This article draws attention to some of the limitations arising from relying on freeware to prevent and eliminate popup ads, in the overall context of adware and spyware protection.

Adware are commonly defined as any type of software which plays, displays or downloads advertisements on computers. Some adware are known as spyware due to their function, which consists of collecting then sharing some personal information about the users without their knowledge or consent. 

Adware popups have become a common irritation for most users and many are now looking for free ways to disable them. The preferred solution for many users is to rely on the popup blocker function of either the Google or MSN toolbar. Unfortunately only a minority of users think about the relationship between popup ads and spyware, and even fewer think about spyware protection and prevention beyond blocking popups whilst browsing. Yet, in order to protect the users’ privacy, preserve the integrity of their computers, and make any computing experience a pleasant one, both removal and prevention are important. This contrasts with the false sense of security which can result from just relying on blocking popups. This is because the most serious problem with popups is not just that they are “irritating”, but rather that they are often the symptom of spyware infection, as is demonstrated by popups appearing when users are not even connected to the internet.

Changing the browser settings is free and a step in the right direction

Blocking adware popups whilst browsing is easy enough. Changing the privacy settings so that popups can no longer appear on screen can be done as follows:

·      Select Control Panel in your computer 

·      Click on the Internet Options icon 

·      Click on the Privacy tab. 

·      There is a box next to “Turn on Pop Up Blocker”. 

·      Tick this box and you will block adware popups. 

Once the settings have been changed, users should adjust the privacy levels on their computer. Another option is to use the MSN or Google toolbar. Either toolbar can improve security when browsing the Internet. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

But, what about achieving full protection? Are most users missing the bigger picture?

Users who seek to block adware popups, often forget that there is a high likelihood that their computer has already been infected with adware and spyware. Popup blocker software, like those which user can access with the Google and MSN toolbars, are undoubtedly useful, however they only deal with one aspect of protection against privacy invasion, and threats to computer integrity. For more information click on block spyware.

At this point, it is recommended to consider more broadly, how to protect the users’ privacy as well as preserve their computer integrity from spyware and adware attacks. Users should also remove spyware and adware from their computer using appropriate tools, then run an up to date anti-virus software. Adware and spyware are often downloaded without the users being aware of them.

Typically, the removal of adware and spyware is easily achieved with the most popular adware and spyware removal tools which can also block popups. The most popular adware and spyware removal software are frequently updated and rely on research teams to detect and review the latest adware and spyware. Using adware and spyware removal programs deals with the root causes of adware and spyware infections by removing undesirable software then blocking adware and spyware. This method is clearly more effective than relying on free popup blocker software. For more information click on adware spyware removal.