Adware is a type of program that is usually attached to freeware and shareware. It is responsible for displaying pop-up or pop-under advertisements on your computer, even if you are not browsing the Internet. Programmers will attach these programs to certain software to offset the cost of its programming. This is also the way they make money from software that they give out for free.

Adware may be a necessary component of the software it is attached to. Removing it can violate the license agreement of the software and prevent it from functioning properly.

You may wonder if adware programs are dangerous. In general, these programs are harmless. However, there are types of adware that can prove dangerous to your system, such as spyware. Spyware can gain access to your private computer information and channel it to third parties, often without your knowledge or consent.

Having an up-to-date anti-adware program is the best way to protect your computer from such malicious programs. It will alert you if your computer contains adware, so you can remove it effectively and without harming your system. It will also remind you to conduct regular virus and adware scans.

Different kinds of adware-removal software are widely available in the market. You can even download free versions over the Internet. All of these are useful in alerting you of the presence of adware. If you run your anti-adware software regularly, you will be able to prevent adware from infecting your computer.

If you do not want to run the risk of getting your computer infected, be careful not to download any freeware or shareware that contains adware. There are websites that offer adware-free software. There are also websites that will warn you of certain programs that contain adware or spyware, so you don