Also known as 'advertising-supported software'.
Any software package which automatically plays, displays or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Adware displays Web-based advertisements through pop-up windows or through an advertising banner that appears within a program's interface, creating revenue for the software developer. It is usually seen as a way to recover programming development costs, and in some cases it may allow the program to be provided to the user free of charge or at a reduced price.
