Serious Discussion AdGuard Desktop for Windows -- Tips and Tricks

[Burrito]

AdGuard for Windows
AdGuard is a unique desktop program that has all the necessary features for the best web experience. The software combines the world's most advanced ad blocker for Windows, a whole privacy protection module, and a parental control tool — all working in any browser or app.
(From Ad Blocker for Windows by AdGuard: remove all ads forever )

Even though I'm a little skeptical of AdGuard, I went ahead and purchased an AdGuard Family Lifetime Pack. For $30 USD, Nine (9) lifetime licenses seems like a reasonable bet that I may get some value out of this.

Multiple people here at MT who I consider credible have expressed positive feedback for AdGuard Desktop.

I've left my AdGuard License Code on the image, as I trust each and every one of you.

Again, I'm a little skeptical of AdGuard.

I've learned to use (beyond the basic level) and like uBlock Origin and a few other things. With uBO and a few other things, I even passed the @Lenny_Linux 'Pornhub Test.'

So... looking for some help getting started with AdGuard Desktop from experienced users.

-Is there any point in using it with uBO?
-Is there any point in using it with (free) AdGuard for Chrome?
-Any tips for initial setup?
-What are the downsides to AdGuard Desktop?
-Does it block things I may desire?

Your Bestest Buddy,

-Burrito

 

[oldschool]

I even passed the @Lenny_Linux 'Pornhub Test

Again, I'm a little skeptical of AdGuard.

I think it's a GRU app. Extremey safe!

 

[ForgottenSeer 823865]

1-Is there any point in using it with uBO?
2-Is there any point in using it with (free) AdGuard for Chrome?
3-Any tips for initial setup?
4-What are the downsides to AdGuard Desktop?
5-Does it block things I may desire?

1- Depends your use of UBO, for me adguard does the same and at as I heard, unlike uBo, it won't be hampered by chrome manifest.
I have uBo in FF on my Linux machine, and when it comes to adblocking adguard desktop is as good and I like it blocks ads before the page is loaded, without leaving blank areas.

2- Yes, the desktop will do the blocking, and the extension will become integrated (hence Integration Mode) and be used just as a switch to turn on/off blockings on the site/page quickly.

3- Nothing particular, just check which adblocking list fits your needs, toy with stealth mode (i enabled almost all of them), etc... AdGuard desktop is quite simple to use.

4- Downside is that it is an installed program so like any real time application, it uses a bit of resources.

5- If you look for advanced stuff uBo does (script blocking, etc...), Adguard probably won't, reason I use Scriptsafe.

Overall adguard fit me better than uBo. It is system wide, click and forget and well designed and supported.
I also paid lifetime licenses and I'm happy to do so.

Note: you have a portal to manage your licenses and switch devices easily.

 

[Burrito]

...........
Note: you have a portal to manage your licenses and switch devices easily.

As usual, good input.

Thanks Umbra.

I want to give Oldschool one of my nine licenses... as I think the GRU should take a look at what he's up to. It's kinda suspicious.

And I'd like to give Correlate, Nightwalker, Bribon, Sly, Frank.... and others who desire one --- a license to try out --- if there is a good way to do it.

I have nine licenses now -- Can I give a license without giving the license code?

Some things are very easy to share without giving the code. Some things like Norton... you have to activate with the code.

Thanks.

 

[ForgottenSeer 823865]

And I'd like to give Correlate, Nightwalker, Bribon, Sly, Frank.... and others who desire one --- a license to try out --- if there is a good way to do it.

As an ex-MT mod, unless new rules, you can do it but via PM preferably.

I have nine licenses now -- Can I give a license without giving the license code?

Nope, since the users need to input the license to activate it. However since the portal is on your name, you can manage them (change/remove devices linked to the license, etc...).
if i'm not wrong and still work (not sure tough) , you can unlink a license from your account , give them, then they must create an adguard account to link the license.

 

[cliffspab]

Is there anything you can do with the extension that you can't do with the assistant?

EDIT

And does AdGuard cover most of what the Trace extension does? Do I need both?

 

[ForgottenSeer 823865]

Is there anything you can do with the extension that you can't do with the assistant?

EDIT

And does AdGuard cover most of what the Trace extension does? Do I need both?

The extension is more limited than the desktop version.

Adguard is an adblocker first, even if it has some anti-tracking features, it is not an anti-fingerprinting tool, not its job. This is the reason I use Scriptsafe to block those stuff.

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

The only problem I have is the root certificate of the desktop version:

Everything about HTTPS filtering in Adguard

This post is intended for more advanced users and meant to provide a detailed description on the HTTPS filtering and why it is essential in Adguard...

adguard.com

So I keep using extensions only at the moment.

 

[ForgottenSeer 823865]

Not worst than some AV doing the same for their web-filter. I rather have adguard install its root cert, than seing those ads on htpps sites. Adguard is mote on the trustworthy side.

If you are using a VPN is isn't even a concern anymore, since you entrust the traffic to the VPN.

 

[SeriousHoax]

The problem I have with Adguard desktop is that it's slower specially if you add few additional filters while I browser extensions like uBlock Origin are super fast.

 

[ForgottenSeer 823865]

We all will see the result after Google will enforce its manifest.

 

[cliffspab]

The extension is more limited than the desktop version.

Does the extension add anything if you're already using the desktop version?

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Does the extension add anything if you're already using the desktop version?

Integration mode (legacy) | AdGuard Knowledge Base

This article is about the AdGuard Browser Extension, which safeguards only your browser. To protect your entire device, download the AdGuard app

kb.adguard.com

 

[cliffspab]

Integration mode (legacy) | AdGuard Knowledge Base

This article is about the AdGuard Browser Extension, which safeguards only your browser. To protect your entire device, download the AdGuard app

kb.adguard.com

Cheers, I read through that. Looks like it just becomes an alternative control interface to the assistant and adds no extra functionality.

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Not worst than some AV doing the same for their web-filter. I rather have adguard install its root cert, than seing those ads on htpps sites. Adguard is mote on the trustworthy side.

If you are using a VPN is isn't even a concern anymore, since you entrust the traffic to the VPN.

We all will see the result after Google will enforce its manifest.

I'll wait and see. Have a lifetime subscription so I can always go back to the desktop program.

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Cheers, I read through that. Looks like it just becomes an alternative control interface to the assistant and adds no extra functionality.

Maybe easier to use? Don't know.

 

[ForgottenSeer 823865]

Maybe easier to use? Don't know.

Clearer

 

[Nightwalker]

So... looking for some help getting started with AdGuard Desktop from experienced users.

1 -Is there any point in using it with uBO?
2 -Is there any point in using it with (free) AdGuard for Chrome?
3 -Any tips for initial setup?
4 -What are the downsides to AdGuard Desktop?
5 -Does it block things I may desire?




Your Bestest Buddy,

-Burrito

1- Maybe, while AdGuard for Desktop Premium has a more powerful filtering engine, uBlock Origin has its granular advanced mode, anyway I would stick to AdGuard only.

2 - Yes, but you dont need it, if you are using the extension along the desktop version, you will get the integration mode enabled:

Integration mode (legacy) | AdGuard Knowledge Base

This article is about the AdGuard Browser Extension, which safeguards only your browser. To protect your entire device, download the AdGuard app

kb.adguard.com

3- Enable the Social media/Annoyances filters and play with the Stealth Mode options:

Integration mode (legacy) | AdGuard Knowledge Base

This article is about the AdGuard Browser Extension, which safeguards only your browser. To protect your entire device, download the AdGuard app

kb.adguard.com

4- There is a little slowdown compared to uBlock Origin or the free extension and there is the HTTPS interception question.

5- Yes, it is very easy to control and create filters with it.

 

[Nightwalker]

As usual, good input.

Thanks Umbra.

I want to give Oldschool one of my nine licenses... as I think the GRU should take a look at what he's up to. It's kinda suspicious.

And I'd like to give Correlate, Nightwalker, Bribon, Sly, Frank.... and others who desire one --- a license to try out --- if there is a good way to do it.

I have nine licenses now -- Can I give a license without giving the license code?

Some things are very easy to share without giving the code. Some things like Norton... you have to activate with the code.

Thanks.

Unfortunately, there is no way to do that, but I appreciate the feeling.

AdGuard and Windscribe lifetime licenses were the best software purchases that I made

 

[toto_10]

Is there any alternatives for ScriptSafe?

Is Privacy Badger an alternative?