AdFree 2.1.1
by Mike Foley
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Contents
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  1. What is AdFree?
  2. How do I use AdFree?
  3. How does AdFree work?
  4. How do I add new servers to the list?
  5. What are the limitations of AdFree?
  6. What else can AdFree be used for?
  7. What can I replace the banners with?
  8. Do I need to pay for AdFree?
  9. How do I uninstall AdFree?
  10. How may AdFree be distributed?
  11. Features
  12. Potential conflicts
  13. FAQ
  14. Version history



*******************
1. What is AdFree?
*******************

AdFree is an application that filters your web connections as you surf,
blocking the servers you don't want to access. It is primarily used to
eliminate banners, but it can also block any other server you do not
want to take information from.



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2. How do I use AdFree?
************************

1. Make sure that your web browser is not open.
2. Open the AdFree application.
3. Surf the web!



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3. How does AdFree work?
*************************

AdFree does not use the proxy method, as many similar applications do.
Every Windows computer has a HOSTS file, in which a user can manually
tell the computer exactly where certain servers are located, using
their IP address. AdFree edits this file so that instead of loading
the banner from an ad server, it asks AdFree for the file. AdFree in
turn gives your browser any file you so desire.



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4. How do I add new servers to the list?
*****************************************

When you see a banner you do not want to load:
1. Right-click on the picture, and view its location. (Netscape users,
select "Copy Image Location", IE users select "Properties")
2. Verify that the server name is one you want to block. Many sites
host the pictures themselves.
3. Once you verify that the banner is from a third-party site, then:
In AdFree, select the "Server List..." menu command, and add the
server to the list that it displays. You can also remove servers in
the same fashion. See the "Features" section below for more details.



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5. What are the limitations of AdFree?
***************************************

AdFree only works with "third party" banners. Since storage space is
limited, more and more web pages are using "third party" banners;
that is, they use another server (like Flycast, etc.) to store all
their ads. AdFree has the ability to block these. However, if a
server stores all its ad pictures itself, AdFree cannot block them
because they are from the same server.
When editing the list of locked servers, you can only put server
names, and not specific file or folder names.



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6. What else can AdFree be used for?
*************************************

AdFree blocks out any server you wish to avoid. You can block out
any server you do not wish you or your family to visit. The server
list can be edited to however you see fit. If you block out
microsoft.com, when you try to visit microsoft.com all you will see
is the picture you specified :)



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7. What can I replace the banners with?
****************************************

You can replace the banners (actually, any object from that server)
with any file your browser is able to read. I usually use gif or jpg
files because they are faster, but whatever you use is fully up to
you. You can replace those annoying banners with any file on your
computer!



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8. Do I need to pay for AdFree?
********************************

No. AdFree may be freely distributed and used without licensing.
However, if you find the program useful, you may contribute a small
donation to the author. See the About box for details.



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9. How do I uninstall AdFree?
*******************************

Simply go to the Control Panel, and select "Add/Remove Programs".
Then select AdFree, and press the Add/Remove button. 



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10. How may AdFree be distributed?
***********************************

AdFree may be freely distributed, as long as the program and ReadMe
files have not been changed. Also, I'd appreciate an e-mail to keep
track of where it's going.



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11. Features
*************

-- File menu --

- "Floating Counter" : Displays a small counter on your computer
screen, so you can keep track of how many connections AdFree has
blocked. This counter is automatically placed on top of all your
windows, so you don't have to worry about losing it.

- "Reset Counter" : Resets the counter to zero, much like a trip
meter in a car.

- "About AdFree..." : Information on the program, and its author.

- "Exit" : Quits the program.


-- Options menu --

- "Server List..." : Allows you to view and edit the list of servers
to block. After editing the server list, you must restart your web
browser for changes to take effect.

- "Change Picture" : Changes the picture AdFree replaces the blocked
objects with. This can be changed on the fly.
I have included a list of default pictures to get you started.

- "Pause/Resume" : Stops or starts filtering connections.


-- Advanced --

- "Change HOSTS Path..." : Changes the path to your HOSTS file. Usually
it is in the C:\windows folder, but if your system is configured
differently, you must use this option.

- "Keep/Replace HOSTS File..." : Lets you decide whether or not to keep
an existing HOSTS file. Most users do not need to keep an existing file,
but some advanced users (and those using Windows NT) might need this
option.


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12. Potential conflicts
************************

Since AdFree interacts directly with Winsock, there is a possibility of
conflicts, depending on what other applications you have running on your
machine, and how your system is set up. The severity of these conflicts can
range from minor, to hanging your computer. In these situations, usually
the only option is to uninstall AdFree, or remove any conflicting
applications.
If a conflict arrises, I would appreciate an e-mail so I can attempt to
correct it for future versions. 

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13. FAQ
********

Q) When I try to start the program, it says that I need a DLL, OCX,
or other system file. Where do I get it?
A) There are places to download the files on the internet, but the
easiest way would be to download the full version of AdFree, which
comes with all the necessary system files. You can download it from
AdFree's homepage, which is at:
http://ieng9.ucsd.edu/~m1foley/adfree.html
  If you install that and you're still having problems, then e-mail
me and I'll be glad to help you.

Q) How do I get AdFree to start when Windows starts up?
A) Just create a shortcut to the AdFree program, and place it in the
StartUp folder.
The StartUp folder is usually found in:
C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp

(If you use Windows NT, you use the Start Menu folder that is in your
personal system directory.)

Q) What's up with that Clockwork Orange picture?
A) I got it from a website a long time ago, but I don't remember
what it was. If anyone knows, please send me an e-mail so I can
give them credit. It's a cool banner.

Q) How was AdFree 2.1.1 written?
A) AdFree 2.1 was programmed in Visual Basic 6.0.

Q) How can I contact the author?
A) You can e-mail Mike Foley at foley@ucsd.edu, or you can visit
his webpage at:
http://ieng9.ucsd.edu/~m1foley/
  Please let me know if you have any suggestions on improving the
program, I'd love to hear them!

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14. Version history
********************

AdFree 2.1.1 (4/01)
 - Improved the installation process significantly
 - Removed the "Change port" option
 - Made system tray menu more reliable
 - Made different system tray icons for pause/resume

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Thanks for trying out AdFree.

