Adware and Spyware are often confused with one another.
Adware is any software application that initiates banners and nothing else the whole time it is in action.
You'll notice these annoying creatures opening in separate windows.
They are usually very flashy and downright aggravating.
Adware has the power to install components on your PC that can transmit your user activity.
Adware programs are unlike spyware programs because they ask before installing their program.
Spyware is much different and sneakier than adware.
This kind of program usually installs itself on your computer without you knowing.
Although most spyware programs don't usually send confidential information, they do have the ability to do so.
Usually the information shared is your browsing data used for marketing purposes.
Some people think that adware and spyware are one in the same when they aren't.
For the most part both programs are relatively harmless but they still invade your privacy.
To prevent adware and software programs from attaching themselves to your computer you should have anti-virus software.
There are many different companies that offer this service for free but I wouldn't recommend them to protect your computer.
Most people have heard of McAfee, Norton and AVG which provide the best protection for your computer.
In order to protect you and your computer make sure you never download anything that you haven't requested.
One of the most famous adware catch phrases are something along the lines of "Warning Your Computer Has A Virus, Click Here To Fix it".
This instills fear into people that they have a problem and need to fix it before it gets worse.
Don't be fooled.
The best way to protect yourself is to have anti-virus installed on your computer.
The cost of the anti-virus software is worth its weight in gold.