What Is A Pop Up

A pop up is a browser window that “pops up” while you are surfing the web. Typically, they contain an ad but in some cases the will have an “invitation” to join an email list. In some cases pop ups are desirable such as on websites that open a new window when you request product information or click a link to fill out a form. In most cases, however they are simply an annoyance that wastes your time.

Two Types Of Pop Ups

Pop ups can be launched by a script on a web site you are visiting but they can also be launched by spyware or adware that resides on your computer. The first type is annoying but only affects you when you are on that website. The spyware or adware can become quite a nuisance and can even get to the point where it opens so many windows that it bogs down your computer.

Spyware or adware programs on your computer are designed to try to figure out what you are looking for when you surf the web and “pop up” windows with advertisements for products that might meet those needs.

How To Get Rid Of Pop Ups

First of all, you should try to clean your computer of all spyware or adware as some of the programs can misbehave and cause you problems. Check our product links on the right side of the page for spyware and adware protection programs.

Pop ups can be controlled using a pop up blocker – you can buy software or install the google toolbar which has a free pop up blocker. However, be aware that there are many sites that legitimately use this technology for windows that you need so you will have to figure out which sites you want to allow pop ups on and configure your list accordingly. Sometimes it is not so easy to tell which sites you should add to the list, but if you suddenly can’t get a window to come up or use a feature you used to use then it is probably because your pop up blocker blocked the window.