What is a pop-up? Easily explained

In this practical tip, we explain what a pop-up is. In German, the term means "appear" or "suddenly appear". We show you where and what there are pop-ups for.

Pop-up: simple explanation

The most common form of pop-ups is advertising in a new browser window.

1. If you are on a website in the browser and a new window opens, this is a pop-up.
2. This new window appears either because you clicked a special button or without interaction. In the latter cases, it is mostly advertising.
3. In addition to the pop-ups in the browser, the dialog windows in the operating system are also pop-ups. (see the screenshot)
4. A pop-up is therefore a window that lies above the actual browser window or a user interface.

Block pop-ups: These are the options

Pop-ups in the operating system and in programs help you and provide information. If you want to block annoying pop-ups in the browser window, read more about this in this paragraph.

1. Most browsers have plug-ins that block pop-ups.
2. Other articles will show you how to prevent pop-ups in Chrome and Firefox.
3. In another practical tip, Mac users read how to configure a pop-up blocker in Safari.