What Are Pop-ups
In the late 90s, advertising on the Web changed with the introduction and
widespread usage of JavaScript language for programming on the Web.
In the language was an option to enable you to open a new browser
window. This lead to the steady development of what we now call
pop-up advertising, which is offered through means other than
JavaScript, such as
ActiveX. As your surf the
Web it is increasingly common to have
a browser window with advertisements pop up at you.
Formally called a
pop-up advertisement, most people now just call
these annoying little windows pop-ups and something as simple as a
mouse click, a mouseover, or simply loading or exiting a Web page in your browser can trigger pop-ups to appear. There are different
types of pop-ups and different ways to keep them from popping up on
your system.
General Browser Pop-ups
Basic pop-ups can appear as your surf the Web. These
advertisement windows will pop-up (and
under) your browser window as
you view Web pages. In some cases multiple windows will appear,
often interfering with your ability to read the Web page.
Many browsers offer a built-in tool
or way for you to disable pop-ups as you surf the Web.
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Key Terms To
Understanding pop-ups:
Related Articles
on Webopedia:
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FireFox (Windows)
Tools > Options > Content > Block pop-up Windows. You can also set
"exceptions" by specifying Web sites that are allowed to open
pop-up windows by entering in the Web site address in the Exceptions
tab and clicking Allow.
Windows Internet Explorer
Tools > Pop-Up Blocker > Turn On Pop-up Blocker.
Under Tools > Internet Options > Privacy you can also change
the settings for the pop-up blocker and allow pop-ups for some Web sites
where you enter in the site address and select add. You can also adjust the
filter level with high to low settings.
Disabling Pop-ups using
Mozilla Firefox |
Disabling Pop-ups using
Microsoft
Internet Explorer |
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Click images for larger screens. |
Spyware Pop-ups
Spyware is considered a
malicious program and is similar to a
Trojan
Horse in that you unwittingly install the product when you install
something else. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download
certain
peer-to-peer file-swapping products as well as
some freeware like games or other applications. There are even malicious
people who actually hide spyware in "anti-spyware" programs. Here people
install the program, thinking it will remove existing spyware from their
compute, but, in fact, it actually installs spyware.
In addition to privacy issues (e.g., some
spyware can transmit every bit of information you enter on the Web back to a
third party) it could also monitor your surfing habits, install unwanted
toolbars and change your browser settings and homepage. Some
spyware can flood your system with so many pop-ups that it uses large
portions of hard drive space and system resources to the point of notably
slowing it down, or worse yet, rendering your system unstable or unusable.
Keeping your system free of spyware pop-ups
requires ongoing PC maintenance. It's far easier to protect your system on
a daily basis than it is to recover your system if it is already infected
with pop-ups. Here are six tips to help you keep your computer pop-up
free;
- Be sure you keep your operating system
up-to-date and download recommended patches.
- If you encounter unexpected windows and
pop-ups while surfing the Web, quit the pop-up or tabbed browser window
and do not click any hyperlinks from within it.
- Don't download freeware or shareware
unless it is coming from a trusted source. Be especially suspicious of
free entertainment software like games or music and video-sharing
freeware. Web accelerators, free browser toolbars, spam blockers, pop-up
blockers and similar seemingly useful applications should be avoided
when they are not being downloaded from a well-known company's Web site.
- Adult entertainment Web sites and other
sites offering free (illegally pirated) versions of software are usually
ripe with spyware and browser pop-ups. Avoid these sites completely.
- Ensure you keep an anti-virus program on
your system and that it is frequently updated and is used to scan all
files you download.
- Install a reputable anti-spyware program
and ensure it is kept updated (see related links below).
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DID YOU KNOW...
In the first half of 2007 spyware infections prompted 850,000
U.S. households to replace their computers. One out of 11
surveyed had a major, often costly problem due to spyware.
(Source: Consumer Reports, State of the Net 2007) |
By Vangie Beal
Writer, www.Webopedia.com
Last updated: March 06, 2008
Did
You Know... The Difference Between Adware & Spyware
As technology advances and more people come to rely on the Internet for
information, leisure, and business it seems as if keeping your computer free of
advertising is a daunting task.
Spybot S&D
Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from
your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus
applications do not yet cover.
Ad-aware
Ad-Aware is designed to provide advanced protection from known Data-mining,
aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, selected traditional Trojans,
Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components.
Webroot
SpySweeper
Webroot Spy Sweeper quickly provides maximum protection with minimal
interaction. Our completely upgraded user interface makes it easier than ever
for users of all abilities to stay protected.
Kaspersky Lab
Kaspersky Lab provides security software products that protect information from
all types of malware including viruses, hackers and spam for home users and
enterprises and offer consulting services and technical support.
Security at Home: Fight Spyware
The Microsoft Security center provides detailed information on spyware and tips
and information on how to find and remove spyware from your system. |
