Adware – What is it?

Adware is a broad term used to describe a number of programs that when active, will display a large range of commercials – often unwanted. In most cases the owner of the programs has added a small bit of extra code to ensure, that the commercials are shown, and is trackable. Typically these commercials will show themselves as pop-ups windows, large banners etc. while you are using your computer. In most cases you can stop these unwanted commercials by using a “Ad-Blocker” for your browser, however in some cases you will discover, that you need more than that.

Adware programs/software are often “free” to use, in the sense that you don’t have to pay to use them, however as mentioned above these programs often show commercials, that pays the owner for the use of the software. Most Adware programs help the user share music, movies, games and more on the Internet by providing a platform to do so. Other programs offer the user to help maintaining drivers, system files and other technical aspects, that most users don’t know much about. In many cases the Adware is just a scam and actually does nothing to help the user. More often than not Adware is mistaken for Spyware which are two different type of programs, there are however some similarities. You can learn more about Spyware here.

A large part of Adware programs contain malicious code that will submit gathered information to the owner. The type of information is dependent on the specific program though, in most cases it is personal information that will be sold to a 3^rd part. It is especially these specific Adware programs that you need to be concerned about! One way to spot this malicious Adware is that if you try to remove the program or block the commercials with an Ad Blocker, the Adware will not let you make these changes. In most of these cases you need help from more advanced Anti-Adware programs which are designed specifically to help combat these threats.

Some Adware programs have the potential to harm your computer and your system directly, and in many cases you won’t even know you have these installed on your computer. Often the program is installed automatically (hidden) when you install other programs, that contains the software. In these cases your computer is very vulnerable to attacks from other sources, since you have a hidden program installed on your computer. The hidden program can override your security settings; display a large number of commercials to make your computer crash, or simply delete important settings and files which will make your computer virtually useless. In most cases you can tell that you are a victim of malicious Adware if your computer suddenly boots very slowly, runs sluggish even at low usage, strange unwanted commercials that prompt you to buy all sorts of “helpful” programs to clean your computer – NEVER click on these adds or install more programs, unless you are 100% sure and trust the publisher. You can try a free trial of Anti Explorator that will help you identify unwanted Adware on your computer, if you don’t have the technical know-how to remove these threats manually you can buy the full version which offers a large range of tools against these programs. The full version also comes with full support in your local language.

There are many problems associated with Adware and it is often the symptoms that the installation of Adware brings, which forces your computer to its knees. Malicious Adware often use and infect a large amount of files when its installed which makes it very difficult to get rid of completely, and even more so when doing it manually. Adware is constantly getting more and more advanced, more difficult to detect and remove.

Most experts in the online security industry agrees that there are some signs that often appears when a system is infected with malicious Adware. You can see a list of the most common signs here:

• Without your consent a number of settings, which you have NOT performed, is changed. Often Firewall settings, Security Settings and other private settings.
• Your computer is performing sluggish, slowly and is taking a very long time to boot, and perform simple tasks. In some severe cases your computer won’t even start!
• Changes to your browser settings WITHOUT your consent. You have to be especially vigilant about your Security Settings since these are often deactivated and paves the way for even more malicious Adware.
• Your Start Page in your browser has been changed, Toolbars appear in your browser and many more “utility programs” have been installed. Furthermore, the browser often redirects you to unwanted sites.
• Your browser is continually showing a large number of pop-ups, commercials and notifications which prompt you to download buy or try other programs that are offering you to help with your “problems”.

As mentioned earlier in this article you can try Anti Explorator for free here, and use its advanced software to scan your entire system for any unwanted Adware. If you are not comfortable with manually removing these threats you can buy the full version, which also detects and removes a large number of other online security related threats.

In some cases Adware programs have the ability to block the installation of helpful programs such as Anti Explorator – below you can find help to overcoming these problems.

Q: My browser is not working and/or I cannot download Anti Explorator?
A: Some advanced Adware programs can actively block your browser when trying to download tools to combat these threats. Try with another browser, and make sure that you use “private settings” as this will increase the odds, that you can circumvent the blockade.

Q:My browser is still not working!
A: In many cases you can use a remote unit such as a USB-device to install Anti Explorator on another computer, and then use the remote unit to install Anti Explorator on the infected system. This should make you able to install Anti Explorator on your computer.

Q: Windows is not starting properly, or not starting at all.
A: Try starting Windows in “Safe Mode” and with “Network Settings” active and then install Anti Explorator. After which you should be able to run Anti Explorator and diagnose your system.

If you are using Internet Explorer many malicious programs will often change your browser-settings – more likely than not “Proxy Settings”. These settings determine if you are able to use Internet Explorer with a proxy server. If this setting is active you are vulnerable to malicious programs dictating which pages you can visit and browse. You can manually change/remove this function under “Settings”.