Pronunciation: [ˈadwˌe͡ə] (IPA) 
Adware is a term used for software that generates unwanted ads. The word "adware" is spelled with a stress on the first syllable, marked by an accent in the IPA phonetic transcription (ˈædweər). The first sound is the vowel "æ" as in "cat," followed by the consonant cluster "dw," pronounced as a single sound. The final syllable contains the vowel "ə," also known as schwa sound, making the stress is on the first syllable of the word.
Adware is a term used to describe a type of software or program that displays advertisements on the computer or any other internet-connected device. Derived from the words "advertisement" and "software," adware is specifically designed to generate revenue by delivering advertising content to users.
Typically, adware manifests itself in the form of pop-up advertisements, banner ads, or unwanted browser plugins. It often comes bundled with free software or applications that users download and install, without their explicit consent or knowledge. While adware is distinct from malicious software like viruses or spyware, it can still be highly intrusive and disruptive to the user's digital experience.
The primary purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its creators or affiliated organizations. It achieves this by displaying targeted ads based on the user's browsing habits, search history, or other collected information. The displayed ads are often intended to redirect users to specific websites, promote certain products or services, or increase traffic for particular advertisers.
Though adware is not inherently harmful to the computer or the user's personal information, it can negatively impact system performance, slow down browsing speeds, or lead to an overall unpleasant online experience. In some cases, adware may also collect and transmit user data, violating their privacy.
To protect against adware, it is advisable to install reliable antivirus or anti-malware software that can detect and remove such programs. Additionally, users should exercise caution while downloading and installing software from untrusted sources, as adware often comes bundled with freeware or shareware applications.
The word "adware" is a portmanteau of two words: "advertisment" and "software". The term was coined in the late 1990s to describe a type of software that displays advertisements to the user. It is used to refer to any software program that automatically displays or downloads advertising materials while the program is running, typically without obtaining the user's consent.
