AdBlock+ for Windows

Google is polishing its Chrome browser with the help of open-source extensions similar to the add-ons that have made Mozilla's Firefox the Web browser to beat when it comes to versatility and options. Lex1's AdBlock+ Element Hiding Helper is a good example. As the name suggests, it blocks various kinds of animated elements, typically advertising, in Google's Chrome. If you haven't tried Chrome yet, here's your chance, and you can do worse than to make AdBlock+ one of your first extensions.

AdBlock+ is easy to use, with a few simple keystroke combinations controlling all the program's functions. To block an ad or other offending animation, simply press Alt-B, mouse over the obnoxious item, click OK (or Cancel) and the ad goes away, replaced by peaceful white space discreetly marked "advertisement." Pressing Alt-T uncovers the hidden ad, while Alt-U undoes all hides. Other than the pop-up dialogs for blocking objects, the program's only real interface is an options tab under Extensions in Chrome's Settings menu. Here you can subscribe to EasyList sites for several countries or specify another EasyList, or set your own Global and User filters.

Flashing and animated ads are designed to catch your eye, but they often distract from a Web site's real content. AdBlock+ adds much-needed capabilities to Chrome, helping make it a real contender in the Browser Battles. AdBlock+ is freeware that works in versions of Windows from 98 to 7. It's a .crx file, so you should download and open in Chrome, which automatically installs it, too.