What is adware and spyware?
Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. The authors of these applications include additional code that delivers the ads, which can be viewed through pop-up windows, through a bar that appears on a computer screen, or as part of the program. Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. On the Internet, spyware is programming that is put in someone’s computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties.
Adware When you use a program that shows ad banners while you’re using it, that’s adware. It’s not much different than billboards on the freeway or banner ads at the grocery store. No information is sent back to the advertiser unless you agree to it by filling out a form or asking for more information. Advertising Supported Software – adware, is also a system by which advertisers collect information about your surfing habits to better market their products. It’s installed directly on your computer by these advertisers and by those who gather information to sell to advertisers. Adware also assists browsers and music programs adjust to your preferences. There’s really nothing wrong with legitimate adware, and the privacy invasion is strictly for your benefit. It doesn’t care who you are, it only wants your product usage information in general. Why is adware bad? Adware is not necessarily malicious – unlike a virus, it isn’t developed to harm your computer or your programs – nor is it ill
Adware and spyware are types of applications integrated into or bundled with a program. They are usually seen by the publisher as a way to recover development costs, and in some cases it may allow the program to be provided to the user free of charge or at a reduced price. While some adware will generally serve advertisements via browser or desktop pop-ups, more devious types may also record your Web surfing and personal computer usage habits, what other applications are installed on your machine, and transmit any number of other types of private information without your consent. This type of application behavior is commonly referred to as spyware. If you’re looking for some excellent recommendations, CNET Downloads has a list of The best free security & spyware software. You may come across software from other Web sites on the Internet that contain these invasive applications, but CNET Downloads refuses to list any software that does not comply with our Principles of Quality .
In some cases, free downloads can contain advertisements that may appear while you are using the program. The benefit of using ad-supported software (adware) is that in most cases it is free to use. However, some users feel that spyware can be too intrusive as it can possibly monitor the behaviour of your activity on the web and pass this information on to advertisers. We strongly recommend that you read the end-user license agreement very carefully before you install the program.
“Adware” (advertising supported software) is a product that is available for free and in exchange displays advertising banners within the software interface. Instead of you having to pay for the software, the company creates revenue by selling advertising space in the software product. “Spyware” is software that and hides itself somewhere on your computer monitoring the behaviour of your activity on the web and passing this information on to advertisers. Spyware is often installed onto your PC when you download and install other software published as “Freeware” or as “Adware”. We strongly recommend that you read the end-user license agreement very carefully before you install any program. Often buried in the licence agreement will be a disclaimer saying that information about you and your browsing habits will be sent to third party advertising company.
