What is Adware?

What is Adware?
AdWare is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. The authors of these applications include additional code that delivers the ads, which can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen. The justification for AdWare is that it helps recover programming development costsand helps to hold down the cost for the user. AdWare has been criticized for occasionally including code that tracks a user's personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge. This practice has been dubbed SpyWare and has prompted an outcry from computer security and privacy advocates, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

Do I have adware?
If you often get pop up advertisements (sometimes pornographic) when using the computer or connected to the Internet chances are you have some type of adware installed. The advertisements that pop up can often be annoying and impact the use of the system. The effects of Adware also include loss of internet access, and homepage hijacking.

Usually when you have been struck by adware you will know it!

How did I get it?

Adware is usually installed as part of another application. Adware is usually bundled with "Free" software as a way to generate revenue for the creator. You can also have adware installed by inadvertently allowing the installation via a website.

Many creators of adware have worked to make the trace of any installation as hidden as possible; often it is hard to even find which application the adware was installed by/with.

What is the harm if I'm infected?

As we know, adware companies offer affiliate progs and if these companies can not control the actions of their affilaites they run the risk of having their own business harmed just as traditional affiliates by use of spam email can harm the brands and perceptions of legitimate merchants.

The most common adware currently found on the net as of August 2009 are:

1. Gain
2. Claria
3. Game Spy Arcade
4. Hotbar
5. Ezula
6. BonziBuddy
7. WeatherCast
8. LinkGrabber 99
9. TopPicks
10. Cydoor

What can I do?

Adware will usually install additional third party components on your system and may exchange statistical data with a remote location over the internet.

Most of the time, if you prefer a "non advertised" product, you have the option to purchase a version that does not display any banners. However, you are free to use the advertising supported version at no charge for as long as you like. Usually, taking advantage of these free products involves to provide some information about yourself that is used to target content and measuring effectiveness on behalf of paying advertisers

Please read the license agreement for each of the products and pay attention to the privacy policies of the company.


Links are provided for what we think are the some of the best Adware removal products available today. Our selections all have a FREE PC Scanning tool available to first determine if your PC has been infected. They typically report the level of damage detected along with the location found in your system. Download and removal instructions vary by product, but rating criteria include ease-of-use, reported effectiveness and continuous protection features.Please visit our Anti-spyware reviews page to discover reputable products that will completely protect you against this threat.