admuncher

[Infinity]

is it a good prg? I know it for many years but never installed it but besides spyblocker, adwatch, teatimer,spywarestopper would it be any good or would it be too much?

thanx in advance.

[rdsu]

Ad Muncher is an AD's/Popups blocker...

In my opinion, is the best in this section, very configurable, very low resources and works with any program...

[Devinco]

-{ Quote: "is it a good prg? I know it for many years but never installed it but besides spyblocker, adwatch, teatimer,spywarestopper would it be any good or would it be too much?

thanx in advance." }-
Hi INFINITY,

Here are some links below concerning this issue. I haven't tried Admuncher myself, but I looked at their website. It looks impressive.
I especially like the IP Scramble feature (which sounds like some kind of IP spoofing). I would be interested to know if that feature would defeat more determined IP identifiers like the Shields Up at GRC.com.
Adwatch besides its other important duties blocks cookies, not ads.
Browsing without the ads is just plain fun. So no it is not too much.

I am using AdBlock (http://adblock.mozdev.org/). It is a free highly configurable ad blocker extension (plugin) for Firefox. It takes more to set it up, but it works great! I sifted through and tried out many different regular expression setups posted on different forums until I found what works best for me. If you are interested, I can post it (a different thread would be more appropriate).

Admuncher (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=12067&highlight=admuncher) Ad Filtering (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=17941&page=2&pp=25&highlight=admuncher)

[Ailric]

-{ Quote: "is it a good prg? I know it for many years but never installed it but besides spyblocker, adwatch, teatimer,spywarestopper would it be any good or would it be too much?

thanx in advance." }-

It is not good.... IT IS GREAT!!! It uses almost no resources, kills all unwanted popups and better than 99% ads. Very easy to configure. Works with all browsers and messengers. I have used this for over 2 years and wouldn't surf without it. Just try it!

Ad-Muncher v4.53 Build 10059 beta
http://www.admuncher.com/B-4.53.10059.exe

[Snook]

Admuncher is AWSOME! It's kinda like the Proxomitron, but better. The ip scramble works well and the program is in general, highly configurable. Never had a crash with Admuncher and I've been running it for many months (if not close to a year). Does not slow down my broadband connection either.

[Devinco]

-{ Quote: ".....The ip scramble works well....." }-
Hi Snook,

Does the ip scramble work at grc.com shields up so the port scanner can't tell the correct ip?
Does it explain how it does this ip scrambling?
It is not an external proxy like Anonymizer, which can mask your real ip, is it?

[Ailric]

I'm not Snook, but...

Ad Muncher thus far has been able to remove most privacy/security issues inherent in web browsing, but the issues of IP revealing (which allow people to find your internet service provider and your approximate geographical location) were always taken as inevitable until this option was implemented. The IP Scramble system bounces each request off sequentially rotated anonymous proxy servers (see proxy definition below). The administrators of the web sites you visit never get to see your real IP address, and if any nosy proxy administrator were to look through his log files, he would only be able to see an insignificantly small portion of your browsing (because the requests are sent through a number of different proxy servers).

[JRosenfeld]

I don't know this software and certainly don't want to malign it, but there is a mention of Gozilla on one of its pages (register look up, I think)

"If you have registered Ad Muncher (or Go!Zilla Ad Muncher) in the past... "

worries me slightly.

The same point was made a few months ago on http://www.spywareinfoforum.com

[Devinco]

-{ Quote: "I'm not Snook, but...

Ad Muncher thus far has been able to remove most privacy/security issues inherent in web browsing, but the issues of IP revealing (which allow people to find your internet service provider and your approximate geographical location) were always taken as inevitable until this option was implemented. The IP Scramble system bounces each request off sequentially rotated anonymous proxy servers (see proxy definition below). The administrators of the web sites you visit never get to see your real IP address, and if any nosy proxy administrator were to look through his log files, he would only be able to see an insignificantly small portion of your browsing (because the requests are sent through a number of different proxy servers)." }-
Hi Ailric,

This is getting interesting.
Does AdMuncher effectively provide Anonymous Web Surfing like Anonymizer or JAP?
Does Admuncher own the rotating anonymous proxy servers?
Is there a recurring fee to use the anonymous proxies?
I looked on their website, but where can I learn more details about the whole IP Scramble System?

Thanks.

[Infinity]

Thanx for this great information. the Ip scrumbler would be perfect as you say. if it hides my IP adres ... I would take it I guess.

what about jrosenfelds thread??? about gozilla??

thanx

[Don Pelotas]

-{ Quote: "what about jrosenfelds thread??? about gozilla??" }-

Probably this Digitalcandle GoZilla-AdMuncher (http://www.digitalcandle.com/press_releases.html?name=admuncher) it seems to include an older version of AdMuncher(4.51).
Buy from the official site AdMuncher.com (http://admuncher.com/). :)

[Infinity]

thanx Don.

[sard]

AdMuncher doesn't seem to hide my IP address from GRC.com

I have tested the scrambling with other websites and they report a different IP every time I refresh. pcflank.com also fails to identify my correct IP address with AdMuncher scrambling enabled. Can anybody else test GRC, any ideas why it doesn't work on that site?

Apart from that I have been using AdMuncher for years to strip out ads and block pop ups. It really is a superb program 8) (It would have to be for me to part with money for it) There are pop ups that Firefox misses http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=253831 but AdMuncher still catches them.

[Justhelping]

Hmm looks like admuncher doesn't hadle HTTPS connections? Proxomitron does if you take the relevant steps.

[rdsu]

The developers of Ad Muncher are doing and improving a lot of things for the newer version... ;)

See this:
http://www.admuncher.com/devstatus.shtml
http://www.admuncher.com/5outline.shtml

[Devinco]

-{ Quote: "AdMuncher doesn't seem to hide my IP address from GRC.com" }-
That's because Steve Gibson is sneaky. (in a good way) ;D
Here is an excellent thread on The Dangers of HTTPS: (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=31087&highlight=https)
-{ Quote: "I have tested the scrambling with other websites and they report a different IP every time I refresh. pcflank.com also fails to identify my correct IP address with AdMuncher scrambling enabled. Can anybody else test GRC, any ideas why it doesn't work on that site?" }-
Like Justhelping said it seems like it is because of the HTTPS:.
Using Anonymizer (external proxy) service, my real IP is not revealed to GRC.com. As people become more secure, marketers will likely abuse this HTTPS loophole more.

-{ Quote: "There are pop ups that Firefox misses http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=253831 but AdMuncher still catches them." }-
Firefox by itself leaves something to be desired (as far as ad blocking).
But if you use the free AdBlock plugin with the right filter, it can be very effective.
From what I've read (have not tried it yet), AdMuncher does look very good for ad blocking.
Due to the HTTPS issue, it can't be considered an anonymous web surfing program like Anonymizer. Not that it was ever marketed as such.

[Devinco]

-{ Quote: "Hmm looks like admuncher doesn't hadle HTTPS connections? Proxomitron does if you take the relevant steps." }-
Justhelping,
Can an internal proxy like Proxomitron (with the relevant HTTPS plugins) hide your real IP from shields up at GRC.com? I didn't think internal proxies could do that, can they?

Thanks

[my02]

JakxPack for Proxomitron & Admuncher both use external proxies for IP hiding.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=6800&highlight=proxomitron

Rules-type firewall will instantly generate an AMFault if you're not allowing numerous tcp connections. And theres no option to choose remote proxies with Ad Muncher scramble option. ALWAYS CHECK THE IP'S YOU ARE CONNECTING THRU!

[Justhelping]

-{ Quote: "Justhelping,
Can an internal proxy like Proxomitron (with the relevant HTTPS plugins) hide your real IP from shields up at GRC.com? I didn't think internal proxies could do that, can they?

Thanks" }-

Yes, If you do not use a remote proxy , you can't hide your ip, whether the site is using HTTPS or just normal HTTP.

You must use a remote proxy together with proxomitron. JAP is a reasonable choice to use with proxo.

If the site is using HTTPS, most softwares are designed to automatically bypass remote proxies , for good reason. Most of the time, you don't want your important passwords to bounce off another remote proxy.

Still with proxomitron it is possible, see http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=31087&highlight=https

[Devinco]

Justhelping,

Thanks for the info.
This is starting to get complicated:
How are you supposed to have your important passwords not go through the external proxies and the HTTPS ads(and other HTTPS abusers) go through the external proxy?

Also to keep it AdMuncher related:
my02 says: Admuncher uses external proxy for IP hiding.
sard says: AdMuncher doesn't seem to hide my IP address from GRC.com

So AdMuncher uses an external proxy but it can be bypassed using HTTPS.
This is good if you are visting a site you trust where you need to input important passwords, but bad if the site abuses HTTPS to give you ads, tracking, etc.
Proxomitron with special plugins and configuration can be made to conceal your real IP address from GRC.com and other HTTPS. But would you want to turn off those SSL plugins when going to trusted sites where you need to put in important passwords?
Anonymizer does conceal your real IP address from GRC.com. Since GRC Shields Up uses HTTPS, I assume that means all HTTPS traffic including trusted sites where you input important passwords goes through Anonymizer's servers. So then I should disable Anonymizer when going to those sites?

:-\

[Justhelping]

-{ Quote: "Justhelping,

Thanks for the info.
This is starting to get complicated:
How are you supposed to have your important passwords not go through the external proxies and the HTTPS ads(and other HTTPS abusers) go through the external proxy?
" }-

You use the bypass list in Proxomitron of course while all other sites go through the remote proxy.The nice thing about proxomitron is that you can by default use proxies even through HTTPS sites , while allowing for "trusted sites" (your bank for example) for which it doesnt use the remote proxy.

For adcruncher it seems, that you have no choice. Whether you go to a HTTPS site, your ip is automatically exposed whether you want it or not. That is why I say proxo is more flexible.

-{ Quote: "

Also to keep it AdMuncher related:
my02 says: Admuncher uses external proxy for IP hiding.
sard says: AdMuncher doesn't seem to hide my IP address from GRC.com

So AdMuncher uses an external proxy but it can be bypassed using HTTPS.
This is good if you are visting a site you trust where you need to input important passwords, but bad if the site abuses HTTPS to give you ads, tracking, etc." }-

Correct.

-{ Quote: "
Proxomitron with special plugins and configuration can be made to conceal your real IP address from GRC.com and other HTTPS. But would you want to turn off those SSL plugins when going to trusted sites where you need to put in important passwords? " }-

Use a bypass list in proxomitron as mentioned above.


-{ Quote: "
Anonymizer does conceal your real IP address from GRC.com. Since GRC Shields Up uses HTTPS, I assume that means all HTTPS traffic including trusted sites where you input important passwords goes through Anonymizer's servers. So then I should disable Anonymizer when going to those sites?

:-\" }-

In a word, yes.

[Devinco]

Thanks for clearing this up Justhelping. It makes sense now. :)

[mismis29]

I am wondering how to configure the IP scrambler in AdMuncher. I tried to enable IP scrambling but I received a message that it wouldn't work since there were no "verified proxies". I then proceeded to click the 'Retrieve Test List' and now there are 30 'verified proxies'. However, when I go to the IP Scramble test page at AdMuncher.com, my remote address still shows up. What does all this mean?

By the way, I have ZoneAlarm(free) running, and when I went to the grc test page ('SheildsUP!') it says that all my ports are stealthed. Does this have anything to do with the IP? How do I stealth my remote address?

Thanx. :)

[luv2bsecure]

I had never tried Admuncher. I didn't ever try it back when it was bundled with spyware (GoZilla's version)....this new AdMuncher is truly a very, very good program. I especially like the way it blocks those annoying floaters that normally I would have to wait to dissolve before reading the text underneath. Thanks for the suggestion! Good find!

[Devinco]

-{ Quote: "By the way, I have ZoneAlarm(free) running, and when I went to the grc test page ('SheildsUP!') it says that all my ports are stealthed. Does this have anything to do with the IP? How do I stealth my remote address?

Thanx. :)" }-
mismis29,

I can't answer about configuring IP scramble (don't have admuncher yet).
But the stealth report at GRC is a good thing. As we discussed in the preceeding posts, Admuncher's IP Scramble does not work through the HTTPS protocol. HTTPS is connects straight to your computer's IP address bypassing the remote external proxy servers.
Since GRC's Shields Up uses HTTPS, your real IP address will be revealed to the test regardless of IP Scramble. This is not a huge deal, because usually you don't want your HTTPS traffic (containing credit card data and other important passwords) to be passed through other servers.

[mismis29]

Thanx for the input Devinco, it's much appreciated :)

It's too bad AdMuncher isn't free, it really is a nice little program. I also like AdsGone, but of course, that isn't free either ::) Oh well, what can you do? ;)

[Devinco]

Well, if you are more adventurous, you could try a new web browser Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/) and the AdBlock plugin (http://adblock.mozdev.org/index.html). They are both free and work very well for blocking ads. Adblock is harder to setup than Admuncher, but easier than Proxomitron (my opinion).

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "Well, if you are more adventurous, you could try a new web browser Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/) and the AdBlock plugin (http://adblock.mozdev.org/index.html). They are both free and work very well for blocking ads. Adblock is harder to setup than Admuncher, but easier than Proxomitron (my opinion)." }-


Proxomitron is the best. (In my opinion) I do use Adblock with Firefox also. Can't be too careful these days. 8)

[Devinco]

-{ Quote: "Proxomitron is the best. (In my opinion) I do use Adblock with Firefox also. Can't be too careful these days. " }-
Absolutely, Proxomitron is also free and certainly the most configurable. It is more complicated to set up though. I hope to be going that way in the near future.....one step at a time.

[mismis29]

Thanx for the suggestions :)

Why is Proxomitron more complicated to setup than other ad blocking programs? Would it be too dificult for a newbie such as myself?

Also, if I were to use two different programs, do you think they would conflict? Then again, if I had one that did everything, I guess I wouldn't need two ;)

[Devinco]

From what I have read, it will be about equivalent to properly configuring a rules based firewall (maybe a little more or a little less). That is the general impression I get.
It is much more than merely an ad blocker. It is a local HTTP web-filtering proxy which can alter any web page you view in just about anyway you want, including blocking the ads. But this power and flexibility requires a steeper learning curve. There are some pre-made filter sets out there written by some great people that can jump start the process, but it still seems a little complex (to me) right now. Who knows, once you get the hang of it, it might be easy. Or like setting up a rules based firewall, quite difficult at first, but low maintenance once setup.

Judge for yourself.

Here is the home page (http://www.proxomitron.info/)
Here is the introduction (http://www.proxomitron.info/45/help/Intro.html) (note the title)
Here is the Help Contents (http://www.proxomitron.info/45/help/Contents.html)
and Blocklist creation (http://www.proxomitron.info/45/help/BlockList%20Creation.html)

You should only need one ad blocker AFAIK. With two, you will be double filtering.

Whatever you decide, Admuncher, AdBlock, or Proxomitron, I wish you an ad free future! :)

[mismis29]

Well, I checked out the links for Proxomitron and it seems quite similar to AdMuncher. I'm really not versed in all that crazy language, so it's a little difficult for me to use those types of programs. I guess I'll go on a search for something a little more simplified until I learn the ins and outs of computer mumbo-jumbo ;)

Thanx for your help ;D

[manOFpeace]

Me too mismis29, have to bring in the Clear English Campaigners. :D

[ronjor]

http://www.intermute.com/products.html

[Ruffian]

-{ Quote: "Well, I checked out the links for Proxomitron and it seems quite similar to AdMuncher.

Thanx for your help ;D" }-

Really does Admuncher nowdays give you the flexibility of Proxomitron
in terms of filtering headers, web pages? That's amazing!

[mismis29]

Thanx for the link ronjor! It's much appreciated.

Those products look like they'd be good; I'll probably give them a try :) If you run across anything else that you feel would be good, I'd be more than greatful.

Thanx again :)

[Acadia]

With SP2 killing my AdShield, I'm trialing this Ad Muncher; so far I must admit, I am rather awed by this program. One question: I use ZoneAlarm Free, besides Access rights must I also allow Ad Muncher Server rights? Thank you, so far very impressed with this program, even more so than AdShield and THAT'S saying something because I loved that program, using it for 3-4 years.

Acadia

[luv2bsecure]

I initially posted about Admuncher on August 18th. I now can't imagine browsing without it.

[luv2bsecure]

Hi Acadia!

From Admuncher FAQ:

Q: Why does my firewall say Ad Muncher is making "server" and outbound connections?

A: This is just how Ad Muncher filters your browser's transfers; when your browser tries to connect to a web server, it is instead connected to the local Ad Muncher program (hence why it is creating a listening ("server") connection). Ad Muncher then connects out to the original target of the browser, which accounts for the outbound connections. These connections are perfectly normal and no cause for concern; the listening sockets are of no use to anyone except the programs on your computer trying to connect out.

[polpol668]

AdMuncher also has a online check on their server for legit (or not) serials.
In others words : it call home even if you set it to not check for new version.

[nod32_9]

No problem runnind Admuncher without server rights.

[Don Pelotas]

-{ Quote: "I initially posted about Admuncher on August 18th. I now can't imagine browsing without it." }-
I feel exactly the same, it's the only one which is equally good at removing ads and popups, without slipups. And also nice features like ip-scrampling. Money well spent. :)

[Acadia]

Wow, I've been playing with it now for a couple of hours and I've come to the conclusion that this is one of the few handful of softwares that is truly worth every penny that I've spent on it (yeah, I'm no longer just trialing).

I guess my question is this: Of all the Admuncher users out there, how many of you allow it Server rights and how many do not? According to the website, if I am understanding things correctly, Server rights SHOULD be allowed. Does it still work if such rights are not allowed? Does it really matter?

The power of this program is awesome, don't know why I waited so long to try it, thanks.

Acadia

[luv2bsecure]

-{ Quote: "I guess my question is this: Of all the Admuncher users out there, how many of you allow it Server rights and how many do not? According to the website, if I am understanding things correctly, Server rights SHOULD be allowed. Does it still work if such rights are not allowed? Does it really matter?" }-

I wonder the same thing. Anybody out there using Admuncher know how it works with server rights not allowed?

I agree about this program, Acadia. The power of this piece of software is quite remarkable. I cannot believe what a difference it makes in going to certain ad-intensive sites. It makes every other ad-blocker and pop-up blocker look like old technology. I would have paid twice what I did for the program.

Have you used the IP Scramble yet? It is very nice in its simplicity.

[Acadia]

-{ Quote: "Have you used the IP Scramble yet? " }-

No, I have not gotten that far yet, is it recommended, what are the advantages of using IP Scramble?

Acadia

[luv2bsecure]

Couple of other things.....(sorry)

I go to CNN a lot and it had always driven me crazy when that scripting error/warning always popped up. Under "options/filtering/browser behavior" you can tick a "Prevent script error warnings" box and - I haven't seen that CNN annoyance again.

Also, when an ad is removed it says "admunched" or any other preferred phrase. I went in and made that blank under "options/filtering/advert treatment" and now, it's even more transparent.

Sorry for so many posts - I just have loved this program.

[luv2bsecure]

-{ Quote: "No, I have not gotten that far yet, is it recommended, what are the advantages of using IP Scramble?

Acadia" }-
Not for use all the time, but it is a very easy and quick way to anonymize your browsing using real-time tested proxies. Point and click simplicity. Nice little feature!

.

[Acadia]

-{ Quote: "Also, when an ad is removed it says "admunched" or any other preferred phrase. I went in and made that blank under "options/filtering/advert treatment" and now, it's even more transparent." }-

Yeah, I've done that much too ... and by the way, there is no need to apologize, I am eager for any other suggestions you or anyone else may have, I am only a couple of hours old with this program ... :)

Acadia

[rdsu]

I already use the Ad Muncher about more than 1 year and I can't leave without it!

I browse without the annoying popups, stupid ad's, script dialog errors, and didn't notice any breaks on my connection speed... ;)

A must have...