Adware is any software that knowingly or unknowingly displays ads on a computer to generate ad revenue for the software developer. Some adware is also classified as privacy invasive spyware. This type of adware can report information about your browsing habits to its software developer which would allow the developer to either serve more relevant ads to your computer or sell your browsing information for a profit. Don’t be fooled, advertising is big business; millions of dollars are made every year by harvesting and selling of this type of data.
Examples of some known adware:
- Bearshare
- Bonzi Buddy
- Comet Cursor
- Ask.com Toolbar
- DivX
- Ezula
- Gator
- Kazaa
- Tribal Fusion
- WeatherBug
- WhenU
- Yahoo! Messenger
- Zango
- Zwinky
How does adware affect your computer?
The advertising functions are built into the software in such a way that they are able to display ads based on your viewing habits. For example if you search for car insurance, the adware software on your computer could display a pop-up from another car insurance website. Some adware even hijack your searches to display their ads at the top of your search results.
Not only is this type of computer manipulation annoying, it can slow down your computer considerably. The software runs in the background constantly using up valuable computer resources and transferring your private data behind your back through your paid for internet connection!
Adware has also been known to download and install Spyware and other more annoying Malware.
Here are some signs that your computer might be infected:
- Constant annoying po-pups, even if you’re not using your computer
- Searching for something and your search results suddenly look totally different
- Your default search engine and / or homepage changes
- Your Computer slows down all of a sudden
How to remove adware from your computer:
There are numerous programs designed to not only remove, but also detect and block adware programs from being installed in the first place. These programs will warn you when you are about to install adware or if your computer becomes infected. Most of these programs will also detect and remove spyware, malware and some computer viruses as well as adware.
Examples of adware removal software:
Recommended adware removal software:
We recommend XoftSpySE as our top adware removal software. It came in first place during our spyware blockers 2010 review. It removes and blocks are types of malware, spyware and adware. You can download and scan your computer for free with Paretologic’s XoftspySE: Scan for adware now!
Related posts:
