Over time, surfing on the internet you may lead you to download adware.  This article defines what adware is and some instructions on how to remove it.

Adware is software which is supported by advertisements. The advertisements often offset development costs and allow the user to download the software at little or no cost.

Adware will often open advertisement pop-ups and other forms of ads when you are using the software. The most usual adware programs are toolbars that can be downloaded and installed on our desktop or our Web browser.

The most inoffensive of adware simply shows ads in the form of banners or pop-up windows, but adware may also be packaged with other software that has less than respectable intentions.

Adware which carries other applications is known as spyware which may capture keystrokes, erase files, or track sensitive user information.

When downloading a toolbar or other advertising supported software, make sure that it comes from a reputable company. Regardless of who distributes the software, read the terms of use and all other documentation very carefully.

There are many software applications that fight against spyware, some of the well known applications are:

Ad-Aware by Lavasoft

Spyware Terminator

There are also several online sites that have an updated list of all of the toolbars and other software that comes with adware and spyware. It is a good idea to do a little investigation before installing ad based software onto your computer.

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