The Case Against Adware

Although a lot of people would think that adware isn't nearly as destructive as spyware, that's only true in a broad sense. Adware can frequently be just as bad, and even when it's not, it can still severely impede the use of your computer.

Here's a McAfee-based definition of adware, useful since they are a leading company in protection against it:

Adware's defined as software with the function of generating profit via ads that are targeted at the computer's user through a variety of means. This doesn't necessarily imply that the user's internet habits are being tracked or information is being collected, but that is nonetheless often a side function as well.

Then there's geekpatroloncall.com, who defines adware as the following:

Adware can do a lot of things, such as monitoring your surfing habits on the web, pr creating pop ups at random containing ads. Sometimes adware comes bundled as a package, other times it tries to slip in without the user knowing about it. It's not always bad, but is generally annoying, and some adware is linked intrinsically to bundled programs, making it impossible to remove the ads without also removing the second program.

Adware is frequently driven by obtuse, stealthy, and dishonest methods of installation, such as encouraging you to click the install mechanism to win money in a contest. It's also often hard to uninstall adware once it is on your system.

EULAs often slip them in as well, because the legalese is so long and obtuse, in such small print, that many people don't read it carefully.

No matter how boring the EULA is, you should read it before installing anything, to discern the motives behind the installation procedure. If it leaves you with questions, don't be afraid to ask the company directly.

So, in the end, adware has the potential to be just as unpleasant as spyware or other malware.

Here's five hints to help you stay away from needless ad spam:

Buy an anti-spyware or general anti-malware program. By running them frequently, you can be sure they'll catch and destroy any adware that gets on your system sneakily.

Programs that make wild claims of being free often package adware with them as the 'real' cost of installation. Most of them will tell you about this, but the warning is often hidden to lull you into installing anyway.

Some sites have gained notoriety for being particularly bad hosts for adware. Certain download-heavy sites, gaming web sites, and pornography-based sites are all heavy risks for adware.

Your web browser, whatever it may be, has security settings inherent to it. Look at them and make sure they're tweaked to protect you.

And don't ever click on pop-ups! Some of them seem really enticing, but they're just bait. They never have anything worth offering.

Prevention is the best medicine, so try to avoid ever getting adware to start with. Make use of the default security that comes with your computer, and install extra shielding as well.

Even with great protection, you still need to tune your behavior to follow basic safety guidelines. Surf safe, and you'll be safe.