ITS Knowledge Base

Surfing the web has become more problematic due to unscrupulous marketers using new advertising techniques. These practices result in the Internet user being assaulted with advertisements via “pop-ups” and system resources devoured by tracking “spy ware”. Some pop-up blocker software companies are actually marketing their software by annoying users with their pop-up ads!

There are three major methods employed to rid your system of pop-ups and spy ware.

1.Use a Pop-up Blocker.

There are many free pop-up “killers” that will block annoying pop-ups. Most work by blocking the Java scripts embedded in websites or by creating a list of banned URLs. One of the more popular IE for Windows pop-up blockers is EMS Free Surfer Mk II. Another is Popup Stopper for Windows or Popup Zapper for the Mac.

2.Turn off Windows Messenger

Windows Messenger is a utility designed to allow Network Administrators to send information or alerts to everyone on a local area network. The utility is built in to Windows NT, 2000, and XP (but not 95, 98, or ME). Advertisers have figured out how to exploit this utility. This is why some users experience pop-ups when they aren’t even surfing the web.

You can turn this feature off, but you must be logged in on your system as Administrator or have administrator rights. In Windows NT, go to the Control Panel, then to Services. Highlight “Messenger” and click on “Stop.” In Windows 2000 and XP, go to the Control Panel, then to Administrative Tools, and then to Services. Highlight “Messenger” and click on “Stop.” Set the “Startup Type” to “Disabled” after right-clicking on Messenger and selecting Properties.

3. Install and scan with Adaware or Spybot Search & Destroy

“Spyware” or “Adware” is secretly installed software that runs in the background and tracks your surfing habits. Ads based on your surfing preferences can pop up constantly, add icons to your system tray or dock, or add toolbars to your browser.

Spy ware is often installed by hiding in free software such as file-sharing applications, or by exploiting security holes in your browser. If you connect to the Internet, it is critical that you keep your Operating System and Internet browsers patched with ALL the critical updates (whether Mac or PC) and keep your antivirus software updated regularly. Also, check your Add/Remove programs section of the Control Panel and look for anything that has the word toolbar, coupon, or Gator in the description.

Two free programs that will scan and remove spy ware programs from your computer are Ad-aware and SpyBot Search and Destroy. Adaware is very simple to install, scan and update for non-technical users. Spybot has more features and is recommended for the technical crowd.

These are the most common ways of getting pop-ups. You can also get pop-ups through Instant messaging, file sharing utilities and a host of other programs. Stay tuned for updates as the battle continues.

EMS Free Surfer Mk II
http://www.webattack.com/get/freesurfer.html

Popup Stopper
http://www.panicware.com/product_psfree.html

Popup Zapper
http://www.panicware.com/product_downloads.html?PHPSESSID=112005352cf29f7a305ae676bf5e0a22

Adaware
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,7423,00.asp

Spybot Search & Destroy
http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10194058.html?tag=lst-0-1