This is a serious problem...

[Chameleonice]

I'm not sure if this should go in the Suggestions forum or here, but I believe this is something that needs to be discussed and solved.

I'm aware that ads come with any place that we stay in, and I can usually deal with them, but the past few times that I've come here, I had several ads either forcefully redirect me to another site and/or set off my anti-virus & spyware scanner like crazy...

Has anyone else had these problems? More importantly, how do we stop them? I really don't like the idea of trying to come here and having my computer flooded with junk from these spyware ads.

[Lechensko]

This is more of a suggestions thing.

What kind of ads were they? What do you mean by "forcefully redirect" ? Some virus scanners can be particularly picky on certain stuff when there's nothing there, especially if they are on the highest level of security. Something as simple as a pop up can ring alarm bells.

I don't get these warnings though because my internet security software isn't on its highest setting, as it would slow my connection down and be more disruptive while browsing. I do have AdBlock Plus with FireFox, it's a great little add on and I would recommend you get this ASAP. You'll have no more ads, possibly no more warnings too.

For the ads themselves, we can't really disable them. One of the drawbacks for using a free service.

[meeper23]

I get the same problem too. I know one of them is an IQ test and I forget what the other one was, I think it was another forum. Yeah, it's been happening a lot. I'm going to try to get the adblock plus to see if that will help.

[Chameleonice]

Like meeper said, the IQ test was one of them, and another directed me part way to DailyMotion... It was the oddest thing. The banner at the top that usually holds the ads was changing pages and loading pages within itself. That was the only time that I saw it actually doing anything to indicate what was going to happen. All the other times, I would come onto the page, experience a bit of lag and have my virus scanner pop up saying that there was a threat detected.

I use AVG anti-virus, if that makes any difference, and I also use Internet Explorer rather than FireFox. IE has always worked well for me and I don't want to jump onto another browser that seems like it has conflicts or needs special options for so many places.

I'm not suggesting taking down the ads, as that's impossible. I'm just wondering if something is going on with the boards and a bad spyware ad was somehow shuffled into the mix. These boards have been so great about unobtrusive ads before... It makes me think that something is going on that's not supposed to.

[meeper23]

I downloaded the Adblock for Firefox AND IT REALLY WORKS WELL. Thanks for the info Lechensko. Chameleonice, I think there are videos on youtube that show how to disable ads with IE, I don't know if they work though.

[shinypikachu23]

Well, what about the Wii? I dunno who else uses the Wii's (and soon also DSi's) Internet Browser, but they're a problem for me as well. I get pulled out of my text box repeatedly and get into the IQ test.

[Lechensko]

You're using IE?

I'd heavily recommend switching to Firefox. Not only does it support addons and lets you restore sessions after a crash, but it is much much more secure and has less bugs. You can also tweak it. If you're not into the tweaking side of things, the UI and functionality is still pretty much similar to IE.

It is probably why I don't get spyware here. IE does have a lot of security holes that can be easily exploited by adware.

[shinypikachu23]

It's not IE. It's a browser made specifically for Wii. It's powered by Opera, whatever that is.

[Lechensko]

I wasn't referring to you, Chu.

[Chameleonice]

Okay, okay... So I bit the bullet and downloaded FireFox

So far, no problems on this site, which is a relief. I don't feel like I'm in danger of a virus or spyware every time I go to a different page. Also, it looks rather slick in itself.

Thanks for the suggestion Barry!

[Lechensko]

Welcome to the Light side.

Check out some of the other add-ons, a couple of them are pretty good.

[Chameleonice]

Okay... I'm still getting problems >_> Redirected to that IQ test twice already and I've barely been on the forums for five minutes. I really don't know what's going on here...

[Scoutter]

I would seriously look if you may have spyware or an virus on xour PC if it still hasppens.

[Lechensko]

Do you have AdBlock Plus enabled?

[Chameleonice]

Just an update:

I did put AdBlock Plus up after your suggestion, Barry It took care of everything! No more unsightly Tests!

Thanks much, all, for all of your input.