First, we recommend that users who want to block pop-up windows consider using a browser that allows you to turn blocking on or off as you please. Instead of using Internet Explorer or Netscape, you might try Opera (www.opera.com) or Mozilla (www.mozilla.org). Those browsers, which have free versions available or inexpensive purchasable versions with added features, both come with a pop-up blocking feature. Many users even find them, particularly Opera, to be noticeably faster than IE. Also, Macintosh users who have OS 10.2 (or higher) installed can now use Apple's new Safari browser, which can block pop-ups and is considerably faster than IE.

If you don't want to change browsers there are programs available that can reduce and even eliminate pop-ups. One of our favorites is Pop-Up Stopper (www.panicware.com) which has free and commercial versions available. Some users may find such programs to go to extremes (for example, using Pop-Up Stopper you cannot open a new window in Internet Explorer without holding down the CTRL or the SHIFT key) but for those who frequent sites that use pop-ups and find them annoying it will often be worth the trouble.

Finally, be aware that certain programs you may download from the Internet, intentionally or otherwise, will cause pop-up advertising to appear on your computer. Some of these programs can be stopped using software called Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com). Care should be taken when using this software to make sure it doesn't eliminate something you want to keep.

Finally, please know that EOL does not use pop-up windows. If you see pop-up windows appearing, they are from another site you've visited. We generally find pop-up windows just as annoying as you do.

As always, if you have questions about pop-ups or the programs we've listed here you can email us at helpdesk@evansville.net or call our Technical Support Team at 1-800-599-1000 for assistance.