Ad blitz?

[roblg3]

Do I have a virus or are there ads on the FOG?

[Festool USA]

Do I have a virus or are there ads on the FOG?

I think you may have malware or a virus. No ads here.

There are browser add-ons that sometimes get installed that will display ads in your browser. I'd look there first.

[Rick Christopherson]

In a similar vein to what Shane said, I have a browser add-on for recording audio in my browser (like recording youtube music). I've had it for years. Out of the blue I started getting a fly-out window on nearly every website giving me shopping tips.  It took me a while to figure out that this recorder add-on had done an automatic update without my knowledge and the new version(s) now come bundled with this feature (aka adware). It's not malware, but it is irritating as all heck. So I disable the recorder (tool bar) until I need to use it.

[Sparktrician]

Firefox is my primary browser.  There are some pretty good add-ons that block most of the advertrash.  I particularly like Adblock Plus.  DoNotTrackMe and Ghostery are good for stopping the usage tracking.  All are free. 

[Rick Christopherson]

Willy, Even though I also recommend AdBlock, there are no ads on the FOG to be blocked. So those solutions, while good, won't help the original poster.

[Festool USA]

Willy, Even though I also recommend AdBlock, there are no ads on the FOG to be blocked. So those solutions, while good, won't help the original poster.

Actually, it could help the OP. It's possible that whatever has caused these ads may have come from an ad. A lot of these ad syndication providers do not audit the ads. So, the ads can actually install malware and other nasties. Having an ad blocking solution in your browser can help prevent that.

I personally use Google Chrome as my primary browser now. I had some issues with Firefox a few years ago and stopped using it other than for testing web pages. Internet Explorer is probably one of the worst when it comes to being prone to malware infections. I can't comment on Safari that much as I only use it for testing purposes as well (Safari for Windows).

Shane

[roblg3]

thanks everybody.  Shane, I'm also using chrome.  it's strange it's worse on some pages than others.  it doesn't seem to affect facebook, but some on iheart radio, and total assault on the FOG.  I'm trying to get a handle.  i'm much better with pointy things

[Festool USA]

Rob,

If you're on Windows, snag a copy of the freeware program Malwarebytes. Install it, let it update itself (automatic), then run a scan. If it finds anything, remove the nasties, reboot and repeat until you're all clear.

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=main;pop

Most of that crap is contextual, meaning that the ads are based on the content of the page. That may be why you see it more on some sites than others.

You might be able to identify and remove the offending add-on by going to the Chrome menu > Tools > Extensions and having a look.

Shane

[roblg3]

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!   Thank you Shane.  What a hassle this was for and you solved it thank you

[Festool USA]