The best tool is the free Google Toolbar! Install this right away - it will block 80% off all pop-up ads and pop-under ads.

Firefox browser also has great integrated pop-up blockers, and most search engines have created toolbars to help combat pop-up menus. Even the current release of Microsoft XP SP2 has intergated pop-up blockers although I have always used google's with great success.

Next disable another tricky pop-up - the messenger pop-up

Now you want to disable your messenger service - don't freak out this has nothing to do with Instant messenger (AIM or MSN Yahoo ICQ IRC etc.) its a windows system feature that makes you vulnerable to a super annoying kind of pop-up that doesn't even come from a webpage! I hate spammers!!!! Ok here is basic instructions on how to disable this service (note this service is useless on a home pc and even most office PCs - its a networking thing for sending messages to other machines on the local network (LAN) - there are much better tools for this!)

This is excerpted from: http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20031106S0007

1. Click on the Start menu, then click Control Panel (or on some machines, click on Start, then Settings, then Control Panel)
2. Double-click or select Administrative Tools
3. Double-click or select Services
4. Double-click Messenger in the list at the right
5. In the 'Startup type' list on the General tab, choose Disabled (or Stop)
6. Click OK and close the Services window

Users can also download tools that automatically disable Windows Messenger Service. One such utility, called Shoot The Messenger utility, can be downloaded for free from the Gibson Research Corporation site. (Makers of Sheilds Up)

Ok that takes care of most pop-ups - next we will get you some free virus protection then we clean off your adware/spyware.

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