This article describes the disadvantages of relying on freeware to block popups, in the wider context of adware and spyware protection.

Adware is a common term meaning any type of software designed to play, display or download adverts 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. The fact remains, that both the removal of adware and spyware as well as their prevention are necessary to protect the users privacy, safeguard the integrity of their computers and achieve a pleasant user experience on line. By contrast blocking popups simply creates a false sense of security. This is the consequence of the most serious problem with popups: Popups are not just “irritating”, they are symptomatic of spyware infection. This is also evidenced by popups appearing when users are not even on line.

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 download the MSN and Google toolbars. Either toolbar can improve security when browsing the Internet. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

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

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.

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, users should run the latest version of their anti-virus software, then remove the adware and spyware on their computer, using appropriate tools. Often adware and spyware are 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 software are frequently updated and rely on research teams to detect and review the latest adware and spyware. 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 approach is clearly superior to the reliance on free popup programs. For more information click on adware spyware removal.