How can I stop pop-up windows from appearing when I am browsing the Web?

Answer: There are few things more annoying than having an unexpected window pop-up when you visit a new Web page. These aptly named "pop-up windows" usually carry advertisements and can appear either in front of or behind your current browser window. Either way, they can be a nuisance.

If you are using Windows, you can use a Web browser like Firefox that gives you the option of blocking pop-up windows. You can also download the Google Toolbar, which will block pop-ups for you. If you are using a Mac, just select "Block Pop-Up Windows" from the Safari menu, in Safari, the default Web browser.

While these methods typically work great, some Web developers have found ways to work around the blockers. Fortunately, they are not common, and the pop-up blockers can usually be updated to eliminate these work-arounds.

Published: March 1, 2005 — by Per Christensson