Blocking Pop-Ups

A pop-up is any Web page that opens in its own separate browser window. Some pop-ups are OK. For example, a pop-up might open to display a larger copy of a small picture. Or it might open so that you can still see the page that contains the link that opened the page. Other pop-ups, such as advertisements, aren't so great. These are often referred to as automatic pop-ups because they appear on their own, without your clicking a link.

Microsoft Internet Explorer has a built-in pop-up blocker to help you deal with pop-ups. To activate or deactivate the pop-up blocker:

1. Click Tools and choose Internet Options or choose Tools → Internet Options from Internet Explorer's menu.
2. Click the Privacy tab.
3. To block pop-ups, select (check) Turn on Pop-up Blocker. To allow all pop-ups through, deselect that check box.

If you opt to use the pop-up blocker, you can click the Settings button to configure it to your own tastes. When you click the Settings button.

First you can choose how aggressively you want to block pop-ups (remember, they're not all ads). Use the Blocking Level drop-down list at the bottom of the dialog box to choose one of the following blocking levels:

• High: Blocks all pop-ups, even when you click a link to open the pop-up. If you choose this setting, you have to hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys while clicking a link to allow a legitimate pop-up page to open.
• Medium: Blocks most automatic pop-ups, but not pop-ups that open when you click a link.
• Low: Blocks relatively few pop-ups. Always allows pop-ups from secure and trusted Web sites.

The Notification options let you hear a sound and display the Information bar when a pop-up is blocked. It's a good idea to select both those options so that you know when a page has been blocked. That way, you can decide whether you want to allow a Web site to show pop-ups. (Remember, not all pop-ups are bad.)

If you already know that you want to allow pop-ups from a specific site, you can type the site's URL under Address of Website to Allow and then click the Add button. Doing so is not really necessary, however; if you choose the Show Information Bar when a pop-up is blocked option, you can allow sites as you go. Click the Close button at the bottom of the Pop-up Settings dialog box after making your selections. Then click OK to close the Internet Options dialog box.