Pop up blocker software makes your business run more smoothly. Those annoying advertisements that pop up over your browser when you visit a new website or perform a search not only waste your time, but can also cause your computer system to lock up or lead to a computer virus.

Fortunately, there is a way to block pop ups and surf the Internet without time-wasting distractions. The solution is the installation of a pop up stopper and there are a number of pop up blockers available for download on the Internet. So many, in fact, that the choice of the right pop up stopper for your business can be overwhelming. When considering which pop up blocker program is right for you, keep the following in mind:

1. Research the developer and company associated with the pop up blocker tool to be sure the program is legit.

2. Make sure that the program can actually block pop up ads and not new windows that you want to see.

3. Determine if you want a pop up ad blocker that is integrated as a function of your browser or is a separate program.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine which pop up blocker software will work for you

There is a vast array of pop up blockers available, many of which you can download directly from the Internet. Additionally, the latest versions of the popular Internet browsers have pop up blockers integrated as a function of the browser.

I recommend: Go to CNET.com for a list of pop up blockers with reviews to determine which will work for your business. Using a browser with a built in pop up blocker tends to be the most effective. I prefer Mozilla Firefox to Internet Explorer 7 for a number of reasons, but the efficiency of the pop up blocker is a major one. Downloading pop up blocker software, such as STOPzilla, in addition to your browser’s pop up blocker tool, will help keep your system nearly clear.

Take advantage of free pop up blocker trial periods

Most pop up blockers cost money and the amount ranges, with both monthly and annual premiums. However, nearly all of them have a free trial period, which typically lasts 30 days. Download the software for one pop up blocker, try it on your system during the free period and either subscribe for continued service or download another program and give it a try.

I recommend: Super Ad Blocker 4.6 has the most downloads, highest user rating and a free trial period. Ad Annihilator 2.5 has an equally high rating, a significant number of downloads and a 15-day free trial period.

Test your pop up blocker software

The most efficient pop up program knows the difference between pop up advertisements and a new page that appears in association with a function you perform. Advertisements show up when you visit a website, but are typically unassociated with the context of the webpage. New windows, that a pop up blocker program shouldn't block, are those that appear when you initiate the action, such as clicking on a link to a new page or a window that appears when you chose to contact information. Test your software to be sure that it blocks and allows the correct windows.

I recommend: Use a website such as PopupTest.com or Popup Check.com to make sure that your new software will actually block pop ups. There are a number of pop up styles available on each site. Simply click on the links provided and see how your software responds.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Browser tools such as Google and Yahoo! have pop up blockers integrated, but I don't find them nearly as effective at stopping the ads when used alone.