This article exposes the limitations of the most common and often free ways to prevent and eliminate popups in the wider context of adware and spyware protection.

A common definition for adware is that of any software which runs, displays or downloads ads on computers. Some adware are also known as spyware because they invade the users’ privacy by obtaining then sharing some of their personal information without their knowledge. 

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. Most users do not realise the link between popups and spyware, very few take the right steps to protect themselves and the majority of users concentrate on just blocking popup ads. Yet, in order to safeguard the users’ privacy, protect the integrity of their systems, whilst enabling a pleasant user experience, both the removal of adware and spyware and their prevention are necessary steps. By contrast blocking popups simply creates a false sense of security. This is the consequence of the real major problem with popups, which is not so much that they are an irritation, but rather the manifestation of spyware attacks. This issue is clearly evidenced by the many popups which can appear, even when computers are disconnected from 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 install the Google or MSN toolbar. Security when browsing the Internet can be improved when using these toolbars. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

But, how about achieving complete protection? Are most users seeing the bigger picture?

Unfortunately most users focus on just blocking adware popups, and forget that their computer is probably already infected with adware and spyware. The popup blockers offered by Google and MSN are clearly useful, yet only deal with one aspect of privacy and system integrity protection. For more information click on block spyware.

It is highly recommended at this point to think more broadly on how to protect the users privacy, and computer integrity from spyware and other adware. Users should, in addtion, run the latest version of their anti-virus software, then eliminate adware and spyware using appropriate tools. Adware and spyware are often downloaded without the users being aware of them.

Getting rid of adware and spyware is easily achieved with the most popular adware and spyware removal programs, which can also block popup ads. The most popular adware and spyware removal programs are constantly being kept up to date as they rely on research teams to update the software in order to deal with the latest threats as they first occur. 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.