UBlock Review | A superb & easy to use Adblocker – find out why
PricinguBlock Origin is 100% free and open-source software, meaning any developer can do what they like with the code without paying a fee. Interestingly, the project actively refuses Origin is a fork of uBlock, but both have the same original founder. Developer Raymond Hill “self-forked” uBlock Origin after transferring the original uBlock project to a different developer in 2015, after which time the two projects have been completely cannot emphasize enough that uBlock Origin should not be confused with uBlock, the latter of which is now owned by Adblock Plus and participates in its “Acceptable Ads” scheme. uBlock Origin shares the same codebase as uMatrix, which performs a similar job, but which is aimed at more advanced users. It uses community-based blocklists to filter out unwanted traffic, and users are free to add new blocklists as they please. FeaturesuBlock Origin is stuffed to the gills with more features than we can realistically cover in this review. Highlights include:100% free and open-source (won’t even take donations! )Uses community-developed blocklists and can custom listsCross-platformLightweightNo “acceptable ads”Dynamic filteringElement zapperElement inspectorOne-click element filteringSite-specific pop-up blockingWebRTC blocking (uBO-Extra is required to block WebRTC connections in Chromium) prefetching blockingBlocklistsOver the years, uBlock Origin’s list of features has grown. But at heart is not a complex program. It simply blocks domains known to belong to advertising and malware sources based on community-developed blocklists. By default the following filter lists are used:EasyListPeter Lowe’s Ad server list EasyPrivacyMalware domainsThe following lists are also available through the Options console:Fanboy’s Enhanced Tracking ListDan Pollock’s hosts filehpHosts’s Ad and tracking serversMVPS HOSTSSpam404And many othersIt is also possible to import custom lists from hosts files and to whitelist domains as you see Origin is a browser add-on for Firefox, Chrome (including Chromium and Opera), and was available for Safari but has sadly been borked in Safari 13 Catalina by Apple’s dumping support for legacy safariextz-style extensions. It still works in Safari 12, Origin works in the Android versions of Firefox and Chrome, although Apple’s restrictive developer guidelines prevent the iOS/iPadOS versions of these browsers from supporting any browser add-ons (including uBO) recently rejected uBlock Origin from the Chrome Web Store, but following an angry backlash from fans and developers alike, who accused Google of abusing its dominant market position to shut out rival developers, Google caved in and reinstated uBlock Origin in the Chrome Web ghtweightuBlock Origin is an efficient adblocker with a small memory footprint and low CPU overhead. An interesting comparison with AdBlock Plus is available here. The more filters you use will cause uBlock Origin’s memory consumption to increase, although the developers claim that this still remains low compared with most popular adblockers out there. We haven’t tested this ourselves, but what is certain is that its footprint is likely to be negligible on any modern machine. Dynamic filteringOnly available to Advanced users (enable in the Settings tab of the Dashboard), dynamic filtering allows you to tinker on-the-fly with which scripts and domains you allow a web page to load. It’s mostly useful for fixing pages that uBlock Origin has otherwise broken. Anyone familiar with uMatrix (on which uBlock Origin is built) should feel right at home here. Element ZapperIf there is any element on a page you don’t like, you can just zap it at the click of a button! Element inspectorYou can also click on an element to inspect its properties. This includes network filters, cosmetic filters, and DOM storage. Element blockersAlternatively, the uBO console allows one-click blocking of pop-ups, large media elements, remote fonts, and you prefer, you can block these elements by default and then allow them on a site-by-site basis. WebRTC blockingOf particular interest to VPN users is the WebRTC block feature. WebRTC can expose your real IP address to websites you visit, even if you are using a VPN. In Firefox you can disable it manually, but this setting makes life easy. It is not possible to disable WebRTC in Chrome manually, making this feature particularly welcome to Chrome go to the uBO Dashboard -> Settings tab -> Privacy. One thing to be aware of, though, is that this extension will not prevent WebRTC leaks when using a Chrome “VPN” extension. Link prefetching blockingMost modern browsers try to speed up browsing by preloading links on a page while you are busy reading that page. Unless you are using a VPN to hide your IP address from these prefetched pages, however, this presents a privacy risk. Fortunately, it’s an issue that uBlock Origin can ivacy and securityuBO is free and open-source software, so jurisdiction is not really an issue. Blocking is performed locally, so no data is uploaded or handled by a third-party. You can enable automatic backup and syncing of your settings using your browser’s sync features, but this must be enabled manually. Although primarily a simple adblocker, uBlock Origin’s script-blocking features improve your security by preventing malicious and insecure scripts from running. And its default blockists include many tracking domains in addition to ad domains, thus improving your privacy as you browse the pportAs expected, no one-to-one support is available given that the software is an open-source project conducted by a single developer. The uBO Github page, however, contains extensive documentation on all uBlock Origins features. The presentation of this might be a little dense for less technical readers, but the information is all there and in quite some detail. Ease of useuBlock Origin is installed as a regular browser extension via the Chrome Web Store, Opera add-ons, or FireFox add-ons websites. The Edge app available is from the Microsoft Store. As already noted, uBO is not available for Safari 13+, but if you are running a legacy version of Safari then you can download it from here. As we have seen, uBlock Origin is a very sophisticated and customizable piece of software that allows you a huge amount of control over what web pages can and cannot load. Fortunately, such advanced tinkering is entirely optional! The majority of users simply need to do is install the add-on and then forget about it. Maybe just occasionally glancing up to notice (and be amazed at) how many unnecessary web page requests it is ’s an awful lot of requests being blocked when using Google Docs! In our experience uBlock Origin does not break many pages when using its default settings, but it does happen page you visit regularly happens to break, it may be worth playing around with the element pickers in order to eliminate the problem while allowing uBO to run. But the lazy and easy solution is to just disable uBO for that website by simply clicking the big blue Off, using uBlock Origin is basically as easy as you want it to be! Final thoughtsuBlock Plus is a superb adblocker. It is easy for the layperson to use, but has a huge amount of depth for those wishing greater control over their web browsing experience. It’s also free and open-source, so we can see no reason to choose more commercially-oriented products over it (we’re looking at you, Adblock Plus). Although it does help block website tracking, a common piece of advice that we endorse is to run uBlock Origin alongside the EFF’s Privacy Badger. The two add-ons use very different techniques to prevent tracking, and therefore complement each other well.
Staying Safe Online | University Housing
Here are some ways to keep your computer safe:
Use a link scanner to avoid malicious links.
Use an adblocker to block malicious ads and domains.
Update your operating system and software regularly.
Use antivirus and antimalware software.
We strive to provide a safe and secure network for all of our residents, students, faculty members, and staff members; but it is up to all of us to keep it that way.
Information Services runs automated scans to monitor the behavior of the network, including traffic patterns associated with malware. Computers that are known to be infected with malware are quarantined from the network until ResNet can confirm that the virus is gone. This is to protect you as well as our network.
Many modern viruses are written to steal login information for financial institutions and any other personal information that can be found. In order to avoid being quarantined and/or robbed due to malware, we ask that students do their part to help prevent the spread of malicious content.
For more information, see our Acceptable Use Policy.
Safe Browsing Tools
Link Scanner-Safe Searching
When conducting a web search on Google or other search engines, it can be tough to tell which sites are legitimate and which sites are malicious.
Link scanners are programs, usually web browser add-ons, that can help you better sort out the good from the bad. After installing a link scanner, individual search results will have a green, yellow, or red icon next to them.
Green sites are safe.
Yellow sites are suspicious (possibly bad).
Red sites are known to be unsafe.
Web of Trust (WOT) by mywot is considered industry standard for link scanners. The other link scanners such as AVG, McAfee, and Norton fall short in features, updates, and ease of use. Since WOT is community run, it will constantly be updated to reflect the ever changing scape of the internet. While WOT is a very useful tool for people who are not as familiar with the internet, and should be used accordingly, the best way to avoid unsavory links is to analyze the url before clicking on anything you aren’t 100 percent sure of and to never install anything that is force downloaded from any site.
Ad-Free Browsing
Ads are everywhere on the internet. Not only are they annoying and distracting but they are often dangerous. An otherwise safe, well known website might host an infected ad without knowing it. Simply by visiting that website and clicking on that ad, you could be infected with a virus.
While many people still consider Adblock or Adblock plus to be the pinnacle of adblock extensions and software, they have started selling the ability to allow ads through to your computer. uBlock Origin offers the same features as Adblock and Adblock Plus with the added benefit of being Open Source. This means that the coding that goes into the program is transparent and kept in check by the community as whole. uBlock is currently the standard for a secure and adless web browsing experience. Note that Safari does not have support for uBlock Origin. While mainline uBlock is available and still a good option, there is the possibility that it could go the same route that Adblock and Adblock Plus did in their quest to monetize.
Keeping your Programs Up to Date
Computer and software updates are the key to keeping your computer in top form for the defense against the ever evolving face of malicious attacks. Mainstream operating systems and software are constantly finding exploits in their built-in security and will release patches to try and keep ahead of the next, best exploit. Below are directions on how to access updates for Windows and Mac.
Apple
Apple Support
This should be automatic as of Mac OSX 10. 5
From the Apple menu, choose Software Update.
Software Update checks for available updates. In the Software Update window, select the items you want to install, then click Install. Usually, you should install all available updates.
Enter an administrator account name and password.
After installation is complete, restart the computer if required.
Apple Software Update does not update non-Apple programs. There is no easy way to do this on Macs yet, so you need to make sure each program is updated individually. Important programs to update are Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, Java, and all web browsers like Firefox or Google Chrome.
Windows
Windows updates are automatic by default. If you’ve disabled this feature, or you know you’ve been ignoring these updates, go to Start >> All Programs >> Windows Update or Microsoft Update (or typing “update” in the Start menu search bar). ResNet recommends getting Microsoft Update as it updates Office and other Microsoft programs as well as Windows.
Antivirus and Current Scans
Antivirus programs find threats which are already on your computer. All preventative measures eventually fail, so antivirus software with an active real-time scanner is essential. There are both free and paid subscription options available.
The University of Oregon has a site license for MacAfee Endpoint, which enrolled students may use for free. The most recommended antivirus in terms of price (free), features, and obtrusiveness is Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), also know as Windows Avenger. MSE is standard on all Windows operating systems after Windows 8, but on Windows 7 machines and older it has many features that make it a preference. It is constantly kept up to date and compatible with your operating system, making it one of the most secure real-time protectors on the market. MSE is also extremely minimalist and unobtrusive; it sits in the task bar and never alerts you (unless you want it to) to its presence, while still providing cutting edge protection and scan capabilities. Download MSE at
uBlock Origin vs. Adblock Plus – Web Browsing/Email and Other Internet …
#1
Andre_Castillo14
Members
124 posts
OFFLINE
Gender:Male
Local time:09:53 PM
Posted 06 June 2021 – 09:15 PM
Hello, I’m currently looking at uBlock Origin as a replacement for Adblock Plus, as some of my friends have been put off by it, since ads kept on bypassing their Adblock Plus, so they moved to uBlock Origin.
I downloaded uBlock Origin from the Chrome Web Store and is currently using it to supplement my daily online routine. I noticed that all websites I usually frequent with Adblock, now struggles to load with uBlock Origin. I haven’t seen any ads get around uBlock yet, but to be fair I never had this problem even with Adblock Plus.
Are there any more significant advantages that uBlock Origin has over Adblock Plus? Is it better to stick with uBlock Origin now?
Edited by Andre_Castillo14, 06 June 2021 – 09:18 PM.
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#2
ET_Explorer
4, 169 posts
ONLINE
Location:Forestville California
Local time:06:53 AM
Posted 06 June 2021 – 09:25 PM
Most of the users on Bleeping Computer, uses UBlock Origin.
#3
Pkshadow
BC Advisor
2, 847 posts
Gender:Not Telling
Location:In the West Coast Lounge, Canada
Posted 06 June 2021 – 09:40 PM
UBlock Origin, easy to let more in plus the eye dropper to get rid of a popup. It is a matter of teaching it and learning which and what are video sites to allow in. Essentially can allow part or full for all the options, let to much in and cookies and ads. My main thing is cookies even in Private Mode.
Do a little, click the lock and refresh, trial by error. No idea if Chrome has Privacy Possum but it is a great little header blocker of stuff that is wonderful, never have to adjust and if do you know most stuff I can find on another site.
Ya, just learn the full/half allow and lock and reload and then the picker and or zapper, which sites have sound/video Sometimes have to use Firefox Inspect the page to find the URL it actually comes from then find it in the list.
Once have all your regular sites done should have no problems to little after.
“… 30 years of Blah blah blah… ”
Greta Thunberg once again took aim at the world’s leaders over climate inaction, this time during a Youth4Climate meeting in Milan.
#4
0lds0d
853 posts
Location:Canada
Local time:09:53 AM
Posted 06 June 2021 – 10:37 PM
For Adblock Plus, it is important to uncheck the “Allow Acceptable Ads”. This remove some of the ads that were missed.
Ublock is lighter and probably faster than AdBlock Plus, but if you are using AdBlock Plus with just a few filters instead of many then the difference is not noticeable. I use a customized small filter for AdBlock Plus and it is very fast.
As for CSS ads and elements, these can be easily blocked in AdBlock Plus. But I use Stylus for that type of blocking.
Edited by 0lds0d, 06 June 2021 – 10:38 PM.
#5
opera
1, 242 posts
Local time:02:53 PM
Posted 06 June 2021 – 11:29 PM
Note this from uBlock dev who also states ”All content blocker extensions are affected by this issue. ”
#6
Posted 07 June 2021 – 08:57 AM
@opera “Note this from uBlock dev who also states ”All content blocker extensions are affected by this issue. ”” Huh?
#7
Posted 07 June 2021 – 09:43 AM
He is using v91 which most people aren’t on yet. Sort of a heads up for what might be to come.
There has been a regression in the extension API of v91 of Chromium-based browsers
#8
Posted 07 June 2021 – 10:52 AM
OK Thank you.
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Frequently Asked Questions about ublock reviews
Is uBlock safe to use?
uBlock Origin offers the same features as Adblock and Adblock Plus with the added benefit of being Open Source. This means that the coding that goes into the program is transparent and kept in check by the community as whole. uBlock is currently the standard for a secure and adless web browsing experience.
Is uBlock better than AdBlock?
Ublock is lighter and probably faster than AdBlock Plus, but if you are using AdBlock Plus with just a few filters instead of many then the difference is not noticeable. I use a customized small filter for AdBlock Plus and it is very fast. As for CSS ads and elements, these can be easily blocked in AdBlock Plus.Jun 6, 2021
Is uBlock legal?
In fact, a group of publishers in Hamburg, Germany was so upset that they actually took Adblock Plus to court. Today, after a four-month trial, reasonable heads prevailed as the regional court in Hamburg ruled in our favor by declaring that ad blocking is, in fact, perfectly legal.”