Free ad blocker ``Zen'' that can hide advertisements displayed not only in the browser but also in various applications, compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, source code also available
There are many types of browser extensions that can hide advertisements displayed on web pages, but when using a PC, advertisements may be displayed not only in the web browser but also in the windows of various applications. By using the ad blocker `` Zen '' released on December 4, 2023, it is possible to hide advertisements from all apps running on the system.
GitHub - anfragment/zen: Simple, free and efficient ad-blocker and privacy guard for Windows, MacOS and Linux
Most ad blockers are distributed as browser extensions and can only block ads within the browser. On the other hand, Zen uses a method that ``installs on the system itself and blocks advertisements by interfering with HTTP requests from all apps'', so it is possible to block advertisements not only in browsers but in all apps.
Zen is developed for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and installers and executable files for various environments are distributed in GitHub repositories. Also, it will soon be possible to install via various Linux package managers.
Zen has a graphical management screen that allows you to view block history (left) and manage filters (right) with intuitive operations.
Pi-hole is famous as an ad blocking app that ``blocks ads in all apps in the system,'' but Zen developer anfragment says, ``Pi-hole blocks ads because it operates as a DNS server.'' There are some ads that cannot be blocked, but Zen interferes with every HTTP request, so it can block more ads than Pi-hole.' However, it is said that it is not compatible with blocking advertisements that are displayed when playing YouTube videos.
Please note that Zen is developed as open source, and you can check the source code at the link below. In addition, it uses the MIT license , and anyone can freely modify it.
GitHub - anfragment/zen: Simple, free and efficient ad-blocker and privacy guard for Windows, MacOS and Linux
https://github.com/anfragment/zen
In addition, Mr. anfragment has posted introductions to Zen on the Reddit subreddits ``r/freesoftware'' and ``r/macapps'', and you can ask Mr. anfragment questions directly in the form of comments on each post.
Introducing Zen: A Free, Open-Source Ad-Blocker and Privacy Guard : r/freesoftware
https://www.reddit.com/r/freesoftware/comments/18ark2u/introducing_zen_a_free_opensource_adblocker_and/
Introducing Zen: Free, Open-Source Ad-Blocker and Privacy Guard : r/macapps
https://www.reddit.com/r/macapps/comments/18as1ui/introducing_zen_free_opensource_adblocker_and/
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in Software, Posted by log1o_hf