Adware Isn't All That Bad
Today, almost everywhere we look on the Internet we are faced with warnings about the dangers of adware – software that displays adverts on your computer. But why are a few adverts that much of a problem to us?
Adware is the name for software that displays adverts on your computer. It normally comes bundled with free software, with some money from the adverts going to the software's makers. Most adware does just this and nothing more. Unfortunately, some adware isn't as friendly, and it is these programs that have caused a massive amount of people to fight against adware in every form. These more dangerous programs can slow down your computer, make themselves extremely difficult to remove, and even hijack your web home page and searches and replace them with sponsored links.
The public has a right to be angry about this. When they ask for Google, they should get Google, not a load of irrelevant paid links. And when they say 'no' to adware, it should mean 'no'. But this growth of more dangerous adware has confused the everyday user into thinking that all adware will be that dangerous, a ridiculous assumption that is not only harming the better adware companies, but also causing many customers to miss out on free, quality ad-supported software. This anti-adware mindset is fueled by everyone from anti-virus companies to computer magazines. It's time for people to stop and take a look at the facts.
Most forms of adware are harmless. They display their adverts, and when you want the software to go, it goes. People cannot expect to get something for nothing, and a few ads now and then in exchange for that software you want is normally a fair deal.
It's true that some adware is dangerous, but all it takes is common sense. You're making a legal contract when you agree to the terms of use of software, so why not read it? The terms of use (or End User License Agreement) normally tell you everything you need to know about what the software will do. When you do an anti-virus or anti-spyware scan, look carefully through the results rather than just screaming in horror and hitting remove. You need to remember that not everything on that list is stealing passwords, and that those adverts are what keeps that software free. Removing adware using a scanner program may also cause further problems, so look for an uninstall program first, this will normally completely remove the software.
Of course, you do need to be careful about what you download. But next time, think about what you're getting. If you want that software, aren't a few adverts a cheaper option than actually paying for it? Is it really that dangerous to have a popup about dog food every now and then?
People need to realise that the problems of adware are massively exaggerated, and the benefits largely ignored.
