<p>I need to replace our <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajax_%28programming%29" rel="noreferrer">Ajax</a> Modal Popup controls with a JavaScript equivalent. We use this as a simple context sensitive help type popup. I did a quick browse but didn't see quite what I was looking for. I just need some text and a simple Close button/link, but I would like the page darkened below the popup, as it does with the Ajax modal control.</p>

<p>Can anyone suggest a nice JavaScript popup/help type solution that you've used?</p>

Maybe you are looking for something like
this
? [ui.jquery.com]
It's the simplest one, and can come bundled with a lot of other eye candy. Of course you could also look around the rest of the
jQuery plug-ins page
, specially the
Windows and Overlays section
.