Is there a way to turn off Google AdWords?

I frequent photography forums which run ads for various companies. I was tempted to click on a “lens rental” ad to see what they might have in stock compared to my personal collection.

Wish I’d never done that. Now virtually every web site I go to presents an ad from that company. I’ll never use their services because my personal collection is larger than theirs. But I’m freaking sick of seeing that damned ad again and again.

Is there any way to turn this off, or reset it?

Have you been haunted by Google AdWords?

Jeesh, I once searched consumer reviews for power drills. Based on the recommendations, I got my drill at the local wares. But damn if I didn’t get bombarded with power drill web ads for the next three months. So annoying, I’d already bought the drill.

Can this be modified in any way?