Can anyone recommend a good one? Should I be concerned when I get a warning saying the program may change my data?
Thanks, as always.
Ad blockers for Chrome
(6 posts) (4 voices)-
gergn
MemberI asked Perplexity.ai to answer your question. This is what I got:
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Based on the search results, several good ad blockers for Chrome are recommended:
uBlock Origin: This is consistently mentioned as one of the best free, open-source ad blockers135. It's very efficient in saving data and time, and it's also good at blocking malware1.
AdGuard: Recommended for use across multiple devices3.
Total Adblock: Rated as the best overall ad blocker in some comparisons3.
AdBlock Plus: One of the most popular ad blockers with quick setup and customizable filters5.
Ghostery: Another good option for blocking ads and trackers1.
Regarding your concern about warnings, it's important to take them seriously. When an ad blocker asks for permissions to read and change data on websites, it's typically necessary for the blocker to function properly8. However, you should always download extensions from trusted sources, such as the official Chrome Web Store, to minimize security risks.
It's worth noting that Google has announced plans to restrict ad blockers in Chrome by moving to the Manifest V3 framework610. This may affect some ad blockers in the future, so it's a good idea to stay informed about these changes.
Remember to review the permissions requested by any extension before installing it, and only use ad blockers from reputable developers to ensure your online safety and privacy.----
The links Perplexity. ai used, are:
https://www.test-aankoop.be/hightech/internet/nieuws/adblockers-top
(It is a site in Dutch, but you can use Google Translate)https://allaboutcookies.org/best-ad-blockers-for-chrome
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Note you have to check all AI answers yourself. But the links may help.Posted 2 months ago # -
mikiem2
ModeratorRegarding browser ad blockers, the best bets in the future seem to be using a VPN with ad blocking, use Firefox, which does not use the same browser engine as Chrome, Edge etc., or use a privacy-focused browser, e.g., DuckDuckGo. Note that Firefox *may not* be a long-term solution if the US DOJ winds up forcing some sort of Google breakup, since Firefox relies on a subsidy from Google for making Google search their default search engine.
The reason for this is a new Chromium rule set starting to go into effect currently that limits what browser extensions can & cannot do. Chromium is the Google-sponsored open source browser engine used by most browsers, including Chrome, Edge, Opera etc. The whole thing started about 5 years ago when it was found that some browser extensions, primarily for Firefox & Chrome, were stealing lots of sensitive user data. In response Google proposed the new rule set, which may or may not block that sort of data theft & tracking, but does effectively neuter extensions designed to block ads &/or tracking. That in turn has sparked debate and some controversy over whether that was Google's main aim in the first place, since they do make tons of money from ads, and with YouTube for example, can get somewhat aggressive trying to force users to view them.
Firefox will continue to support the features that extensions to block ads & tracking use, while browsers focused on privacy build those features into the browser itself, so those sorts of extensions are no longer needed.
That said, it is still possible to use ad blockers like uBlock Origin for another year by adding a registry key:
ghacks[.]net/2024/08/15/google-is-killing-ublock-origin-in-chrome-but-this-trick-lets-you-keep-it-for-another-year/
And FWIW:
techradar[.]com/pro/best-ad-blockers
Why bother blocking ads?
malwarebytes[.]com/malvertising
mcafee[.]com/learn/what-is-malvertising-and-how-do-you-avoid-it/
Posted 2 months ago # -
You might consider editing your hosts file.
The hosts file is located in "C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc" on both Windows 10 and 11, and you need administrative permissions to edit it.
I used the MVPS HOSTS file:
# This MVPS HOSTS file is a free download from: #
# http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htmIt has not been updated since March-06-2021
With this file, advertisements on the download page from Giveawayoftheday are replaced by the text 'Advertisement'.
An alternative is https://github.com/Ultimate-Hosts-Blacklist/Ultimate.Hosts.Blacklist
But my laptop did not like that one. I had to reboot in safe mode to restore the previous hosts file.The nice thing about the hosts file is that it works for all internet connections. And thus for all browsers and other applications.
Posted 2 months ago # -
mikiem2
ModeratorIn case it interests, regarding the Hosts file not being updated in a while, the main argument ad block devs have against Google's Manifest V3 is that it nukes their ability to make fast & easy changes, as some advertisers constantly evolve, making changes to defeat ad blockers. And in case it's of any use, Powertoys includes a Hosts file editor: learn.microsoft[.]com/en-us/windows/powertoys/hosts-file-editor
There's a new version out BTW: neowin[.]net/news/powertoys-087-is-out-with-a-new-utility-for-windows-10-users-and-a-lot-of-improvements/
Posted 2 months ago #
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