How do I stop pop-ups from appearing on my computer?

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Request for Question Clarification by livioflores-ga on 27 Jul 2004 21:12 PDT

Please let us know which operative system (Winsows, OS, Linux), which
version and which browser are you using to bring an accurate answer.

Thank you.

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Clarification of Question by johnkoonmen-ga on 28 Jul 2004 14:38 PDT

I am using Windows. I downloaded Google toolbar but the popups are
still appearing. I also have this strange toolbar right above the
google toolebar which basically is all ads. I guess now that it must
be spyware.

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Clarification of Question by johnkoonmen-ga on 28 Jul 2004 15:03 PDT

Josh,

   I downloaded the spybot search and destroy and sure enough, it was
spyware. Something called Hotbar. Search and destroy killed it. Thank
you so much.

It could be as simple as changing the preferences of the Web browser
you are using. In Netscape, go to Preferences>Privacy & Security>Popup
Windows. Check the box: Block unrequested popup windows. If you know
there are sites where you want to let popups occur, click on the
button: Allowed Sites. Add the Web addresses of those sites you wish
to allow popups.

If you are using Internet Explorer I highly recommend downloading the
Google toolbar.  Not only does it come with a built in popup blocker,
but I have also come to appreciate it as an invaluable search tool. 
You can download the Google toolbar at: http://toolbar.google.com/

If popups are appearing on your screen even when you are not actively
surfing the web, you may be experiencing a problem with spyware.  Many
popups are a result of having installed free programs, in particular
music sharing programs such as AudioGalaxy or BearShare.  These
programs often include with them the annoying popup advertisements.

Two of the best programs for removing spyware are "Spybot Search and
Destory" (http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022-10289035.html?tag=lst-0-1)
and "Ad-aware" (http://www.download.com/3000-2094-10045910.html?legacy=cnet).
 Both of these programs are free and can be downloaded at the links
provided.

There are plenty more popup-blocking solutions available.  You can
view some of these at:
http://www.download.com/3120-20-0.html?qt=popup+blocker&tg=dl-2001

These two steps should take care of all your popup problems.  Good luck!

Josh Fraser

For this I suggest you try MyIE2 browser (www.myie2.com). It is not a
new browser per se, but it is a browser that is based on internet
explorer.

It already comes with its own toolbar blocker. You can make it better by:
1. installing google toolbar on it
2. downloading extra plugins (downloadable from its affiliate web site
(http://maxthon.tarapages.com/), they kill annoying flying javascript
ads too.