GlimmerBlocker for Mac
Safari ad blocker.
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GlimmerBlocker overview
GlimmerBlocker is a different kind of ad blocker. The problem with other ad blockers for Safari is that they are implemented as awful hacks: as an InputManager and/or ApplicationEnhancer. This compromises the stability of Safari and very often creates problems when Apple releases a new version. GlimmerBlocker is implemented as an HTTP proxy, so the stability of Safari isn't compromised because it doesn't use any hacks. It is even compatible with all other browsers.
You'll always be able to upgrade Safari without breaking GlimmerBlocker (or waiting for a new release); and you'll be able to upgrade GlimmerBlocker without upgrading Safari. This makes it much easier to use the beta versions of Safari and especially the nightly builds of WebKit. Because GlimmerBlocker doesn't hack Safari, there is a few things it isn't able to do: adding a block by right-clicking an image, stopping pop-unders, and filtering cookies from 3rd party sites. But you win a lot in stability, and GlimmerBlocker provides much easier methods for adding your own modifications to pages by adding CSS rules, pieces of JavaScript or by transforming the HTML before Safari receives it. So I hope you're happy with the tradeoff.
If you can program in JavaScript you'll be able to add your own modifications to pages. See the included filters for examples, e.g., adding a download link to YouTube.
What’s new in version 1.6.6
Version 1.6.6:
Bug fixes and better upgrader
- Fix crasher when activating/de-activating GlimmerBlocker on some OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) systems. Reported by Alex K.
- Use CONNECT/SOCKS etc for CONNECT requets when a site-wide proxy has been specified. Reported by Adam J.
- Minor fixes:
- Better log (in debug mode) when connect fails.
- Fix syntax bug in parser.
- Timeout for socket reads in CONNECT requests.
- Improved naming of threads Suppress "EXCEPTION WHILE USING CONNECTION" when Safari aborts connection while downloading file.
GlimmerBlocker for Mac
Free
In English
Version 1.6.6
What users say about GlimmerBlocker
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(120 Reviews of GlimmerBlocker)
Comments
User Ratings
May 8 2019
Version: 1.6.6
Is this still being maintained, are scripts being updated?
Jan 13 2017
Version: 1.6.6
GlimmerBlocker has for a long time been one of the essential softwares on all my Macs and it still is :-)
THANK YOU!
Nov 19 2016
Version: 1.6.6
hm, i m trying this, because adblock plus gets detected by more and more sites, and using anti adblock scripts are not the way. sadly it seems to me that glimmerblocker filter lists are not too greatly maintained, some of the user lists on the websites are even outdated links which you can't subscribe to anymore. atm you need to add some rules to each of your favourite sites first. that would be ok if the ui was a bit nicer, but sadly it is pretty old, seemingly from 10.4 or so. why does it use the system preferences anyway? it's a proxy, so a web gui would be the logical choice, allowing you to maintain your settings from the browsers itself. anyway, if you get the hang of it, it works. not in beauty, but it works. i just wish the dev would give it a complete overhaul, the increasing adblock detection on websites maybe gives this project a new user base, and makes it worth the effort! (tested on 10.10)
Oct 24 2015
Version: 1.6.6
Nope. Doesn't work on El Capitan. After upgrading to El Capitan from Yosemite, I did a clean uninstall of GB plus hard wipe (i.e. manually deleting every last trace of GB, including installer receipts) followed by a reboot (after installation) and another reboot (after GB & Network setup as per instructions on the GB website), and nothing happens. GlimmerBlocker sits around idle at ca. 0.1% CPU load, internet access, VPN and everything else works, but Safari, Chrome and the other apps still show all the ads that are supposed to be blocked by GB. (I'm using the extended LittleSnitch script that leaves local web servers alone, e.g. printer servers.) It's a preference pane that I desperately want to have working on my system, but it simply won't (Yosemite 10.11.1, GB 1.6.6). It's a catastrophe… don't wanna use Adblock Plus.
Oct 20 2015
Version: 1.6.6
I have tried them all, ad block plus on safari, perl scripts working through squid, and privoxy. This is the easiest install and set up of filters. The problem is the filters are not perfect and there is not enough going on in the creation of filters, on the filter page of the glimmer blocker web site. I have found a few others across the web even tried to make one of my own (not brilliant) Filter creators please step up, especially if you could convert the adblock plus filter
