How to Block Pop Up Ads While Idle

Pop-ups can clutter your computer screen.

A pop-up is a window that opens on top of the website that you are viewing. These pop-up windows are usually created by advertisers and often they are unsolicited. Moreover, many pop-ups are "phishing" scams designed to trick you into revealing personal information. Unfortunately, pop-ups can appear even when your computer is idle. All that a pop-up needs is for your Internet to be turned on. Fortunately, most Web browsers include an option to block most or all pop-ups.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.

2. Click on "Tools" and then "Options."

3. Click on the "Content Panel" and then check the box next to "Block pop-up windows."

Internet Explorer

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click on "Tools," and then "Pop-up Blocker."

3. Click on "Turn on Pop-up Blocker."

Tips & Warnings

• In your Web browser, click on "File," and then "Work Offline." This will prevent pop-ups from appearing while your computer is idle. Note, however, that your computer will not be able to access the Internet while this option is checked.

References

• Microsoft: What is a Pop-up
• Mozilla Firefox: Pop-up Blocker
• Windows: Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker