This article exposes the limitations of the most common and often free ways to prevent and eliminate popups in the wider context of adware and spyware protection.

Adware is a popular term to describe any software which can play, display or download advertisements on computers. Some adware are programmed to invade the privacy of the users and are commonly referred to as spyware. These programs obtain then share 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. For many users, using free popup blockers such as the Google and MSN toolbars is the preferred solution. Only a minority of users know about the link between popups and spyware, and even fewer still, take the right steps to protect themselves. Most users only concentrate on blocking popups. Yet, in order to safeguard the users’ privacy, protect the integrity of their systems, whilst enabling a pleasant user experience, both the removal of adware and spyware and their prevention are necessary steps. This contrasts with just blocking popups, which simply creates a false sense of security. This is due to the fact that in reality, the most serious problem with popup ads is not that they are a permanent irritation, but rather that they are the symptom of spyware infection. This issue is clearly evidenced by the fact that many popups appear when computers are not even connected to the Internet.

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. Browsing the Internet can be safer with either toolbars. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

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

Many users simply forget to remove the adware and spyware from their computer and just focus on blocking adware and spyware. Popup blockers such as those offered by the Google and MSN toolbars, whilst useful are just dealing with one aspect of privacy and system integrity protection. For more information click on block spyware.

It is highly recommended at this point to think more broadly on how to protect the users privacy, and computer integrity from spyware and other adware. In addition to running an anti-virus software that is up to date, users should remove the spyware and adware on their computer. Adware and spyware are often downloaded without the users being aware of them.

The most popular adware and spyware removal tools can both block and get rid of adware and spyware. The most popular adware and spyware removal tools benefit from frequent updates, which rely on research teams who review the latest adware and spyware threats. Adware and spyware removal software can also block malicious programs . This approach is therefore more effective than the reliance on free popup blockers. For more information click on adware spyware removal.