What Are Pop-Up Ads & How Can They Be Stopped?
Pop-ups are instances of your Web browser that display on your screen without a request. Web marketers use pop-ups to deliver advertisements in a method similar to how companies use commercials on TV. Pop-up ads primarily appear when you are browsing a Web page, but other delivery methods allow them to install on your computer and appear even when you are not Web surfing. If you find pop-up ads intrusive, there are a few ways to eliminate them.
Other People Are Reading
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Browsing Habits
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Pop-up ads are more common on certain types of websites. For instance, websites that have no other purpose beyond selling advertising space for Internet marketers will employ pop-ups as a method to sell items. Pop-ups are also very common on marginally legal file sharing and downloading sites, as a method to raise revenue via advertising for site owners. Avoiding these kinds of websites will decrease pop-ups.
Antivirus Programs
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Some pop-up ads are delivered with the help of adware or spyware programs that install on your machine. These programs display ads and share information about your computer usage. A symptom of adware is pop-up ads when you are using programs other than your Web browser. Antivirus programs such as Norton and McAfee monitor and protect your computer from these kinds of programs.
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Browser Configurations
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The latest versions of major Web browsers like Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari install with native pop-up blockers that prevent all kinds of pop-ups. You can find the option to block pop-ups in the configuration panel of your Web browser. Web browsers cannot tell the difference between pop-up ads and other kinds of pop-ups that may have useful information.
Third Party Plug-Ins
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Third party plug-ins are a class of software made by independent companies that work with your Web browser to extend its functionality. Some pop-up ads may get past the protection of your browser's native pop-up blocker. Installing third party blockers can give you an added layer of defense against pop-ups. In addition, third party plug-ins may bundle other features, such as spyware protection.
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References
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