How to Get Rid of Adware Popups

Adware is a piece of software which is used to track your activity on your computer, and then produce pop up ads that relate to your online activity. Often, adware is hidden in other software you install on your computer so you may not even know it's there. The result is lots of annoying pop up ads. You don't have to take it though. You can get rid of adware pop ups.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Update your internet browser. Browsers such as Firefox feature additional protection against pop ups. Install a new browser on your computer and you'll likely experience fewer pop up ads.

2. Install an anti-spyware program such as Ad-Aware on your computer. These programs will detect and remove spyware and adware from your computer. Ad-Aware even offers a free version so you don't have to pay for the program.

3. Confirm you have anti-virus software on your computer. If you don't, you can download free anti-virus software from companies like Avast. You will then be protected from nasty viruses that may also install adware and spyware on your computer.

4. Install toolbars that are known for blocking pop ups. The Google and Yahoo! toolbars both help to prevent adware pop ups.

5. Avoid opening any spam emails or accessing unfamiliar, odd websites. Oftentimes, adware is disguised in such places. If something seems suspicious, simply avoid it.

Tips & Warnings

• If your computer is running slowly, complete a scan with your anti-adware software. Low bandwidth is sometimes a sign of spyware or adware.
• Avoid paying for anti-adware software. There are enough free programs available that you shouldn't have to pay for effective anti-adware software.

Resources

• Ad-Aware
• Firefox
• Avast
• Google Toolbar
• Yahoo! Toolbar