popup/Ad/Malware blocker, but you should be aware of the
fact that it now costs, ($29.95 when I last looked), whereas the
earlier versions upon which I based my original recommendation were
free, although not nearly as capable as the AdShield3 release. I've
included below links to both the older free version and the new paid
version. You'll have to investigate and make your own choice in the
matter. *******
Here are a number of AdShield-related links:
http://www.fsd1.org/technology/Files/AdShield.exe - AdShield1.2 (free)
http://www.internettechs.net/utilities/AdShield.exe - AdShield1.2
(free)
http://ftp.ural.ru/home/index/windows/networking/utils/AdShield -
AdShield1.2 (free)
http://www.megalog.ru/info/utilz/AdShield.zip - AdShield1.2 (free)
http://www.lossepladsen.dk/all4you/TheLostWorld/AdShield.php -
AdShield1.2 (free)
http://www.allstarss.com/store/adshield.html - AdShield3
http://www.ad-shield.com/ AdShield3 Info/Purchase/Block List
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/block.txt - (Mike Burgess' .txt Block
List for AdShield - Recommended)
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/block.zip - Mike Burgess' Zipped
Block List for AdShield - Recommended)
http://www.songwave.com/software/adshield_blocklist.txt (40,000
pornsites blocked - *VERY* large list - use at your own risk)
http://www.chrismyden.com/temp/block.abl (chrismyden's blocklist in
.abl format - Recommended)
http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm#AdShield (Eric Howes
AGNIS for AdShield block list - Recommended) (BTW, Eric's site
contains a wealth of very valuable information about all aspects of
net security - Very Highly Recommended)
Here's a good AdShield test site, courtesy of siljaline: "Make
***SURE*** you have your block scripted popups enabled
http://www.mediaboy.net/1010100-1100001-1111010/gahk/>>>> [Warning
this URL opens a multitude of Browser windows almost instantly -
YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!]"
http://www.webwasher.com - Webwasher
A very clever alternative approach to general ad (vice Popup)
blocking is outlined here:
http://www.sherylcanter.com/articles/oreilly_20040330_HostsPac.php
and here:
http://s91363763.onlinehome.us/BlackHoleProxy/index.html
The approach is similar to that used in eDexter, but improved. I've
tried it, and it does work as advertised. (<groan> - sorry 'bout
that!)
Probably should only be considered by more knowledgeable
users, as it's a little complicated to set up using the directions
given if you don't already know a bit. (It also has some tendency to
block some things you'd rather it didn't at times if PAC files are
used instead of the HOSTS file due to its use of regular expressions
for blocking definitions without some tuning.)
If you install and keep updated a good HOSTS file, it can help you
avoid most adware/malware. See here:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm (Be sure it's named/renamed
HOSTS - all caps, no extension) Additional tutorials here:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewtopic.php?t=410 (overview) and
here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial51.html
(detailed)
Lastly, ZoneAlarmPro3/4 has added provisions for stopping adds/popups,
handling cookies, web bugs, and scripting/ActiveX components in
addition to its firewall functionality. Not free, but I have used it
with my other AdBlocking stuff (AdShield, etc.) turned off as a test,
and it appears to be very good indeed. So far I've experienced no
problems at all with it set in its High Security modes for Ads
although others have reported the need to temporarily turn it off to
reach some sites. Also, Agnitum's Outpost Firewall supports a plug-in
for this: "Pre-configured to block most banner advertisement. Can be
configured manually or by simply dragging and dropping unwanted
banners into the Ad Trashcan." I have no experience as to how
effective it is, but I have received a favorable report.
pergurd said:
Looking for an ad blocker for when I use Internet Explorer. (I mainly
use Firefox but some pages need IE). It does NOT have to be a popup
blocker as IE takes care of that to my satisfaction.. Mainly just to
be rid of banners, and flash.
Looking for something light on resources and as the group suggests
... free.
