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  • Contributing Editor Scott Spanbauer offers incisive tips, tricks, and commentary on a broad range of online issues.
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Internet Tips: Send Browser Pop-Ups to Their Deserved Demise

Scott Spanbauer

I know how many browser windows I want open at any particular time, and it's usually just one. So it drives me nuts when sites use their Web programming wiles to open extra browser windows on my screen automatically. Like banner ads, the windows usually hawk junk I don't want. (Editor's note: PCWorld.com is among the many sites that use pop-up windows.)

But I can't just ignore pop-ups. To get back to my original window, I have to switch away from or close the additional windows. And with so many new windows open, it's easy to close the wrong one and lose my surfing momentum.

The quick solution is to press Ctrl-W to close the uninvited browser window (repeat as necessary) and avoid visiting the impertinent site again. But many useful sites are loaded with pop-ups. The windows may open when you enter the site, shortly thereafter, or as you leave the site. In any case, it's a hassle.

Since most pop-ups are created in JavaScript, you can prevent the popping by turning off your browser's JavaScript support. In Netscape Navigator 4.7 x, choose Edit, Preferences, select Advanced in the Category tree, remove the check mark from Enable JavaScript in the displayed options, and click OK. In Internet Explorer 5. x, choose Tools, Internet Options, click the Security tab, select the Internet zone, and click the Custom Level button. Scroll through the Settings window until you reach Active Scripting; set the option to Disable or Prompt, and click OK. If you use America Online 6's browser, choose Settings, Preferences, (Internet Properties) WWW, click the Security tab, select the Internet zone, and follow the same steps described for Internet Explorer above.

Once you disable JavaScript, Web sites that use it for navigation controls or personalization won't display or function as intended. If that causes problems for you, reenable JavaScript and then download and install one of the many freeware and shareware utilities for taming pop-ups. The Pop-Up Window Cleaners chart on the following page lists some of these.

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