What is Adware?

Adware is a free software package that automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer. This software is installed when you visit online sites, download freebies, wallpapers, videos, or music. The installed adware will track your internet activities and show you targeted advertisements.

All this is done without your knowledge. What you should know is that the companies that use adware are doing this legally, because you give them permission to do so. This is usually done in the fine print at the end of the users license agreement, that you must accept in order to download any software applications.


How Does Adware Work?

Advertising functions are bundled with the software, which is designed to note which sites the user visits. Then the software will present advertisements related to the types of goods and services featured there.


Well Known Adware Programs

The list that follows are just a few of the programs available that are well known for having adware.

123 Messenger
180 Solutions
180SearchAssistant
Adssite Toolbar
Adobe Reader
AOL Instant Messenger
Yahoo Messenger
Bearshare
Bonzi Buddy
BlockChecker
BSPlayer
Burn4Free
ClipGenie
Comet Cursor
Crazy Girls
Cydoor
DivX V 6.8.3.18
Gator
Hotbar
IncrediMail
Kazaa
Limewire
Smiley Central
RealPlayer
Tribal Fusion
WeatherBug
Windows Live Messenger
Zwinky

The Eudora e-mail client is a popular example of an adware program. When you sign up for the program, and after your free trail ends (where all features are available)
the user is given a choice. You can either choose from the free mode, where your features are limited, or you could choose the paid mode, that enables you to all features and turns off the advertisements.

Prevention and Protection

Your best source of protection against online identity theft is a good offense. These programs have been developed to detect, quarantine, and remove any malicious threats to your computer.

These programs work hard to prevent such scams from being able to access your computer. They continuously scan all materials and offer updates. This is to ensure that you have the best protection in place at all times.

Being aware of danger and taking steps to prevent malicious software from living on your computer, can go along way toward ensuring your peace of mind.

There are many sites available to help you stay ahead of new threats. Adware Software Reviews, is one site you can visit for up to date information on adware threats.