What Is Adware?

By: Tim Henry

Adware is one of many "malwares" or malicious software programs
that are unknowingly installed on your computer when you visit
online sites and download freebies. When you use share files or
visit sites with free downloads of wallpaper, videos, or music,
some of these sites will send along adware software with your
download.

These malwares are a rapidly growing threat to all computer
systems. It is estimated that in the first three months of 2005
over 80% of computer users had some type of malware software
program running on their computer, without their knowledge.

Although it is much less a threat to your computer and
information than spyware is, what adware will do is cause pop up
banners and advertisements to appear on your computer. These
advertisements are displayed on your computer no matter what
program you might be using. What the people who place this type
of nuisance software on you computer say is that adware
advertising helps them to recover costs and allows them to offer
you those freebies you want.

What you want to do to stop adware from appearing on your
computer is to first run an anti-adware program. Run this
program on demand regularly. Along with an anti-adware software
program run your regular computer virus scan on demand also.

Check the security level on your computer. You security level
setting should be at least medium to help protect you from
unwanted downloads.

Do not download free files from the internet, period. When
downloading any software read the end-user license agreement.
Some of these agreements will state that when you download their
software you are also agreeing to accept a downloaded spyware
that may be placed on your computer at the same time.

Be aware of threats to your computer, and your personal
information.

About the author:
This article courtesy of http://www.adware-eliminator-guide.net