Website ads, who needs 'em?
IS recommends using an adblocker on your browser to prevent unwanted ads from popping up. A fan favorite is uBlock Origin Lite, but others can be used as well.
Key benefits
- Faster browsing speeds: Web pages load significantly faster because heavy scripts, video ads, tracking tags, and external ad servers are blocked before they even execute.
- Enhanced security: Protects your device by blocking malvertising—malicious ads that spread malware, ransomware, or phishing scams through legitimate web networks.
- Blocks annoying popups: Automatically removes popups, intrusive banners, and autoplaying video overlays that disrupt your browsing session.
- Minimal system resource usage: Reduces CPU and RAM consumption, extending battery life on laptops and mobile devices.
Installation guide by browser
Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome and navigate to the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for uBlock Origin Lite.
- Click Add to Chrome.
- In the pop-up prompt, click Add extension to confirm.
- Click the Extensions puzzle piece icon in the top-right corner of Chrome and click the Pin icon next to uBlock Origin Lite for quick access.
Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge and go to the Edge Add-ons Store.
- Search for uBlock Origin Lite.
- Click the Get button next to the extension.
- Select Add extension when prompted.
- Pin the extension to your toolbar via the Extensions menu if desired.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox and visit Firefox Add-ons.
- Search for uBlock Origin Lite.
- Click Add to Firefox.
- Review the requested permissions and click Add.
- Check the box to Allow this extension to run in Private Windows if desired, then click Okay.
Apple Safari (macOS / iOS)
- Open the App Store on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone.
- Search for uBlock Origin Lite and click Get / Install.
- On macOS: Open Safari > click Safari in the menu bar > select Settings (or Preferences) > click the Extensions tab. Check the box next to uBlock Origin Lite to enable it.
- On iOS/iPadOS: Open Settings > tap Apps > Safari > Extensions. Toggle uBlock Origin Lite to On and set permissions to Allow.
How to use and fine-tune uBlock Origin Lite
uBlock Origin Lite is designed to work automatically out of the box with optimal default settings. However, some websites may occasionally break or display an "Ad Blocker Detected" prompt requiring you to turn off filtering.
Adjusting filtering levels for a site
Click the uBlock Origin Lite icon in your browser toolbar to open the control panel. You will see a slider controlling the filtering intensity for the website you are currently visiting:
| Mode | Behavior | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Applies minimal blocking rules with very low risk of breaking site features. | Use on sensitive sites (e.g., online banking, government portals). |
| Optimal(Default) | Blocks standard ads, trackers, and popups while maintaining site integrity. | Recommended for 95% of everyday web browsing. |
| Complete | Applies aggressive content filtering and cosmetic cleanup rules. | Best for ad-heavy news sites, streaming platforms, or media blogs. |
Tip:
uBlock Origin Lite will remember this setting per site! Whenever you return to that specific site in the future. If you disabled filtering for a specific site, it will remain disabled on future visits, while every other website remains fully protected.
Accessing advanced settings
If you need to enable additional blocklists (such as region-specific filters, social media widget blockers, or enhanced privacy lists):
- Click the uBlock Origin Lite icon in your toolbar.
- Click the Cogs / Gear icon in the corner of the popup panel to open Options.
- Under the Filter lists tab, check or uncheck specific categories according to your preference.
- Close the settings tab, your changes save automatically.
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