With the revelation that Lenovo pre-installed adware on some of its PCs, adware has been very much in the news lately. But what exactly is it? And just how can you prevent it from happening to you?
Adware or “advertising malware” is a third party browser extension which makes windows of advertisements, online stores and “download sites” pop up when you are browsing. This means that a simple visit to Google, can result in a lot of advertisements popping up on screen!
Whilst not fatal to your computer, adware is still a form of malware.
Adware is usually packaged with free downloads such as free games, applications or images. When the download opens on your computer, the adware gets installed and will start performing attacks on your browser by adding browser extensions.
Sometimes, adware bypasses the Internet Explorer menu which displays your current browser extensions or “add-ons”. This means that the adware hides from the menu, and does not show itself. This is what makes adware so complicated to get rid of.
Luckily, adware can be blocked very easily in Internet Explorer. This tutorial will show you how to do so.
Open Internet Explorer through the icon on your Desktop. Double click on the Internet Explorer icon.
2. Cick the “Options” button in the top right hand corner. It looks like a gear.
3. Choose “Internet options from the drop-down menu.
4. A menu window will open. There will be a header at the top with six tabs. Click on the tab that says Advanced.
Scroll down to the header that reads “Browing” and uncheck the checkbox reading, “Enable third-party browser extensions.”
6. Click OK
7. Restart your computer.
~ Silvia
How about in Firefox?
Yes, the same question as Michael … how do we do that with Firefox, please?
Hi Silvia,
Thanks for the tip. However, one should note that it stops not only the unintended malware but all other extensions as well, useful or not.
Michael, Vera – There will be a new article coming out in about a week on how to block adware in both Chrome and Firefox. Your questions will be answered then.
What i use to get rid of the ads is, i use AdBlocker Plus from google chrome apps. and u wont have any trouble after that………. ;-)………. P.S. make sure that each one is for each other……… E.G. (adblocker plus for chrome and adBlocker plus for FF………….. 😉
I was experiencing a very slow loading of my emails until I used your ad blocker remedy. They view quick and sharp now. TY