LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Adware: Computers
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Adware is an advertising computer program that can be installed by other people on someone's computer, sometimes without thier permission. It is a controversial topic because sometimes business companies put the program there so they can see what people are doing or what web pages they are browsing. They then put an advertisement that is of the same subject as the web-page the person is looking at. This can be good if the person is trying to buy something, but many people do not want advertisement pop ups or banners. Many people ... do not want other people to find out what they are doing or what web pages they are looking at. An example is in the popular peer to peer file sharing program, Kazaa. When someone downloads the official release, it installs adware on their computer that then sends advertisements to the computer. Some people do not like this so they use an illegally modified version of this program called Kazaa Lite.
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Adware is a component in software applications that displays ads while the program is running. For example, adware is included with web-based email programs that give you free email in exchange for viewing ads. Adware "piggybacks" on programs you download from the Internet. Be aware that the fine print of user agreements for many "free" downloads and services usually states that the company will use adware to post advertisements on your computer. When you accept the agreement, you accept those terms.
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Adware is advertising supported software. It is software that can be downloaded free from the web, but contains banner advertisements that create revenue for the company. Adware will usually, like Spyware, install components on your computer that will send marketing information whenever you are online. Unlike Spyware, Adware contains a disclosure telling you that they will be using your information. It is important to read the privacy policy when downloading Adware.
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You do not know it, because you will have no idea when the Adware program has installed itself. However, in today’s internet world, Adware is an unfortunate reality. Watch out for changes in web browser, there may be added toolbars, the homepage may be new, the pop-ups are frequent and more. Windows may take longer to load, hyperlinks may not work or they may even take you to a new site. The computer misbehaves, until you feel like yelling at it. There are ways to combat Adware – you just have to follow a few rules.
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Adware is added to your computer generally without your knowledge when you download anything free over the Internet. This method of downloading is known as "stealth software" or "drive-by downloads". Your computer could have been infected by mal-ware during online activities such as downloading music, pictures, shareware programs like screensavers and animated cursors, popup ads, email attachments or by even visiting some websites that use Active X coding to insert parasites onto your computer. Pay particular attention to the fine print when downloading anything over the Internet. Some programs include brief information in the Terms and Conditions related to serving you targeted ads based on your shopping habits.
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Adware is software which is designed to serve advertising to the computer user. Some adware may ... be spyware if it contains the ability to gather information about the user. If adware only serves ads, it is not technically spyware. Adware is legal so long as it is installed without hacking. The act of unauthorized hacking is illegal in most places.
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