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Adware is software that supports advertising on the internet. Adware is sort of software package that automatically plays, pops-up, or downloads advertisements when you are using a programme or when it is installed into your computer.
The advertisements that get downloaded to your computer can be in various different forms. They can be anything from relatively non-invasive banners on your screen or ‘pop-ups’ which come up as separate windows and take you away from the window you were using.
These types of adware are often very annoying to people as they interrupt what you are doing, and in a lot of cases they are accompanied by audio. Because the pop-up is unexpected, this audio can be quite startling and can interrupt the train of thought of those around you as well.
An Unknown Download.
Adware is not something you consciously download. It is generally attached or piggybacking another programme you download. It is effectively ‘hidden’ inside other, legitimate software you are using. The reason that adware gets attached to this software is as a way for the developer to cover the costs related to the development of the software.
For this reason adware is usually attached to free download (freeware) programmes. Free programmes you download such as advanced search engines, news and weather updates, applications that improve your computer’s efficiency or computer games are programmes that may be likely to contain adware.
Something people do not realise is that when they accept the terms and conditions of their download they are giving their consent to the adware.
Paying For Free Software?
Although adware is considered by many to be extremely annoying, it could be considered the price you pay for having access to the free software you download. It functions in the same way newspapers, free-to-air television have advertisements, or professional sports team is sponsored. They do this to generate revenue to sustain their product or activity they are carrying out. Generally there are non-adware options of the software available for you to purchase.
As well as making advertisements appear on your page when you are using a programme, adware has other functions too. Sometimes adware is able to monitor the websites you visit or track your computer habits so it can create a user profile on you. Adware will use this profile to tailor the advertisements it shows you or narrow its searches so that it fits your tastes and interests so it is more relevant to you.