Posted on 10/02/2005 4:32:06 PM PDT by floridarolf
Here is a very easy instruction how you can get rid of all these advertisements that annoy you while browsing. Everybody can implement this her-/himself.
1st Step (optional) If you have any ad-blockers installed, uninstall/disable them now that you can test and see how effectice my solution is
2nd Step Go to http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm read through the instructions if you are interested and download this file: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt
3rd Step Rename this file from "hosts.txt" to "hosts" (i.e. delete the extension). If you don't know what I mean you first have to enable your Windows Explorer (<- that's the file manager which comes with Windows. NOT the Internet Explorer) to show the extensions. To do this click on "Tools" in the Windows Explorer, then select "Options" and uncheck the box to hide extensions.
4th Step If you have Windows XP, copy the "hosts" file to C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc. Should you run Windows 2000, copy it to C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\etc. Windows 98/ME users copy it to C:\Windows. If your computer asks you if you want to overwrite a file in that place, go to that place and copy the existing hosts file to a safe place before you overwrite it.
5th Step Clear your browser cache and enjoy an ad-free web.
After a couple of weeks you might notice that some advertisements make it through this filter. Then you have to go to the address from step one again and download a fresh filter.
It really does work...I hacked all of our computers about a year ago that way. It'll slow down a couple of web sites, but most it'll speed up. The best part is it's not just effective against pop-ups, but also banner ads and spyware (that can't call home anymore).
Only annoyance is there will be some "legitimate" web sites you won't be able to get to because they go through some hit-tracker type of website before the main site. But I figure that's their loss, not mine...
Yes, some sites rely on income from adverts. But that should not be our problem...
bump
Mike's ad blocker does essentially the same thing. I've used it since last December and have very few pop ups.
http://www.everythingisnt.com/hosts.html
He updates it occasionally. Too, he will not flood you with emails. He only sends out an email when he updates the file.
Yeah, Mike's version works well.
I use Netscape 8 and Mozilla browsers and get no pop-ups at all. All you need to do is set the filters right.
bump
This is definitely a great way to drive webmasters out of business and disincentivize people from creating marginally-profitable websites. Why spend time creating a site if you're forced to do it for free?
Obviously, only a small number of people are going to do this, and in a corporate environment it might make sense, but I wouldn't suggest promoting this.
It's not their loss if they rely on ad revenue to support publishing the site. The fact that you won't be showing up will save them money. If you have their ads blocked, you are of no use to them.
Hey, capitalism is evil don't you know? They must be deprived of their revenue and profits! All web sites must charge subscription fees, or run PBS style donate-a-thons! /sarcasm
By the way, I'm a monthly contibutor to FR and understand why it must remain a not-for-profit, non-commericial enterprise. That doesn't mean I want the rest of the web to be that way.
bttt
That is a good solution and is fairly easy to implement. I use a program called proxomitron, which is free and works very well with Opera. I also use the hosts file and I rarely see any ads, which pleases me no end. If they could be more discreet with their ads it would be different, but it is very hard for me to concentrate on what I am reading with those garish colors flashing rapidly on my monitor.
Done!
-ccm
With the hosts file you can remove the adverts that are integrated into the page. Not the pop-ups.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.