What's new

New Surface Pro 3 issues

EMINENT

Active Member
For those that don't need all the tweaks that other browsers allow you and just need ad block, here's a great article on how to block ads in IE that was just posted today at wpcentral.

Here is how to block ads in IE 11 for Windows 8.1
By Daniel Rubino, Thursday, Aug 21, 2014 at 4:10 pm EDT
No one likes ads, even if they are what powers our web economy. The debate over ad blockers is always a tough one, even more so since it even affects our site too. Without the revenue, we do not get money, which means we cannot pay our writers, which means we do not have employees. Still, there are selective uses of ad blocking that is useful, and we will show you how to do that in IE11 for Windows 8.1.
Internet Explorer 11 cannot do traditional plugins like Chrome or Firefox, which is a big gripe for many who would like to use it as their main browser. As a tradeoff, though, IE11 has fewer security issues, and it is gentler on your battery, which is important for tablets, laptops, and the Surface. However, there is a way to block ads within IE11 even without plugins, and it does not involve any hacks or modifications. Yes, Microsoft has given you the tools directly.
Disable ads in Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 8.1
  • Open IE11 in Modern or Desktop mode
  • Bring up the Charms bar (swipe from the right)
  • Tap 'Settings'
  • Select 'Privacy'
  • Tap 'Add Tracking Protection Lists'
Following the above steps launches Microsoft's IE gallery, an online repository for their browser add-ons. 'Tracking Protection Lists' is their fun euphemism for ad blocking.
As of August 2014, you can add seven different lists to IE11. You can add one or all; the choice is up to you. One of the more interesting ones is 'Stop Google Tracking,' which gets around Google's circumventing of IE's privacy preferences. Huzzah. EasyList Standard is the same list that powers the familiar Adblock Plus plugin, giving the same ability to IE11 users as Chrome and Firefox.
Ad_lists_IE11_block.JPG

If you feel bad about blocking a site's only source of revenue, in the address bar you can see a 'buster' symbol letting you know that some content is blocked (see image below). Tapping this symbol brings up a window explaining what is happening, and it gives you the ability to unblock that content, making the world right again. Either way, the choice is yours. Once you have selected your lists, the browser automatically blocks that content going forward. That is all there is to it.
Buster_0.png

We will leave the choice up to you for which content on which sites to block. Watch the above tutorial video to see how to do this yourself.
Did you know about the built-in ad blocking in IE11 and is it something that you use? Let us know in comments and feel free to share any other browsing tips you have too!
 

bluegrass

Well-Known Member
Why do people incessantly use 3rd party browsers and complain about performance?

People get use to and fall in love with a browser and are reluctant to changes. Like the old saying, "old habits don't die easily.

I look at these Surfaces as different beasts made by Microsoft, why not go with a browser that was made by Microsoft for this animal & get on with it. Maybe a year down the road Google & Mozilla will get with the program on this new adventure we're on.

Also whether you want to admit it or not, all of us that have purchased a Surface, are pioneers and pioneers make a lot of sacrifices & go through hell sometimes but they can have a lot of fun along the trail.
 

kristalsoldier

Well-Known Member
I noticeed one thing after the most recent update...I usually keep the touchpad turned off and it stays that way. But after the most recent update, I find that despite turning off the touchpad, after I wake up the SP3 from sleep, the touchpad comes on automatically. But when I go via the Charms menu to the Touchpad section, it shows that the touchpad is turned off. I have to turn the touchpad on and then off again. Any ideas? I really would prefer to keep the touchpad off since I use a BT mouse. Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Top