Don’t Just Rely on the Google and MSN Toolbars For Popups and Spyware Protection!

This article exposes the downside of relying on free software to block popup ads in the wider context of adware and spyware protection.

A common definition for adware is that of any software which runs, displays or downloads ads 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. Many users do not think twice before relying on the free popup blocking functionality provided by the Google or MSN toolbar. Most users do not realise the link between popups and spyware, very few take the right steps to protect themselves and the majority of users concentrate on just blocking popup ads. 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. By contrast blocking popups 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 install the Google or MSN toolbar. Either toolbar can improve security when browsing the Internet. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

But, how about achieving complete protection? Are most users missing the bigger picture?

Unfortunately most users focus on just blocking adware popups, and forget that their computer is probably already infected with 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.

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. Users should, in addtion, run the latest version of their anti-virus software, then eliminate adware and spyware using appropriate tools. Adware and spyware are often downloaded without the users being aware of them.

The removal of adware and spyware can be achieved easily using popular anti adware and spyware programs, which usually also offer the functionality to block popups. The most popular adware and spyware removal programs are constantly being kept up to date as they rely on research teams to update the software in order to deal with the latest threats as they first occur. 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 method is therefore far superior than just relying on free popup blocker programs. For more information click on adware spyware removal.