Adware is one of those things that every internet user has been infected with at one time or another and it can cause many affects on your computer. Some adware is a form of spyware, a form of malware, as they usually go hand in hand with each other. Here we will go through what adware and associated spyware is and some removal adware tools and software you can use to clean your computer of it and some ways to protect your system from future attacks.
Adware is short for advertisement ware, usually you will encounter adware with software programs, primarily ones that you download from the internet through peer-to-peer or shareware programs. If you are infected with adware you will probably encounter ads whether or not you are using the program and when you are online. Usually the main symptom of adware is numerous pop up ads that come from no where and for no reason. It can also replace ads on your browser and you won't even notice. Adware can have effects on the running of your system, it can slow it down and freeze your computer. One of the major concerns when it comes to adware is spyware, as the two are usually interlinked. Spyware is a form of malicious ware, it is the biggest threat to the running of computers and works much like a virus. Spyware is what it's name suggests, it spies on you, usually it will track your movements on the computer like what websites you visit and it also documents your personal information, with out your consent and sends it back to it's creator.
Thankfully there is an abundance of removal adware and spyware programs you can use to clean your computer. Most removal adware programs also remove spyware, some of the most popular ones are listed below.
Lavasoft's Ad-aware personal is a fast and easy to use. This Adware SE version also removes many different types of malware like Trojan horses and spyware, among others.
Using this Adware SE program is a great way to see if you are infected with adware as it is small and free.
PepiMK Software's Spybot - Search and Destroy is another free adware removal program that is fast and reliable.
McAfee AntiSpy is another great removal adware tool. It blocks, removes and protects against adware, spyware and other forms of malware.
The best way to stop adware or any other malicious ware or virus for that matter, is protection. Some adware protection methods are:
Always have a good anti adware and spyware software program installed and running so it can scan as you work on your computer.
Have an pop-up blocker to stop ads from popping up.
Don't install software that carries adware but if you must make sure you scan your computer with an anti adware program afterwards.
Beware of websites that ask to install software on your computer so you can view their site if you are unsure what they are.
No one is safe from adware, as I said above, we will all get infected with it at one time or another while we are using the internet, especially if we download shareware programs. Always have a reliable removal adware tool installed on your computer just incase you do get infected and be sure to take prevention and protection methods.