Spyware and other malicious types of software programs are able to capture and transmit user personal information to another location. Since most users rarely read such user agreements and just hit the “I agree” button, this may be a valid point.Īdware and spyware do differ on one point. There are some industry arguments that say the user agreement covers installation of these types of software. Basically, Adware that is installed without knowledge of the user is considered to be Spyware. Īnother negative for adware is that some types of adware programs can download and install a privacy invasion program called Spyware. View a list of common programs that deliver adware at Wikipedia. Then, once installed, the user is offered an option to either continue to use the software as is, with advertisements, or they can purchase an advertisement free version of that software. The hopes are that this might generate a sale or a link to the advertiser’s website.Īdware is sometimes integrated into shareware that a user may get for free. Once the user is at a particular website, the adware displays advertisements related to that website’s content. It tracks where on the Internet the user visits. Some adware functions as a data collector. Adware allows advertisements to be played or displayed automatically, or downloaded without permission onto the user’s computer. The negative side of adware is that the user frequently is totally unaware that they now have allowed this adware to invade their private computer. To the user, adware may be just an annoyance, distraction or interruption. To a software developer, adware is helpful and a good thing. It also is how some developers can offer users free software. It comes bundled right in with the software application package that a user either installs or accesses. Like commercials on regular media, adware is one way for software promoters and developers to offset the costs of software production by offering advertising opportunities to their clients. The name “adware” is a short form of advertising-supported software. Adware is an annoyance at best to most computer users.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |