PopSmarts Popup Killer

Editors' ReviewDownload.com staffSeptember 30, 2002A couple of innovative aspects set PopSmarts Popup Killer apart from the pack, though it doesn't necessarily take the lead. First, the program integrates with Internet Explorer, so there's no additional client application to launch; you simply turn it on in your browser. Second, PopSmarts focuses its efforts on pop-ups most likely to be unwanted, rather than blocking any and all new browser windows. So, pop-ups associated with entering or exiting a site, for example, are blocked, but those that pop up when you click on a link or press Shift and then click to open a link in a new window are unaffected. It's not foolproof, but it's a step in the right direction. We'd prefer that the program did not allow pop-up windows to open before terminating them, though. Also, the program is only designed to stop browser-window pop-ups, so it won't block adware or windows proposing to install additional plug-ins. These lapses in efficiency are enough to give us pause about it being the best solution for desktop invaders, but PopSmarts may be right for those whose primary pop-up pain is the browser window.