Adware is a type of software.
Adware is a concept that is used in the field of computing . This is a type of software that automatically displays advertisements to the user . In this way, the software manufacturer makes profits from these advertisements.
The term adware is made up of two English words: advertisement (which can be translated as "advertisement" ) and software (the concept that, also in our language, refers to a computer program). The person using adware can see the ads either while using the program or even when installing it.
Types of adware
It is important to establish that there are basically two fundamental types of adware: legitimate ones and potentially unwanted ones. The latter are especially dangerous because they begin to obtain very sensitive information from the user, such as location, password details, as well as the computer's IP addresses or email addresses.
Many times adware is also shareware : a program that is distributed for free but with various restrictions or limitations. Typically in these cases, the user has the option to pay for the software to stop displaying advertisements.
It should be noted, finally, that certain adware are designated as spyware because they record user information without the user noticing, for example by analyzing their Internet searches.
Sometimes adware is actually spyware.
The advertising space
It is often suggested that the adware developer must strike a balance between the space allocated to advertising and the comfort of the software user. Ads, in this framework, must be visible to fulfill their advertising objective, but they do not have to become a nuisance to the person using the software.
If the adware allocates too much space to advertisements, users may end up moving away from the program in question. Thus, given the limited distribution of adware, it will be very difficult for the developer to find advertisers and, therefore, obtain income from his program.
Other relevant information about adware
In addition to everything stated above, we have to point out that there is other relevant data regarding adware, among which are the following:
- Although there are numerous models that exist, many of these aim not only to collect personal information but also to record keystrokes or even thoroughly track the websites you visit.
- Some adware can cause system slowdowns and even feelings of instability in your computer.
- Of course, we must not overlook that there are also different types of adware that update automatically and without notifying the user.
- It is important to establish that different systems can be used to eliminate adware. These range from antivirus to specific software.
- In the same way, it must be taken into account that you can also avoid having to be subjected to the constant presence of adware. For this, there is nothing better than using a firewall when browsing the Internet, security patches and also the relevant updates to the operating system and the browser.