How To Effectively Block Online Ads & Enhance Privacy

I wrote a post last week revealing that AdBlock Plus, probably the most popular ad-blocking extension on the web, actually allowed ads from over 4,000 websites.

To most of my tech savvy friends this came as no surprise. They even suggested a gamut of effective tools and extension that will almost completely eliminate online ads and most privacy concerns.

Tools You Should Install To Eliminate Ads & Enhance Privacy

1. AdBlock Plus

Though AdBlock Plus does allow some ads it is still a highly effective (and easy) way to eliminate the majority of online ads.

Note: It was brought to my attention that you can change the settings within AdBlock Plus by un-ticking the box within the options to "block all ads" that will correct this problem. Some users claim that each update to the broswer and/or the application the box is re-ticked, which again allows some ads through. You then have to re-untick the box after the update.

2. FlashBlock

FlashBlock "automatically blocks flash content on webpages. Each flash element is being replaced with a placeholder that allows you to load only selected elements on a given page. You can also manage a whitelist of allowed websites via a configuration panel."

3. Hosts File

Using a Host file is probably the most complicated (but most effective) way to "block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers."

If you are interested in implementing this tool visit this website to download the file and get going.

4. Disconnect Extension

The Disconnect Extension is less of an ad blocking extension and more of an anti-tracking tool. The Disconnect Extension "lets you visualize & block the invisible websites that track you" such as Facebook, Google, and even cookies.

With the growing concern over privacy and what type of data websites are collecting from their users applications like Disconnect are becoming more valuable (and popular) than ever.