This simple and efficient ad blocker removes ads by utilizing the Hosts file to block sites. It's easy to use and doesn't use proxies. You can manually choose which sites to block or automatically download a list of servers. It filters the Web, AIM, and Kazaa.
Editor's review of AdFree Designed to block ad windows during Web surfing, AdFree proves too labor-intensive to win us over. The program launches at start-up and resides in your system tray under an icon of your choice. Its method is to maintain a massive list of hosts known to display ad windows and block initiated windows from those hosts. A floating counter tracks how many ads are blocked. However, its effectiveness is limited. Because the program will not block pop-ups from unknown hosts, you must continually update the blacklist in order to keep pop-ups at bay. AdFree works fine for what it is, but the ongoing configuration requirements likely will become tiresome for many users.