Software help please

14 Dec 2004

Had a sort out on my pc last night ... removed old software out of date stuff etc in an attempt to make it work better. Have successfully done so and deleted the old norton internet security firewall as it kept crashing the pc. Have installed Zonealarm etc but .... the adverts that were successfully blocked through norton are appearing and although my kids don't see the screen when they are around, I'd rather not take the chance.
Does anyone know of any (free) software that will block them? I have Zonealarm, adaware 6 and AVG but need something else. It's not popups but the banner ads at the top.
Thanks
Calista x
edited redface

appalling spelling mistakes and terrible grammar surprised

ops: (I've adopted RSI again and the splint just doesn't help me at all)

14 Dec 2004

Wish I knew, hun. The banners are all I get concerned about. They're reete annoying, they is.

14 Dec 2004

Install Google toolbar it has a pop up stopper that works quite well. Or you could start to use Firefox which has a built in popup stopper ... or a third option is upgrade to SP2 (if you are using XP) as this has a pop up stopper in IE

14 Dec 2004

If you;re running windows XP, the latest service pack has an inbuilt pop-up stopper for internet explorer...
Updates can be downloaded from the windows update part of the microsoft website.
If you're not running XP then do a search for a free pop-up blocker on
Hope this helps

14 Dec 2004

Eeeek is there an echo in here!!! redface

14 Dec 2004

I have the google toolbar and don't have a problem with pop ups it's the flashing banner ads at the top of the page and SP2 doesn't stop them as we have it on the other laptop!

14 Dec 2004

Can't vouch for the effectiveness of any of these programs but take a look at:

M

14 Dec 2004

same as above, I have not used any of them but they claim it does what you are after and for the right price

14 Dec 2004

I don't use software to block things like banner ads, I can set my router up to do it for me. If I know the URL of the ad I just put it into the block list on the router. I'm guessing you must have a router so you might try checking that?

14 Dec 2004

Quote by zootle
I don't use software to block things like banner ads, I can set my router up to do it for me. If I know the URL of the ad I just put it into the block list on the router. I'm guessing you must have a router so you might try checking that?

:scared: I'm sure that makes sense to you hon .. but :scared: ;)
Will ask Morbius later confused

: :!: LOL

14 Dec 2004

I use Spybot Search and Destroy
Worth installing just to block pop ups ans diallers...might work on the banners too?
Small program easily found on web and free
biggrin

14 Dec 2004

I'm convinced you fake your technoinability to make yourself seem more girlie and helpless! smile

I've typed, deleted and retyped various bits of serious stuff, but I've deleted them all and given up! lol

I fear if I try to fathom your set-up I'll just get more of the "but I'm just a simple girlie" routine! :lol:
Put it this way, a good router will block sites for the whole of your network, not just the machine you install blocking software on. I'm guessing you have some kind of a home network so you may have this ability but not be aware of it.

14 Dec 2004

To block banner ads you need to create a host file in C:/windows and a registry key - but if you are not technically minded I poked the internet for this link - as far as I can see it is free.

Read through it, it is pretty easy. If you want to search the web use the key word 'host file(s) + windows + (your operating system) - there are hundreds of tutorials on the web if you know where to look.
Hope that helps. biggrin

14 Dec 2004

Quote by Calista
I have the google toolbar and don't have a problem with pop ups it's the flashing banner ads at the top of the page and SP2 doesn't stop them as we have it on the other laptop!

Calista, Firefox with the Adblock extension works great at getting rid of those pesky ads.

14 Dec 2004

Yep - definitely Firfox browser is the way to go - I've been on it for a few weeks now - superb!
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Best of all It's FREE!

14 Dec 2004

Quote by zootle
I'm convinced you fake your technoinability to make yourself seem more girlie and helpless!
I've typed, deleted and retyped various bits of serious stuff, but I've deleted them all and given up! I fear if I try to fathom your set-up I'll just get more of the "but I'm just a simple girlie" routine! :lol:
Put it this way, a good router will block sites for the whole of your network, not just the machine you install blocking software on. I'm guessing you have some kind of a home network so you may have this ability but not be aware of it.

Oi you .... I am all girlie and helpless when it comes to pc's. I never fake anything ;)
I'm going to d/l Firefox and see if that helps .....
kiss

for all the advice so far.
Calista xx

14 Dec 2004

Hiya
I've found that a combo of XP service pack 2 and Zone Alarm pro.. stops them have to turn all the security level high though...

14 Dec 2004

dont know if you've tried this or not but, if you go into the settings of zone alarm and select, "privacy", then select ad blocking custom then tick box that says banners and sky scrapers, that might do the trick
hope this helps.