What is Adware

Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software.

Adware is software with advertising functions integrated into or bundled with a program. It is usually seen by the programmer as a way to recover programming 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. The advertising income may allow or motivate the programmer to continue to write, maintain and upgrade the software product.

Some adware is also shareware, and so the word may be used as term of distinction to differentiate between types of shareware software. What differentiates adware from other shareware is that it is primarily advertising-supported. Users may also be given the option to pay for a "registered" or "licensed" copy to do away with the advertisements.

Well-known adware programs

• TopMoxie
• 123 Messenger
• 180 Solutions
  • 180SearchAssistant
  • Zango
• Bonzi Buddy
• BlockChecker
• ClipGenie
• Comet Cursor
• Crazy Girls
• Cursor Mania
• Cydoor
• Daemon Tools - (Now when downloaded from the daemon tools official site, software comes bundled with the "Daemon Tools WhenUSave Toolbar but can be unchecked during installation.)
• Direct Revenue
• DollarRevenue
  • Aurora
• Ebates MoneyMaker
• ErrorSafe
• Gator
• Hotbar
• 888bar
• IEPlugin
• Mirar Toolbar
• Oemji Toolbar
• Zango Toolbar
• PornDigger!
• Smiley Central
• TopMoxie
• WeatherBug
• WhenU
• WinFixer
• TagASaurus
• VirusProtectPro
• Kazaa
• Zwinky
• Spyware doctor
• XXX Shop online
• Winzix

If you do happen to find adware on your computer or if your computer is slow with popup's etc. then you need to run a scan of your PC and delete all traces of the adware immediately. If you do not then your computer will become slower with more and more annoying adware. Click the link below to run a scan for adware on your computer;

Run a free scan for adware and spyware