Tech Tip: Ad Free Internet

I know I certainly get sick of ads popping up every time I'm trying to read a website. Moving ads with flashing lights are great for getting your attention but not so great for concentration. This is why I use two Chrome extensions in tandem to block both ads and website trackers so they can't keep track of your data (like cookies).

(screen shot of uBlock extension, taken by me)

uBlock is an extension that blocks ads on websites when it detects them. In the event that it doesn't detect an ad, you can always right click on the ad and add it to the extension's database. Then refresh the page and no more add! uBlock is now preferred over the previously popular adblock plus because adblock plus now sells ad space that it will refuse to block to third parties. 

(screenshot of Ghostery extension, taken by me)

Ghostery is an extension that blocks websites and third parties from collecting data on you without your knowledge. These profiles they build allow them to not only track what you look at an buy but also build targeted ads tailored to your spending habits. Because Ghostery blocks these, it will also block some ads that might slip through uBlock's detectors. If there is any ad targeting you'd prefer to receive, you can always list trackers as trusted in the options menu.