The Removal of Adware
The Internet can be a dangerous place for the unprepared. At any point, your system can be attacked by malicious software like viruses, trojan horse programs, spyware and other attacks. Adware, by comparison to most malicious software, seems relatively harmless. However, this often annoying form of spam is often accompanied by far more insidious invaders. The understanding and removal of adware is one of many ways an Internet user can protect herself from the dangers of the Web.
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What is Adware?
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Adware is a form of software that downloads onto your computer and begins displaying ads. These ads can range from seemingly benign, like banner ads in a program, to profoundly annoying pop-up ads that show up no matter what you're doing. Adware is commonly picked up unintentionally when you download another file. Freeware in particular is susceptible to being tagged with adware. The often-skipped End User License Agreements always have some fine print regarding the installation of adware, and by agreeing to them, you consent to the download of the adware onto your computer.
Why is it Dangerous?
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Adware seems relatively harmless at first glance. A few advertisers exploiting a clever way to get your attention for a quick buck. However, the methods many adware programs employ can be decidedly unscrupulous and very invasive to your privacy. Many adware programs monitor your browser habits, including websites you visit, and keep tabs on your computer habits. They then create a profile and use it to tailor the ads presented to match your interests and tastes. This information may also be sold to third parties for any number of reasons. Adware can also slow down your computer system and make it unstable.
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Is All Adware Bad?
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This important point should be made: Not all adware is necessarily a "bad" thing. A lot of freeware, including games, useful utilities and other programs, use adware to cover their costs. Most of this adware is unobtrusive banner ads that run only in the program itself. Removing this adware may cause the program it came with to stop functioning. But the line of distinction is drawn when a piece of adware begins gathering information based on your habits, or spams you when you aren't using the program. The best way to detect when a piece of adware has crossed the line is to use an anti-adware utility like AdAware's ADS scan. These programs can detect tracking cookies and other traces left by the adware and alert you to their presence. To that end, whether adware is bad or not depends on how it is employed.
How Do I Prevent and Remove Adware?
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There are a number of programs available that will detect adware on the Internet, in files and in the programs you run. Lavasoft's AdAware, SpyBot Search & Destroy and SpySweeper are all spyware removal tools that also will detect and remove adware. SpySweeper requires a paid license but is a strong antispyware tool from trusted antivirus provider Webroot. Spybot Search & Destroy is a free antispyware tool. AdAware has a free version but is also available in several levels of paid license form. These cleaning programs can be used to effectively remove and prevent adware infection, as well as dealing with harmful spyware and other malicious software. However, maximum protection requires diligent, regular scanning of your system.
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