Adware is bad software that shows ads on your computer. Though it might look less harmful than other bad software, adware can make your computer slow, mess with your web use, and put your private information at risk. This post will explain what adware is, how it acts, and ways to block it.
What is adware?
Adware is software that shows ads. These ads can pop up, show as banners, or send you to other sites. Some adware is okay and comes with software to help cover its costs. But bad adware gets into your system without you saying yes and can cause lots of trouble.
How does adware work?
Adware often hides in your web browser or system. Here are the usual ways adware can mess with your PC:
- Pop-up Ads: Irritating windows that pop up when you’re online.
- In-browser Ads: More ads on websites where they don’t belong, usually put there by ad software.
- Redirects: making your web visit go to sites you don’t want, often with more ads or bad stuff.
- Tracking: keeping tabs on what sites you visit to hit you with more tailored ads.
How does adware get on your computer?
Adware can get on your computer in many ways, such as:
- Free Programs: Adware often comes with no-cost software or programs you get from the web.
- Bad Emails: Emails with tricky links or files can put adware on your computer.
- Unsafe Websites: Going to a risky website can secretly add adware to your computer.
- Fake Updates: Adware might hide as real program updates.
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Stopping adware involves a combination of prevention and removal techniques. Here’s how you can protect your computer from adware and remove any existing adware:.
1. Prevention: How to Avoid Adware
a. Be Careful with Downloads
- Download from Trusted Sources: Always download software from reputable sources or the official website.
- Read Installation Screens: Pay attention to the installation screens of software and opt out of any additional software or toolbars.
b. Use ad blockers.
- Ad Blocker Extensions: Use browser extensions like AdBlock or uBlock Origin to block unwanted ads.
- Popup Blockers: Enable popup blockers in your browser settings.
c. Update software regularly.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and antivirus software to protect against vulnerabilities.
d. Avoid suspicious links and emails.
- Phishing Awareness: Be cautious about clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
2. Removal: How to Remove Adware
If you suspect that your computer is already infected with adware, follow these steps to remove it.
a. Use adware removal tools.
- Antivirus Software: Use reputable antivirus software to scan and remove adware. Examples include AVG, Malwarebytes, and Avast.
- Dedicated Adware Removal Tools: Tools like AdwCleaner and Spybot Search & Destroy are specifically designed to remove adware.
b. Manually remove adware
- Uninstall suspicious programs.
- Windows: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program and remove any unfamiliar or suspicious programs.
- Mac: Go to Applications and drag any suspicious apps to the trash.
- Reset your browser settings.
- Chrome: Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Firefox: Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
- Safari: Go to Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data and remove all data.
- Check browser extensions:
- Disable or remove any unfamiliar extensions from your browser settings.
c. Clear temporary files
- Delete Temporary Files: Use built-in tools like Disk Cleanup (Windows) or clean-up utilities (Mac) to delete temporary files and potentially malicious files.
d. Update your antivirus definitions.
- Keep Definitions Updated: Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date with the latest virus definitions to detect and remove the newest adware.
Conclusion
Adware can bug you and may risk your safety, but with the right steps and tools, you can stop it and get rid of it well. Always get software from safe places, watch out for email clips, and keep your software fresh to guard your PC. If you run into adware, use special clean-up tools or antivirus programs to make your system clean.