how-to block ads
|
|
Uniqs:
849 |
Share Topic
 |
 |
|
|
|
 Zhen-XjellProlific BunnyPremium,VIP,ExMod 2001-04
join:2000-10-08
Bordentown, NJ | JUNKBUSTER REVIEW This is the final review of four privacy enhancing applications. The first three reviews can be found in this thread, covering Proxomitron, WebWasher and AdSubtract CE.
To date, during this review period, other threads have been borne, and I want to make reference to them here. A poll was created on this very subject, asking which application was used the most. Clearly, the results show not a single tool came out above the rest. Just because one application is what I call a "one-stop-shop" does not mean it is suitable for everyone. Privacy control depends on each person's own comfort level. So please test these and other applications to become an informed user. The poll and it's results can be found at this thread.
Two more comments before I get started with the JUNKBUSTER REVIEW, a separate thread was conducted on AdSubtract PRO testing and review by Ethics, which can be found by clicking here.
My review of Proxomitron yielded a tested default configuration file, which can be found by clicking here. Word of caution, the version of Proxomitron that should be used is the Naoko 4 (Beta 4) in conjunction with the default config file I have uploaded to DSLR. Do not use Naoko 3.
Based on this, a separate thread was started by Ethics further reviewing it's use with IE Beta 6 (two different builds) and Opera version 5.x. Both were successful.
So in summary, my review to date has found Proxomitron leading the group in terms of highly configurable and sophisticated (yet simple thanks to my default config file) enhanced privacy control. WebWasher and AdSubtract CE came in 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in part because they did not stop the placement of cookies 100% like Proxomitron did. For further details, please refer to the link above pointing to the full review.
With this information in hand, let the review of Junkbuster commence.
In the top ten FAQ list, the first question and answer is:
What is the Internet Junkbuster Proxy and what does it do for me?
The Internet Junkbuster Proxy TM is free privacy-enhancing software that can be run on your PC or by your ISP or company. It blocks requests for URLs (typically banner ads) that match its blockfile. It also deletes unauthorized cookies and other unwanted identifying header information that is exchanged between web servers and browsers. These headers are not normally accessible to users (even though they may contain information that's important to your privacy), but with the Internet Junkbuster you can see almost anything you want and control everything you're likely to need. You decide what's junk. Many people publish their blockfiles to help others get started.
JunkBuster is distributed under the GNU GPL, with source code attached. The authors claim (and provide ports) that Junkbuster runs on any platform: Windows, Unix, Redhat Linux, Debian, Free BSD, OS/2, a hacked up MAC client, and BeOS. With the source code provided, other ports can be made manually. Makefile is also included in the downloaded application.
Downloading the 203 KB application from the Junkbuster website, I created a folder and unzipped the contents in there. Just like with Proxomitron, no installer is provided (nor required).
The provided executable is 116 KB, and takes 124 K of memory usage (whereas Proxomitron for instance takes 2,560 K of memory usage). This tool however, is completely DOS based. No graphical user interface is provided. Configuration is handled through a series of INI files. Modifying the INI files take immediate effect because JunkBuster (JB for short) prior to fetching a web page checks if the INI files have been modified.
Proxy information for the browser needs to be set to localhost port 8000. No sequence is required in getting the browser to work with JB, just make sure JB is running.
As an aside, the ZIP file one downloads for windows comes with an excellent help file, ijbfaq.html. Use it, and please abuse it.
From this file, a comment of the sample default blockfile: The sample blockfile we provide blocks almost nothing, and we do not publish blockfiles that stop almost all banner ads. A link is also provided to AltaVista where other blockfiles supposedly can be found.
While reading their pages in preparation for the testing, this page revealed that JunkBuster is not an application that will block scripts just as JavaSript or ActiveX. So immediately we know JB will not be a "one-stop-shop" experience.
While setting out to configure the INI files, I added in www.dslreports.com as a site JB should accept cookes, and to not block any links whatsoever.
The main INI JB file also has options to hide the DOS console, and on how to handle referrer fields, user-agents, wafers (which allow for anonymous surfing), and a couple more options not worth mentioning for this review.
Other than that, the INI files are pretty vanilla. On with the test.
Testing the URLs I have listed in the first thread review containing the three tools, some sites did not even load like Space.com, ABCNews.com or Discovery.com. CNN.com loaded up but some ads did get through. Visiting the WW link yielded a pop-up window that did not load any page, and some of the ads also did not load.
The interesting thing about the blockfile for instance is that specific ports can be blocked, like port 23 the telnet port. Wildcards can be used, as well as full pathnames and files. But, directory structures may be used as well, for instance, in all cases that meet the criteria "/ads/banners/", block all access. In this sense, blocking is very powerful, JB seems to do a great job.
Further testing revealed that indeed, JB does not block pop-ups, and does not indeed block all ads (no need to list specifics, JB even states that the default config works like this).
However, when trying to access ABCNews.com once again, I was redirected to TeamHelix.net. Now that I found somewhat amusing.
Yet out of all the sites visited, including the adult ones, no cookies got through whatsoever. 100% cookie blockage, until I on the fly checked out NorthernLight, and found a cookie sitting on my system. Each site was visited with a fresh copy of the page, making sure nothing was being called from the cache.
When pages did load, they were quick, and not so long as WW or Proxo. Yet, JB is more time-consuming to configure and get running.
There are many pages of reading, of which I still have not covered.
During the poll, a couple members stated they are users of JB. If you have spent time in setting up your INI files, please share them with us here so that I may go on with a more in-depth review.
Otherwise, this application is considered to be used by masters only. Not to mention, other programs would have to be used if one is seeking to block pop-ups/pop-unders, scripts, etc.
My 2¢ at this point in time: If you like text based tools such as this, go with the HOSTS file instead. It is much easier to load up and start using right away. If you are seeking a challenge, and I mean a challenge, then this program is for you, albeit not a one solution for everything privacy seeking.
Am ende, to check if JB is working, one can visit this page for confirmation. If you want to see what headers you are sending, check this page. And a final comment from their site: Disabling Javascript stops some pop-up ads. One problem is that some advertisers throw open a new browser window to frame the ad. The ad is easily blocked, but the empty window remains. You can kill it easily, but this is a chore. We don't see how to stop them other than editing the HTML from the parent window, which we don't like to do.
--
»All your Smurf are belong to Smurf!
»Ad/Cookie Blocking App Reviews | |
 gwionwild colonial boyPremium,ExMod 2001-08
join:2000-12-28
Pittsburgh, PA
kudos:1 | I haven't used it in a while, and one reason I dropped it is mentioned in the review. IJB seems to be supported by some real "guerilla anti ad" soldiers, and a lot of the prepackaged blockfiles are just plain draconian. If you use some of the most complete ones, you almost end up with a text based browser. Therefore, I was always manually editing ini files. Unfortunately, I actually DO like doing things with my computers, now and then, other than configuring stuff  . It's also slow. It can do some exotic things, but Proxomitron seems able to do the same and even more, as does a new, but still rough-edged app I've tried, but put on hold 'til it comes out of beta, called "JProxy," available, for the brave at heart, at the Source Forge archive. IJB can also be slow. It's an old app, and hasn't been either formally updated or recompiled elsewhere in ages.
I used to recommend IJB heartily, but it looks to me as though improvements in apps like proxomitron, etc. are fast deprecating this old standby. It's too much work, very simply. It might be good for some code hackers, out there, who want to recompile the source, something like that. It has mystified me that nobody's made a TCL or Java front end for it, too... it would seem easy, and I thought about writing a simple IF in TCL, some time back, before Zhenn (did remember to say thanks for all the work?) introduced me to Proxomitron. Right now, I think I consider IJB a second choice on a windows system. Just doesn't have the same firepower, and the config gets annoying, real quick. Makes a good filter for a 'nix box, or on an internet gateway, perhaps, but as a local filter, it's been passed by. Great app, and one of the pioneers, but all things pass. It still has a place... but most of us will absolutely feel more comfortable with a few of the newer, GUI'ed offerings. My thoughts, for now... thanks, Zhenn. hat was an exhaustive trial, and you sure earned a big Thank You from everyone.
--
Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most times he will pick himself up and carry on. - Sir Winston Churchill | |
| reply to Zhen-Xjell
As Z-X said, IJB does not block popups, javascripts, etc. It's a plain simple proxy, and it can be thought as an exact alternative to HOST file method.
The reason IJB does not have more "features" such as eliminating popups is, as IJB homepage says, they think alternation of web pages could mean copyright violation (We know that blocking popups, javascripts through proxies actually means modifying HTML source on the fly.).
The following from IJB FAQ page: quote:
Why not replace blocked banners with something invisible?
Many users have suggested to us that blocked banners should be replaced by a something like a 1x1 transparent GIF to make the page would look as if there was nothing ever there. Apart from making it harder to catch unintended blocking, this might also displease the owners of the page, who could argue that such a change constitutes a copyright infringement. We think that merely failing to allow an included graphic to be accessed would probably not be considered an infringement: after all this is what happens when a browser is configured not to load images automatically. However, we are not lawyers, so anyone in doubt should take appropriate advice.
You can see that these guys think even replacing blocked images with 'c:\clear.gif' could be copyright violation, not to mention filtering javascripts! Too extreme I think, but that's where IJB guys stand, and ask the users to do whatever they want.
I use IJB on Linux / Solaris, and the main reason for the choice is there isn't any viable alternative.... yet .
[Edit:]
I forgot to say thanks to Z-X for continuing hard work for all of us. Thanks!
-- wiregauze
[text was edited by author 2001-06-16 22:19:25] | |
| reply to Zhen-Xjell
I use IJB with Linux since there seems to be no other ad/cookie buster available for that platform. I was using IJB for Windows also, but switched to proxomitron.
I've attached my Linux blockfile to assist in your review. The blockfile and more info about IJB is available here »www.waldherr.org/junkbuster/ | |
Zhen-XjellProlific BunnyPremium,VIP,ExMod 2001-04
join:2000-10-08
Bordentown, NJ | Ah, thank you Corebreach. This will be wonderful to do a followup test, and if I have anything new to relay, I will do so in this thread. If anyone else has more info, please do share. I appreciate it corebreach! | |
|
