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'''Adware''' is a type of [[software]] that sometimes comes with free downloads. Adware displays advertizements on your [[computer]], and some monitor your computer use (including [[website]]s visited) as well, so they can displays targeted ads based on your usage.<ref>[http://onguardonline.gov/glossary.html OnGuard Online: Glossary] OnGuardOnline.gov</ref><br />

'''Adware''' is a type of [[software]] which is typically classified as a "[[Potentially unwanted program]]." Adware displays advertisements on a user's [[computer]], [[smartphone]], or other such device. Some adware also includes spyware--it tracks device usage to deliver targeted advertisements.<ref>[http://onguardonline.gov/glossary.html OnGuard Online: Glossary] OnGuardOnline.gov</ref> Adware is typically installed without the user's intentional consent.  It is often bundled with legitimate software, so the failure to uncheck a box or select some other small option permits the installation.  In some cases, it is instead forced onto the device using malware such as a [[Trojan Horse (malware)|trojan]] or [[Worm|worm]].  However, in some rare cases, a user voluntarily and intentionally installs it.  In some cases, they do so because they like the (often targeted) advertisements, while in other cases they are paid or given some other form of compensation for using it.

   

   

Adware is considered [[malware]] by most, and as such, is sometimes guarded against by [[anti-virus software]].  More specifically, it is often classified as a [[Potentially unwanted program]]. There are also programs which are more focused on non-virus malware, like [[Ad-Aware]] and [[Spybot Search & Destroy|Spybot]] which will try to block and/or remove this unwanted software.

Adware is considered [[malware]] by most, and as such, is sometimes guarded against by [[anti-virus software]].  There are also programs which are more focused on non-virus malware, like [[Ad-Aware]] and [[Spybot Search & Destroy|Spybot]] which will try to block and/or remove this presumably unwanted software.  Even if the adware package itself it safe, the advertisements loaded by it can be potentially infected without the adware publisher's knowledge.  

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