pepoluan: The IT Guy

We all now that the quality of Internet connection in Indonesia is sadly far below that of developed countries. And thus, if we browse the web and visit a site, oftentimes we have to wait veeeeery long while the page is downloaded to be displayed.

One reason for this sluggishness is the GAZILLION ads we see. For example: www.detik.com. Can you imagine how much bandwidth was robbed by the flash ads in that site?? Not to mention all those flashin'and'dancin' ads, making us dizzy and distract us from what we're reading.

But rest assured! If you're a Firefox user, there IS now a way for you to be FREEEEEE (as in speech) from all those ads. Just read the continuation of this article

Follow up:

I originally posted this article in the Detik-i-net Forum. Because I am the original author, I surely have the right to spread this trick freely -- gratis -- to everybody

But first, lemme give you proof, not baloney!

This is how Detik.com looked like before applying this tip:

( Click to see a bigger version )

And, this is how Detik.com looks like afterwards:

( Click to see a bigger version )

Interested? Read on!

1. First, install NoScript

NoScript is a Firefox extension that blocks JavaScript, Flash, and other web page codes from executing. Besides blocking LOTS of Flash ada (*cough* detik *cough), NoScript will also block virii & malwares that may try to attack you through JavaScript and/or Flash.

Download it here: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722

After first installation, NoScript will err on the cautious side: All sites will have their JavaScript blocked. This results in Detik-i-net Forum (and other online forums) to be blocked.

To regain functionality of the Detik-inet (or other) Forum -- but still blocking the ads on the detikinet.com site -- do the following:

1. Right-click the NoScript icon (S with a slash) on the lower right corner
2. Click Options
3. Click the Appearance tab
4. Check "Full Domains"
5. Uncheck "Allow scripts Globally (dangerous)"
6. Click OK
7. Visit the site forum.detikinet.com
8. Right click on the NoScript icon again
9. Click "Allow forum.detikinet.com"

Do steps 7~9 for every site (forum) you want the JavaScript to function.

2. Install AdBlock Plus + subscription

AdBlock Plus is an extension that is expressly designed to block ads and other unwanted elements. Animated-gif ads, for instance, are not blockable by NoScript. So, this is where AdBlock Plus comes in.

BUT! AdBlock Plus not only removes ads, it can also remove the empty space leftover! Even better, AdBlock Plus can also remove textual ads!

Download it here: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865

After installation & restart (of Firefox), straight-out AdBlock Plus will offer some "subscriptions"; based on my experience, the most suitable subscription for me are:

1. Corset (Korea) + EasyList
   Complemented with
2. Liste FR only

The first one can be 'subscribed' directly after installation. The second one must be installed afterwards, by visiting this site: http://adblockplus.org/en/subscriptions, then clicking on "Liste FR (only)".

3. Add Indonesia-specific Subscription

Some Indonesians have created additional filters to enhance AdBlock Plus' performance for Indonesian sites.

Personally, I have created a Filter Set Subscription specifically for sites frequented by Indonesians, with the name:

The Handsome Set versi 1.0.6a

Last Update: 12 Mei 2008, 07:10

If you wonder what's in it, click the following link: http://pandu.poluan.info/handsome_set.txt

Why do I make the filter set into subscription? Two reasons: First, so that whenever I update this filter set to be more powerful, You as a subscriber can (almost) immediately get the improvement (for AdBlock Plus updates its subscriptions every day). And the second reason is to make it easier for you to install it.

Now, to add The Handsome Set into AdBlock Plus, follow these steps:

1. Click the triangle on the right of the "ABP" button (on the toolbar)
2. Click Preferences
3. Click on the Filters menu
4. Click "Add Filter Subscription"
5. For "Subscription Title", enter The Handsome Set
6. For "Filter List Location", enter http://pandu.poluan.info/handsome_set.txt
7. Click OK
8. Click OK again
9. Refresh the web page

Enjoy a faster, ad-free web-browsing experience!

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