proliferation of ads all over the Web. I hate it, and I've learned to ignore most of them. I'm also getting better at ignoring click bait.

Recently I had an infected computer, and the Geek Squad guy told me I should not click on ads. If I see something I think is interesting, I should Google it myself. Often those ads will put malware on my computer, which is apparently what had happened.

What I do like about this site is I can easily make a donation and get rid of the ads.

But it actually sounds as though you may have picked up some malware. Download Malwarebytes from Cnet, very carefully, being sure to click only on the "download Malwarebytes" button.

That portal is loaded with bogus executables which will install malware rather than the desired program. Go directly to www.malwarebytes.com for that program, and download all programs directly from the site of the company that produces them.

to be careful. I've never had a problem with Cnet as long as I was careful to get the program I wanted. I keep my computers too long to be happy with going to producer sites, where they generally want to download only their newest version.

With Cnet I've always been able to get the version I need, but it's true, they've been getting more and more overrun. But somehow, I still trust their downloads, and I don't know of another site carrying older versions that I trust.

Why do you not want the newest version of malware prevention programs? Not to be snarky, but do you want the newest malware to enter your computer, stopping only the older stuff?

I already have Malwarebytes on my computer, but each time I use it I download the newest version from their site, specifically to be sure that I'm getting the version that is searching for all the new bugs.

to the newest edition. It has not become incompatible with my current computer. But other programs have and do. And sometimes, I just don't want the newest because of problems others have had.

So, having been satisfied with Cnet over the years, I never developed another trusted source. If you can recommend one, I'd be happy.

That usually takes care of all ads. The problem is some pages, though not many, require it. Those sites I've found are unnecessary. Some button links need it so I just turn it back on. Like on DU, if I need to like something or tweet I turn it on. It's not such a pain when you get used to it and you can set up a quick link on you phone or desktop browser to toggle it. On my desktop it's so easy there's no trouble whatsoever. On my phone it's only slightly more problematic but definitely worth it.
Turning off Java script also eliminates the data farming, info analysis, and it's considerably more secure.
Ad blockers are good too but why not just stop the whole mess in its tracks.

temporary or permanent basis

I like toggling it on and off at will. There are several good addons, Quick Script is one.