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".
(show 585 more)

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.
(show 4 morehide)

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