Definition of adware

adware

noun - uncountable

legitimate software that is free to use, but displays advertising.
- See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.
Last edited on Nov 12 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.
bad software ("malware") that exists only to display unwanted advertisements.
His computer was full of adware. I had to reinstall his OS from scratch.

Last edited on Dec 07 2011. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA on Apr 26 2011.

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Related words

Slang terms with the same meaning

Other terms relating to 'computer slang':
twiddle	Definitions include: to change something in a small, mindless way.
Windoze	Definitions include: pejorative name for Microsoft Windows.
surface	Definitions include: in a computing user interface, to present something to the user.
widget	Definitions include: a single element in a graphical user interface.
zap	Definitions include: zapping someone is cussing them out.
kluge	Definitions include: alternate spelling of kludge.
geek out	Definitions include: to be so intoxicated from illegal stimulants that one loses complete control over one's body.
pointy-haired	Definitions include: From Dilbert's boss in the Dilbert comic strip.
swap space	Definitions include: temporary storage space used then moving or reconfiguring a room.
page out	Definitions include: A synonym of "swap out".
RTM	Definitions include: acronym for "read the manual".
e-peen	Definitions include: see e-penis.
brick	Definitions include: very cold.
msg	Definitions include: shortened form of "message".
ILYSFM	Definitions include: acronym for "I love you so fucking much".
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Slang terms with the same root words

Other terms relating to 'software':
abandonware	Definitions include: software still under copyright, but which is no longer distributed, sold, or supported.
annoyware	Definitions include: a type of shareware that interrupts use of the software to display a message asking the user to "register" the software (i.e. pay for it.)
bloatware	Definitions include: computer software that occupies too many resources due to its preponderance of features.
careware	Definitions include: a form of shareware where, in lieu of the "registration" fee, the author asks that users donate to a charity.
charityware	Definitions include: a form of shareware where, in lieu of the "registration" fee, the author asks that users donate to a charity.
crippleware	Definitions include: software that has had features disabled to entice people to upgrade to a for-pay or more expensive version.
freeware	Definitions include: "Freeware" was originally the trademark of "PC-Talk" author Andrew Fluegelman.
guiltware	Definitions include: shareware that uses guilt to encourage users to pay the "registration" cost.
malware	Definitions include: software that does bad things.
nagware	Definitions include: shareware software that nags the user if it hasn't yet been purchased.
postcardware	Definitions include: a type of shareware that only requires users to send a postcard to the author in order to purchase it.
shareware	Definitions include: software that is free to share with others and is - at least initially - free to use.
shelfware	Definitions include: software that was purchased or written, but never used.
shovelware	Definitions include: low-quality software.
shrink-wrapped software	Definitions include: software delivered in physical form.
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