When someone asks you what adware is, you might want to state it as both a necessity and a curse for the world of software. This might create a quandary on whether adware is good for a consumer or not. But, to put it simply, adware is obtrusive on-screen advertising that’s packed into software you download for free. Its existence works based on simple economics where you get what you pay for and what you don’t.
Here’s more of what you need to know to either accept adware as a necessary evil or to completely avoid it:
Which free software contains adware?
The best-known offenders are downloaded in the millions every single day:
- AOL Instant Messenger will frequently flash adware at inopportune times after you download the whole package onto your computer. It’s been that way since the beginning and hasn’t changed since.
- Windows Live Messenger also took to the adware business, though it isn’t overly intrusive.
- Many media players and file-sharing programs such as DivX and Kazaa bombard you with adware in various degrees of annoyance.
- Zwinky is loaded with adware, even though some might think Zwinky is as equally annoying as the adware it produces.
Do you have an option to remove adware?
Most adware-plagued software will give you an option to purchase a paying edition to prevent adware from bothering you. You aren’t pressured into buying, though, and can continue with the free editions if you’re used to dealing with adware. Remember that some adware can sometimes download spyware onto your computer depending on the software you're using.
Can adware be removed by my anti-virus software?
Yes, you can do this. Keep in mind, however, that many legal entanglements have been created as the result of anti-virus software packages having anti-adware features. Some anti-virus companies have had to debate whether to add it to their programs out of fear of being sued by free software companies who get hurt financially without adware. Such lawsuits have already happened with anti-virus companies who ultimately won in the end.
Of course, many anti-virus programs can also block ads from ad-based websites--hence creating a bigger legal fight down the road. As of now, adware is successfully being blocked by most people who surf the web daily, creating a precarious business situation for adware-based programs.
Many of them survive by actively pitching their paying software versions that entice customers by adding better and more useful features than the free one has.