When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn What Does Adware Mean?
Adware is free computer software that contains commercial advertisements. Adware programs include games, desktop toolbars or utilities. Commonly, adware is Web-based and collects Web browser data to target advertisements, especially pop-ups.
Adware is also known as freeware and pitchware.
Techopedia Explains Adware
Adware is categorized as follows:
- Legitimate: Free or trial product sponsored advertisements
- Spyware: Tracks user website preferences and compromises privacy
Adware may appear innocuous and provide users with legitimate business software but then unleash spyware that collects browser search data for targeted user-specific advertisements.
Uninstalling adware generally requires anti-adware software. A variety of free and paid versions are available, but licensed adware is the most reliable, aggressive and recommended. Anti-adware software is also included in virus scanning packages.
