Ad Blocking

Ad-blocking programs function as proxy servers and run in the background on a PC. The software examines the URL that a Web browser requests , checks it against entries in a frequently updated database of ad servers, and drops the request for ad content if it finds a match. Some programs also use pattern-matching algorithms that can identify windows and images of known ad shapes and sizes. In most cases Web pages load 25 to 50 percent faster without ads. Ads litter your hard drive with temporary files and tracking cookies, hog resources, and consume bandwidth. A good ad-blocking program will not only free up bandwidth and disk space, it will help protect your privacy!

The phrase "ad blocker" returned 93,600 hits on Google in less than a second. Several fine ad-blocking programs are available. WebWasher and Pop-Up Stopper are well rated, and both are free. Be aware of spyware that masquerades as ad-blocking software, however. The Alexa Toolbar (now owned by Amazon) has a notorious reputation as spyware, for example.

Figure 10.5: Pop-Up Stopper Web site

Before installing any program, especially freeware or shareware, always check http://www.spywareinfo.com or http://www.spychecker.com first to see whether the program is listed in their spyware databases.

And remember: you'll find links to Spy Checker, numerous references in this book, and utilities like anti-spy tools and personal firewalls on the Invasion of Privacy homepage at http://www.mjweber.com/iop/privacy.htm