spam spyware and adware

Adware is any software package with the sole purpose to automatically play, display, or download advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it. This should not be confused with advertising-supported software which is not malicious, but displays ads within it's windows while the program is being used. Wired News: Sick of Spam? Prepare for Adware.

Application

Adware is software 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.

Some adware is also shareware, and so the word may be used as term of distinction to differentiate between types of shareware software. Free Spyware and Adware Remover. What differentiates adware from other shareware is that it is primarily advertising-supported. Users may also be given the option to pay for a "registered" or "licensed" copy to do away with the advertisements.

Controversy

There are concerns about adware because it often takes the form of spyware, in which information about the user's activity is tracked, reported, and often re-sold, often without the knowledge or consent of the user. Of even greater concern is malware, which may interfere with the function of other software applications, in order to force users to visit a particular web site. Spyware represents a dangerous internet security threat, yet only a small percentage
of computers are protected from it.

It is not uncommon for people to confuse "adware" with "spyware" and "malware", especially since these concepts overlap.