Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms: adware
adware
software whose main purpose is to display advertisements on the user's computer. Sometimes adware refers to legitimate software sent out as samples or sales presentations, but more often, the term denotes software installed without the user's full knowledge and consent. Adware of the latter type can make advertisements pop up on the screen even when the web browser is blocking pop-up ads. See pop-up ad.
Software tools for detecting and removing malicious adware can be found at www.safer-networking.org and www.lavasoftusa.com.
