Today, from websites to social media platforms and even games, advertisers chase us everywhere and bombard us with targeted ads. And, I don’t blame them for it, simply because the internet has become one of the most effective mediums to reach target audience with ease.
That said, ads can be pretty annoying for someone who just wants to browse the internet, laugh at memes, or play games in peace. Besides being annoying, do you know that some ads may be even malicious such as adware or malvertisements?
Anyway, if you’re tired of watching ads on the internet, I’ve got a perfect solution for you: ad blockers. Below, I’m going to answer some of the most asked questions about ad blockers so you understand all the ins and outs of them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are ad blockers?
Ad blockers are software, plugins, or web extensions that block or filter online ads. Ad-blocking software is generally more popular among smartphone users while desktop users widely use plugins and extensions.
How do ad blockers work?
Ad blockers detect and disable the ads on websites and apps. As soon as you open an app or enter a website’s URL, the ad blockers detect the ads on the website before they even load on your screen. Then, it attacks the communication channel between the website/app and the ads server and prevents ads from loading.
Can I block all ads with ad blockers?
Yes, you may block all ads with an ad blocker. However, if you are using a free ad blocker, then some ads may pass through it.
Can I partially block ads with ad blockers?
It is up to the users to filter or block ads altogether. Most ad blockers have user-defined criteria to filter or block ads. When you open an app or visit a website, the ad blocker determines if the ads qualify the user criteria. Then, it may decide to show or block/filter the ads on an app or website.
Do ad blockers only work on the browser?
No, system-wide external blocking apps may disable ads on applications/tools/software installed on your device.
What are some types of ad blockers?
The following are the types of ad blockers:
- Browser-Based: Such ad blockers only block or filter ads on the browser they’re installed on.
- In-Browser: In-browser ad blockers are pre-installed on a browser and the users do not need to install an ad blocker’s extension or plugin separately.
- System-Wide External Blocking Apps: These ad blockers block or filter ads across the device.
- DNS-Based: DNS-based ad blockers block or filter the ads at the domain-name system level.
Are ad blockers legal?
Yes, ad blockers are totally legal to use. However, website owners and advertisers may advocate against ad blockers since it is a major income source for them.
Are ad blockers safe?
Yes, ad blockers are safe, but only when you choose a reliable one. Otherwise, an ad blocker may steal your data and sell it to third-party advertisers. Also, some ad blockers may also install adware on your device.
Do ad blockers work on a slow internet connection?
An ad blocker should work on a slow connection, but it may not effectively block or filter ads. It’s because ad blockers quickly retrieve a website’s data before it opens and detect the ads to block/filter them. For this reason, a high-speed connection like Cox Internet may be required for ad blockers to work efficiently.
Can ad blockers work against adware and malvertisements?
Yes, ad blockers may effectively disable adware and malvertisements on a website.
Do ad blockers decrease the websites’ loading time?
Yes, ad blockers may decrease the websites’ loading time. It’s because ad blockers disable the ads, the browser does not need to load the blocked content (ads). Hence, the websites’ loading time may be decreased.
What are some advantages of ad blockers?
The following are some advantages of ad blockers:
- Ad blockers may reduce websites’ loading time and enhance your browsing experience.
- Besides the normal ads, ad blockers may also block or filter the malicious ads.
- Ad blockers may help reduce your device’s battery consumption.
What are some disadvantages of ad blockers?
The following are some disadvantages of ad blockers:
- Some ad blockers may alter the website’s design.
- Besides the irrelevant ads, ad blockers may block relevant ads as well.
- Some websites may become inaccessible when ad blockers are enabled.
Are ad blockers famous among internet users?
Yes, ad blockers are quite famous, as roughly 42.7% of internet users use them.
What are some reliable ad blockers?
TOTAL Adblock, NordVPN, and Surfshark are some of the most reliable ad blockers.
Chase Ortiz is part of the team at PaigeSimple, where he takes care of all the advertising requests. With a sharp eye for detail, Chase makes sure every advertising opportunity is handled smoothly, helping the site grow and reach more people. His ability to manage these tasks efficiently makes him an important part of the team.