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Adware: Users
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Adware is advertising-supported software. Essentially the business model for the software that is downloaded is the advertisements that are played as part of the download, or when the software is being used. Adware should be distinguished from spyware which is designed to observe and report data of the user.
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Adware is software with advertising functions integrated into or bundled with a program. It is usually seen by the programmer as a way to recover programming development costs, and in some cases it may allow the program to be provided to the user free of charge or at a reduced price. The advertising income may allow or motivate the programmer to continue to write, maintain and upgrade the software product.
Adware are ... often installed in tandem with spyware programs. Both programs feed off of each other's functionalities - spyware programs profile users' Internet behavior, while adware programs display targeted ads that correspond to the gathered user profiles.
Of all forms of Adware and Spyware, Xupiter Toolbar seems to take the lead in creating angst among users. Much of the angst stems from users who feel certain they never knowingly agreed to the installation of Xupiter Toolbar.
File-sharing groups, such as peer-to-peers, make money by attaching Adware to their file-sharing programs and then selling participants' e-mail addresses to advertisers again and again. Many advertisers then monitor surfing habits and collectively bombard users' machines with a torrent of Pop-ups.
Adware programs are typically installed as separate programs that are bundled with certain free software. Many users inadvertently agree to installing adware by accepting the End User License Agreement (EULA) on the free software.
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