Adware

On this page:
About adware: information, descriptiom, explanation.

What is Adware?

Adware is a software program that is installed onto your computer for the purpose of advertising to Internet users (i.e. you). Bad adware can be spyware.

Is all adware harmful?

Not all adware is harmful. There are many adware programs that help support the development and distribution of helpful programs that are offered without charge.

That is, sometimes you can get software that is free to use on the understanding that the free version will display advertising. With software like this it is usually possible for you to upgrade to the paid version if you do not want to see the advertising.

There are also online utilities such as free email accounts that are free to use and display advertising. These cn normally be used without harming your computer or affecting its performance.

Note that harmless adware like this is only installed on your computer with your consent. You yourself initiate or permit the installation.

What will bad adware do to your computer?

Adware programs generally slow your computer down because they use your computer's CPU (central processing unit) cycles and RAM, and your computer's memory, causing extra load on your system.
Adware also may slow down your Internet connection because it also uses bandwidth to display advertising.
Adware advertising plays automatically, without your knowledge or permission causing unexpected delays and interruptions.
Adware can decrease the stability of your system, due to poorly programmed adware applicatons.
Some adware can track every move you make on the web.
Some adware can completely stop your computer from functioning normally.
Adware can even damage your computer's hard drive beyond repair.
Adware programs may be armed with code that can, without warning, make the contents of your system available to anyone who controls the code.

Unwanted adware is annoying and time consuming especially when there are pop up ads that must be closed before you can resume your online activities.

The kind of adware we all need to avoid is often installed without your permission, frequently secretly when other software is installed.

Also note:

Harmless adware programs allows for program removal by the normal methods, i.e. you can uninstall them via the control panel or an uninstall button or menu item.
Bad adware is often difficult or nearly impossible to remove without an adware removal tool.

Acceptable adware displays advertising inside the software application it is bundled with.
Harmful adware frequently installs without your knowledge with another software application and may hijack your Internet browser settings for the purpose of displaying more ads.

Adware protection.

Everyone with a computer using the Internet needs adware protection, detection and removal.

How To Get Protected from Adware and Spyware

Firstly, whatever you do, only use quality software.

Most good anti-adware and anti-spyware software is aimed and protecting you from, and cleaning out, both adware and spyware.
Most quality anti-virus software will also give you some protection from adware and spyware – particularly from any worm, virus or trojan horse threats that it might expose you to.
Good quality internet security suites will aim to protect you from adware and spyware – and viruses and a lot else as well.
See on this site for internet security suites from the top anti-virus specialists. E.g. see on our anti-virus pages for:

– Kaspersky security tools.

– BitDefender security tools.

– Panda security tools.

We have information on this site about the best software – that is, quality, respected, trusted brands – in all these categories.

Without effective adware protection, detection and removal programs every Internet computer user is at risk of having to repair their computer.

But don't worry:

Everyone can start to protect themselves because there are some good free adware and spyware tools.

You can get some quality protection from Adware and Spyware for free.

Check our page about good Adware and Spyware Software to see the options.

Symptoms of Adware

Most unprotected computer and Internet users don’t even know that they have adware programs until it’s too late.

Symptoms of unwanted adware programs can include:

Changes in your browser that you have not made
Pages taking longer than usual to load
Hyperlinks that no longer work or are being redirected to a web site that you did not select
A lot of pop-up adds or banners
Some infected users may notice additional toolbars on their web browsers

Surfing the Internet without adware protection is like going out in the rain without an unbrella: you’re going to get wet. And, without adware protection, sooner or later your computer will be bombarded.

An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Exercise good common sense and adware prevention, detection and removal software.

Every computer needs an updated adware prevention, detection and removal software program.

The other best defense is knowing how adware programs work and how they install themselves and how users unknowingly install them. More about that below.

Is Adware a Virus?

Adware does not operate like a computer virus, although many adware applications also have spyware worms.

If garden worms give you the creeps, the possibility of computer worms on your system should send chills up your spine.

The solution is to use antivirus software and keep it updated: it will detect worms and deal with them.

Continuous use of adware detection, prevention and removal programs is the Internet and computer user's reality.

Prevention

Fortunately there are ways to download or install free software without adware.

Before you download or install free programs, try an internet search using the name of the software and the word 'adware'. Your search results will tell you whether anybody has identified adware in the software.

A commonly held belief about adware is that you should use your browser's options to block all pop up advertising. (Most browsers have pop up blockers.) Personally I have never understood the need for this. However, with pop ups blocked you do protect yourself from possible 'drive-by' downloads and other aggressive tactics that some advertisers employ.

Every computer that surfs the Internet should be scanned for adware regularly. Adware prevention programs are generally available on a trial basis for evaluation before purchase.

E.g. you can get a free trial of Spyware Doctor from us here.

Check our page about good adware and spyware software to see some options.

Summary

Most people don’t realize just how vulnerable their computers are to unscrupulous hackers, programmers and advertisers that prey on unsuspecting net surfers.

Remember: malware that interferes with your computer and internet connection can cripple your business or home projects. Adware can even damage your computer’s hard drive and cause the permanent loss of all of your files and programs. But software to protect yourself is readily available. Even if you have no budget, there are some good free programs to help protect you.

Ad-Aware Free

Free adware remover: 'Ad-Aware' from Lavasoft.

If you do nothing else about adware, at least get the free version of 'Ad-Aware' from Lavasoft.

To get the free version:

Click here (or on the image just above/left).
When you get to Lavasoft's page there is a big button (green button, on the right, last time I checked) with the link for AdAware free.

Or check our page about good Adware and Spyware Software to see other options.

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