What is Adware?

Simply stated, adware is a form of spyware that generates pop-up ads or banners on your computer while you surf the internet. The adware programs (yes I said programs – because there is most likely more than one on your computer right now) track your internet habits to determine what ads are displayed. For example, if you go to your favorite search engine and search for the latest movie, the adware programs capture these keywords and generate ads that are along the same line. You might start seeing ads for a web site where you can purchase movies, or just ads that the experts have determined would be of interest to a movie buff.

How does Adware get on my computer?

Adware programs are most often installed on your computer while you are downloading a free application from the internet. Actually, any time you download something for free from the internet you run the risk of getting an adware program on your computer. Some examples where you might find adware programs integrated with the desired application include screen savers, messenger programs, emoticons or cartoon cursors, wallpaper/backgrounds, music, etc. Will you find adware integrated into all these applications? Not necessarily. However, free isn’t always free when it comes to downloading from the internet. It’s a risk you’re going to take when you download something to your computer. Click here to remove adware from your computer.

Sometimes you can get adware on your computer without downloading a free application. You know those annoying pop-up ads that say “click yes to win a fill in the blank”? Even if you decline the offer or just close out of the ad some adware programs will install on your computer anyway.

Is Adware really harmful to my computer?

Adware is probably the least malicious form of spyware out there. Will it damage your system? No. But what it does is generate those never-ending pop-up ads you get while you surf the net. So the short answer is no, adware will not harm your computer, but it can be annoying to you to keep having to click out of ads just to get to your favorite web site.

How do I get rid of Adware?

If you're sick of all the pop-up ads you've been getting and want to prevent adware from being installed on your computer in the future, there are some things you can do. The Anti-Spyware Coalition (ASC) in their October 27, 2005 working report made a few suggestions to help protect yourself from adware and other forms of spyware:

Only download files from web sites you trust.
Don't be tricked into thinking you have to click "no" or "cancel" to close a pop-up ad window. You can click the "x" in the upper corner or use the Alt+F4 option in Microsoft Windows.
Use available tools to detect and delete adware from your computer.

Webroot Spy Sweeper is an excellent tool for detecting and removing spyware and adware from your computer. It’s easy to use, and has been named an Editor’s Choice award winner from PC Magazine. Spy Sweeper will remove the adware, spyware and malware that are already installed on your computer and will provide you with real-time protection while you surf the internet. Also, Webroot Software Company is a member of the Anti-Spyware Coalition which is dedicated to identifying tools and best practices that will improve the effectiveness of anti-spyware technology. Click here to purchase Spy Sweeper for only $29.95. It’s a small price to pay for the piece of mind you’ll have knowing you are protected from adware, malware and spyware.