We were getting frustrated with the amount of pop-ups and advertisements we were receiving on our computer. Sure a few of them were interesting, but most of the time it was just plain annoying. My husband did a little more research and found we were in great need of adware protection. We had recently downloaded a free program to assist us in a project, but it looks like we got more than we bargained for.

Most people don’t realize the amount of advertising companies who integrate themselves with freeware marketers who produce the various freebie programs available online. These companies do this to increase revenue and use the income to support development of other programs. You don’t have to worry about paying for the advertising, as the advertiser already paid for it, but you will have to pay a fee if you want to download an adware-free version. Adware will also sponsor the free version of the software so probable customers will try it out. This way if they like it, they’ll go and purchase the full version, which usually doesn’t have adware protection included. There is malicious adware out there, but usually it’s created to promote the creator’s website or product.

Adware runs in the background of any free programs, showing advertisements while you use the program. Some will even integrate themselves into the background of your computer when you’re not using the program originally downloaded. Some adware will even monitor which sites you visit and put together a user profile, which then allows it to tailor what advertisements are shown to you. A danger with adware is sometimes the information collected will not always be limited to statistics but also to other files on your computer and then sold to third parties. This is why it’s important to read all the fine print before downloading a freeware program.

Adware can also affect how your computer works, slowing it down and making the system unreliable. This is why you need adware protection. It’s hard to know which program to use to remove the adware, but generally you need something that’s going to prevent the adware from getting on your computer in the first place. You need a heavy duty adware protection on your software, one that’s going to clean your computer of the unwanted files without causing further damage. Note that since adware is usually a part of freeware programs, you may have to remove those as well.

Pros:

• A good adware cleaner will quarantine and then remove it completely from the computer.
• It will notice if adware approaches before it tries to enter your computer.
• You are able to get the non-adware version.

Cons:

• The adware has complicated the use of your personal computer.
• The adware found information and sold it to third parties without you knowing.

For best result, make sure you have adware protection installed in your antivirus software, as this cleaner will take care of ridding the countless advertisements coming with freeware programs.

Steve Lowder is the owner of http://www.bestantivirusreview.com where he reviews and offers his honest opinions on computer security threats and software solutions. His top-rated antivirus reviews makes it easy to compare all the features and options to find the perfect protection for your computer.