Privoxy

A proxy is only as good as its filter set, so the fact that Privoxy hasn't updated since 2004 should not be taken lightly. The interface is primarily text files, which makes it easy for advanced users to update the filters. Novice users will appreciate that this utility is easy to install, but will dislike that it isn't easy to configure. There really isn't a help file. The configuration file does mention how to enable the proxy in your browsers, but most users would miss the required information. Privoxy only works for browsers that can use a proxy, so don't expect any help with your instant messenger programs.

Though the filter is more than two years old, it still blocks many types of pop-ups and pop-unders. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to set to ignore the pop-ups you want to allow. We did like the blocked pages log that Privoxy displays, making it easy to track pop-up URLs. However, most novice users would find that it shows information they simply don't need. All that said, this freeware is useful for those users advanced enough to add to the filter, but everyone else would prefer a proxy that's easier to configure.