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GlimmerBlocker

HTTP based ad blocker for Mac OS X

No hacks, no instability
Upgrade Safari whenever you like, no need to wait for an upgraded hack

GlimmerBlocker is no longer maintained and should no longer be used as web sites have migrated from using plain http to using https (i.e. encrypted) which prohibits modification by a proxy unless you resort to install custom SSL certiticates on the client.

You should use a browser extension instead.

It was made as a hobby project during 2007-2008 by Peter Speck. It features both a custom http server and http client and a Mac OS X control panel.

GlimmerBlocker did not only block requests but also allowed for adding custom css and javascript to the pages. It also allowed for modification of the page html before the browser receives the html, which made some modifications much easier than DOM based modifications.

Versions compatible with older versions of OSX

OSX 10.10 and 10.11 (Yosemite + El Capitan)

Use the latest version available from the homepage.


OSX 10.9 (Mavericks)

GlimmerBlocker-1.6.5.dmg (release notes).


OSX 10.7 and OSX 10.8 (Lion + Mountain Lion)

GlimmerBlocker-1.5.3.dmg (release notes). When installing GlimmerBlocker, you might be prompted to install Java. Some users need to re-run the GlimmerBlocker installer after the java installer is done.

Parental controls: There is a bug in Lion's parental controls, which breaks using any kind of http proxy. You need to report this problem to Apple as they're the only one who can fix the bug. The more reports, the more likely Apple is to fix the bug.


OSX 10.5 and OSX 10.6 (Leopard + Snow Leopard)

GlimmerBlocker-1.4.16.dmg (release notes). When installing GlimmerBlocker, you might be prompted to install Java. Some users need to re-run the GlimmerBlocker installer after the java installer is done.


OSX 10.4 (Tiger) and earlier

No version of GlimmerBlocker is compatible with OSX 10.4.


Uninstallation

Easy to uninstall if you don't like it anyway.