I have already tested Google Chrome so I like to use this browser. You say you’d switch, but there’s no adblocker available in the Google Chrome? Since there are lots of free, and tiny filtering proxy applications available that can do the job.
One of the best part is, they’ll help block ads in any browser – including Chrome.
Before I get into a list, it’s important to know that several of these apps haven’t been updated in ages. However, content filtering is a pretty straightforward operation, so even the old ones work just fine – and you can always tweak the blocking rules yourself.
1. Lifehacker suggests Privoxy as an option (via GeekZone NZ). Privoxy is more low-fi: all your configuration tweaks are done by editing text files. It is, however, very easy on processor usage and it also does a very good job with no tweaking. I didn’t notice any difference in page load times with Privoxy.
2. CyberGuard WebWasher Classic is also one of the another great option. It’s small, fast, and very customizable. It’s got additional capabilities to block popups, scripts, referrers, cookies, and prefixes. New filters are incredibly easy to set up, and there’s no noticeable log in load times.
3. iReject Trash is a tiny download (200k) and works extremely fine. Its log view also gives the users an interesting insight into the pages that they are visiting. CNET.com, for example, had 33 items blocked. Out-of-the-box the blocking was very good, and the rules are fully customizable. You can block by host, pattern, or image dimensions. Page load times were a bit slower on certain sites.
4. Proxomitron has a god awful GUI, but it works well enough that its appearance can be overlooked . It offers extremely flexible bloxing rules, and the default set is extremely effective. Blocked ads are replaced with [red text in brackets], and pages load times weren’t adversely affected.
There are tons of other options for blocking ads (just check the Google Directory), so don’t give up on Chrome just because there’s no AdBlock. Grab one of these apps, and give it another try – then tell us how it went!
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2008/09/08/4-free-proxies-to-block-ads-in-google-chrome-or-any-browser/
Filed under: Internet | Tagged: AdBlock, CyberGuard WebWasher Classic, Google Chrome, Google Directory, iReject Trash, Lifehacker suggests Privoxy, Proxomitron
