Audio ads are distracting and annoying. Web pages with random sounds are especially cumbersome to the blind that depend on screen reader voices. To overcome the burden, there are some solutions built into browsers. Safari users should follow Apple's latest releases; they may someday integrate a sound panel into the interface of their browser. Fortunately, Safari blocks audio ad pop-ups by default, which is helpful. Internet Explorer users can escape hearing pesky ads by turning off the browser's sound. If viewing Web pages without sound is inconvenient, then your best option is to install Mozilla Firefox. Firefox's advanced pop-up blocker features, combined with a five-star add-on, AdBlock Plus, stops the intruding audio ads in their tracks.
Install Mozilla Firefox on a Mac OS X
Step
Visit www.mozilla.com.
Step
Verify if the recommended version of Firefox is compatible with your operating system. If necessary, click the "Other Systems and Languages" link to find a suitable version.
Step
Click on the "Download Firefox" button. If the first version offered was incorrect, click "Download" in the category of your preferred operating system and language.
Step
Wait for the file to download. A window containing the application will open.
Step
Drag the "Firefox" icon from the open window to the "Applications" folder.
Step
Drag the "Firefox" icon into your dock.
Install Mozilla Firefox on a Computer with Windows
Step
Exit all running programs except your current browser.
Step
Visit www.mozilla.com.
Step
Verify if the recommended version of Firefox is compatible with your system. If it's incorrect, click the "Other Systems and Languages" link and find a suitable version.
Step
Click on the "Download Firefox" button. If the first version offered was incorrect, click "Download" in the category of your preferred operating system and language.
Step
Wait for the file to download.
Step
Run the Firefox installation. Note that Windows Vista and Windows 7 users may suddenly see a "User Account Control" message. Click "Yes" if the "User Account Control" message appears. Doing so will cause the software's welcome screen to appear and allow you to proceed with the installation.
Step
Click "Next" on the welcome screen. A "Setup Type" box becomes visible.
Step
Select "Standard" to install Firefox's recommended configuration.
Step
Check "Use Firefox as My Default Browser," if it's preferred.
Step
Click "Next" to continue the installation.
Step
Check the "Launch Firefox Now" box.
Step
Select "Finish."
Step
When the browser launches, leave Firefox open to adjust its pop-up settings and install the AdBlocker Plus add-on.
Disable Pop-up Ads in Mozilla Firefox
Step
If the Firefox browser is not open, launch it.
Step
Click on "Firefox."
Step
Select "Preferences."
Step
Open the "Content" panel.
Step
Check "Block Pop-Up Windows."
Step
Click on "Exceptions."
Step
Add or remove Web page addresses to control the source of acceptable and unacceptable pop-up windows.
Step
Exit the "Exceptions" window by clicking on the red exit dot.
Step
Close the "Preferences" panel.
Install the Mozilla Firefox AdBlock Plus Add-On
Step
Launch Firefox.
Step
Visit adblockplus.org.
Step
Click on the "Install Adblock Plus" link. It's on the add-on's homepage.
Step
On the Installation Web page, press the underlined "Install Adblock Plus" text. A pop-up window appears.
Step
Select "Install Now." An "Add-Ons" window appears.
Step
Click "Restart Firefox" when the installation is complete.
Turn Off the Sound in Internet Explorer
Step
Launch Internet Explorer.
Step
Choose "Tools."
Step
Click on "Internet Options."
Step
Select the "Advanced" tab.
Step
Find the "Multimedia" section in the settings box.
Step
Deactivate the "Play Sounds in WebPages" box.
Step
"Apply" the change.
Step
Click on "OK."
