Definition
Adware is a form of software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material like banners or pop-ups when a user is online. It is generally unwanted and can be intrusive, slowing down system performance and Internet connection speeds. It’s often bundled with free software and installed without the user’s clear knowledge or consent.
Phonetic
The phonetic pronunciation of “Adware” is: æd-weÉ™r
Key Takeaways
Three Main Takeaways About Adware
- Advertising Software: Adware, also known as advertising-supported software, is a type of software that automatically delivers, displays, or downloads advertising material, often in the form of pop-up ads, on a user’s computer. Although some legitimate programs do use adware to generate revenue, it is often associated with intrusive and unwanted advertisements.
- Potential Security Threat: Despite being mostly associated with mere nuisances, adware can also pose serious security threats. It can redirect your browser activities, track your internet usage, collect your personal data without your consent, or even distribute malware. This is the case particularly with malicious variants of adware.
- Importance of Protection: Due to its potentially harmful characteristics, it is essential for users to protect their devices from adware. Utilizing reliable anti-malware or anti-adware software, keeping your systems and applications updated, and practicing safe browsing habits are effective ways to prevent adware infections.
Importance
Adware is a significant term in technology because it refers to a type of software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material like banners or pop-ups when a user is online. While some adware is legitimate and helps fund free applications, it can often be intrusive, annoying, and can severely degrade system performance by consuming bandwidth, and thus affecting the user’s browsing experience. More importantly, some adware is malicious and can pose significant security risks. It can collect data from users without their consent, violating privacy rights. It may also expose users to harmful viruses or other malware. Understanding adware is vital for users to protect their devices, secure private information, and maintain an efficient online experience.
Explanation
Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is a type of technology primarily utilized to generate revenue through digital advertising. This is achieved by integrating advertisements into the user interface of software or during the installation process. These advertisements are often designed to encourage users to view, click, or make purchases from them. The method of adware installation varies and is typically embedded within free software that a user may download. Hence, it enables developers to offer software without charge while still being able to monetize their efforts.However, adware is not always benign and it could become more intrusive, causing negative user experiences. Some adware may collect user data, such as browsing habits or demographics, and relay this information back to the adware creator or third parties, which is then used to target the user with tailored ads. Also, it’s worth noting that certain types of aggressive adware can significantly slow down computer operations or change the browser’s configuration settings without the user’s consent, bordering on malicious behaviour. It is therefore crucial for users to exercise caution while downloading free software and to ensure their system security tools are updated.
Examples
1. Fireball: This is a notorious adware developed by a Chinese marketing firm, Rafotech. Disguised as a beneficial utility program, Fireball infiltrates a user’s system mostly through bundled software from free download sites. Once installed, it can manipulate the user’s web traffic to generate revenue from online advertisements and can potentially access personal information.2. Zango: Zango, previously known as 180 Solutions, was adware which users often unknowingly installed when downloading free online content, like games or videos. Once in the system, it displayed intrusive pop-up ads based on the user’s browsing habits, directing them to sponsored sites.3. Gator (Also known as Claria): Gator is a classic example of adware and was distributed along with other software products (like the popular Kazaa file-sharing program) to track browsing habits and deliver targeted ads to users. Along with displaying advertisements, it could also potentially collect personal information and browsing history without the user’s explicit consent.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Q1. What is Adware?A: Adware, short for advertising-supported software, refers to software that automatically generates and displays advertisements to the users, typically in the form of pop-up ads or banners. Adware could be standalone software or be bundled with other free software.Q2. Is Adware harmful to my device?A: While not all adware is harmful, some adware programs can negatively impact system performance, compromise security, and infringe upon user privacy by tracking browsing activities or installing additional unwanted software, making them close to malware.Q3. How can Adware get onto my device?A: Adware often comes bundled within free software that users download from the internet. It may also be unintentionally downloaded through a malicious email or website.Q4. How can I prevent Adware?A: Using reliable and updated antivirus software, refraining from downloading unreliable files or apps from the internet, and keeping your operating system up-to-date can help prevent adware.Q5. How can I remove Adware from my device?A: Most adware can be removed by using a reliable antivirus or adware removal tool. It’s usually important to keep these tools up-to-date, as new adware definitions are constantly being added.Q6. Are there legal adware programs?A: Yes, some companies legally use adware to generate revenue. The difference is that these programs are usually disclosed to the user and require their consent before installation.Q7. How does Adware affect my privacy?A: Some adware tracks user’s browsing habits and sensitive information, which can then be sent back to the adware developer or third parties, thus potentially infringing upon user privacy.Q8. Can Adware slow down my device?A: Yes, some adware uses a significant amount of system resources to display ads, which can slow down your device. Q9. Is Adware the same as Spyware?A: No, while both can infringe upon user privacy, adware is primarily designed to display advertisements, while spyware is intended to spy on and gather user information without their consent.Q10. What is the difference between Adware and regular ads on websites?A: Regular ads are typically controlled by the website you are visiting, whereas adware is a program installed on your computer that displays ads regardless of the site you are on.
Related Technology Terms
- Pop-up Ads
- Spyware
- Malware
- Freeware
- Browser Hijackers
