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.
Some adware is also shareware, and so the word may be used as term of distinction to differentiate between types of shareware software. 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.
Well-known adware programs/programs distributed with adware
123 Messenger
180 Solutions
180SearchAssistant
Zango
888bar
Bonzi Buddy
BlockChecker
ClipGenie
Comet Cursor
Crazy Girls
Cursor Mania
Cydoor
Daemon Tools - (Software comes bundled with the "Daemon Tools WhenUSave Toolbar" but can be unchecked during installation)
Direct Revenue
DollarRevenue
Ebates MoneyMaker
ErrorSafee
Gator
Hotbar
IEPlugin
Kazaa
Mirar Toolbar
Messenger Plus
Oemji Toolbar
PornDigger!
Smiley Central
TagASaurus
TopMoxie
Videothang
VirusProtectPro
WeatherBug
WhenU
WinFixer
Winzix
XXX Shop online
XXX Toy
Zango Toolbar
Zwinky
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Free tools and utilities to help you detect, identify and remove spyware and adware including browser hijackers, web bugs, tracking cookies and other malicious spy programs
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Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used.
Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software.
Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software.