You find adware throughout the net. There seems that there is no way of escaping it, from websites to any downloading. While this may be a fact, here we will discuss the main places where lurking adware is found, so you can have better luck in keeping it away from your computer.

1. Freeware: Watch out for this one. Freeware are various programs that a creator is “giving away”. You can go to the website and download the software for free. The problem is, the creator of the freeware wants recognition and compensation for their time. Of course, you should not confuse freeware with open-source software, which has code that can be modified by the user (you).

Creators of freeware aren’t supposed to request payment from those who download them since by its name, it is free. As an alternative, they may add adware programming into the freeware they create. They may also foot the bill for their own cost or solicit donations. More than likely, they will bundle in the adware because they probably don’t want to use their own cash and people may not want to give a donation. Shareware:

2. Shareware: Shareware is almost the same as freeware, in that it is software that can be downloaded from a website. Creators of shareware will ask for a donation for use of the software rather than giving it away free. The voluntary fee helps the creator keep the site up and running and helps to cover the costs of updates. Users have the option to pay, but are not required, rather the creators rely on peoples honesty. Since paying the fee to use the software is not a requirement to use the supplement their income, some creators use adware in their programs supplement their income. Other than freeware, shareware is the second most popular place to hide adware.

The obvious weaknesses of this honor system of payment is why adware also shows up in shareware, as quite often people will download the shareware and use it for free without any payment towards it. To help support the shareware financially, advertisers are happy to pay to have their adware bundled with the shareware in question. While this is not the case as frequently with shareware as it is with freeware, many free shareware programs today will come with adware, as without adware, the shareware wouldn’t be able to survive.

3. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Applications: Peer-to-Peer, or P2P, applications are the least likely place to find adware when compared to freeware and shareware. That does not mean it never happens, just look at the P2P software Kazaa. Adding the adware to the Kazaa program caused quite a stir in the past. Unfortunately, with out the use of adware, Kazaa would have run out of funding. This would have caused the discontinuation of the site.

Knowing the most common areas on the Internet where adware hides can give you more confidence when downloading free or nearly free software. You now know when to be the most careful when getting software for free. But don’t be too afraid, not all adware is bad. The good new is there are tools and security systems that can remove the adware for you. There is some really free software out there that rivals the better-known commercial software. So, if you find really great software that is free, go for it.

Susan Reynolds is a content editor for a leading Spyware And Adware Removal Software brand. For more information visit: http://www.spywareremovaldoc.com






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