Adware Definition

Adware is advertising-supported software that displays pop-up advertisements whenever the program is running. Often the software is available online for free, and the advertisements create revenue for the company.  Indeed, spyware - small programs that install themselves on computers to serve up advertising, monitor Web surfing and other computer activities, and carry out other orders - is quickly replacing spam as the online annoyance computer users most complain about.

Although it's seemingly harmless (aside from the intrusiveness and annoyance of pop-up ads), adware can install components onto your computer that track personal information (including your age, sex, location, buying preferences, or surfing habits) for marketing purposes.

Some advertising-supported software will not inform you when it installs adware on your system, or will bury such notification in small print. In many cases, the software that is financially supported by adware will cease to function without the adware component. Sometimes adware will infiltrate your computer even when you decline the installation.

Adware cookies

Adware cookies are pieces of software that Web sites store on your hard drive when you visit a site. Some cookies exist just to save you time-for example, when you check a box for a Web site to remember your password on your computer. But some sites now deposit adware cookies, which store personal information (like your surfing habits, usernames and passwords, and areas of interest) and share the information with other Web sites. This sharing of information allows marketing firms to create a user profile based on your personal information and sell it to other firms.

Adware cookies are installed and accessed without your knowledge or consent.

Facts About Adware

• Adware programs can be easily installed on your computer without your knowledge.
• Adware can result in identity theft, data corruption, personal profiling and more.
• Your computer can get Adware when you download files, view an unsolicited email, visit Web pages that activate a 'drive-by download' or via other means.
• Majority of internet-connected computers are infected with spyware.

Spyware

Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running.  And any software (including Adware) that sends data back to a third party WITHOUT ASKING the user is Spyware.