This is a software program that displays pop-up advertisements or banners while the program is running offline, or while you are on the Internet.  The authors of these applications include additional code that delivers the ads, which can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen.

If you notice an increased amount of pop-up ads appearing on your screen.  Many times, they will be from the same company and pop-up as you begin to connect to the web.  At times, these can be in the form of security alerts or software updates and look very legitimate.

Spyware software will remove most Adware from your computer.  For directions on how to remove Spyware, see Spyware Protection.