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.

A common definition for adware is that of any software which runs, displays or downloads ads 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. Google and MSN toolbars offer free popup blockers functionality and many users rely on them for protection. Most users do not think beyond blocking popups, very few know about the relationship between popups and spyware. Only a minority of users take the right steps to protect themselves. 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 due to the fact that in reality, the most serious problem with popup ads is not that they are a permanent irritation, but rather that they are the symptom of spyware infection. This issue is clearly evidenced by the fact that many popups appear when computers 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 solution is to use the Google or MSN toolbar. Browsing the Internet can be safer with either toolbars. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

But, how about achieving complete protection? What is the bigger picture for most users?

Many users simply forget to remove the adware and spyware from their computer and just focus on blocking adware and spyware. Popup blockers such as those offered by the Google and MSN toolbars, whilst useful are just dealing with one aspect of privacy and system integrity protection. For more information click on block spyware.

Thinking more broadly about ways to safeguard the users’ privacy and protect the integrity of their system against the danger of adware and spyware attacks is both wise and necessary. In addition to running an anti-virus software that is up to date, users should remove the spyware and adware on their computer. Adware and spyware are frequently downloaded without the users’ knowledge.

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 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 therefore far superior than just relying on free popup blocker programs. For more information click on adware spyware removal.