[SlickWillard]

If you have any expertise with computers, just re-install the operating system [then apply all critical updates, and NEVER install an Active X control that you find on the web].

Another option for people with some expertise is to redirect your DNS traffic for the pop-up advertising companies [typically this would involve your HOSTS file, but you could do it on an intranetwork with a DNS server]:

Mike Skallas' Ad Blocking Hosts file

Also, there's more on the state of the art in pop-up blocking in this recent Slashdot thread:

End Run Around Pop-up Blockers

[jokar]

Mark