When we talk about viruses these days, we don’t, actually, just mean computer viruses.
If we’re using a strict definition of a virus, a virus is simply a program that can attach itself to your hard drive without your consent or knowledge, and reproduce itself, propagating copies through email and peer to peer connections.
Adware is considered a virus when we talk about virus killing software, but it’s not, technically, a computer virus when it comes to the actual definition.
Of course, this is all just splitting hairs. Really, adware is as much a virus as most of anything else a good antivirus program will take care of.
In fact, before reading on, if you have adware on your computer, the first thing you should do is just open up your virus scanner and see if it’s able to remove the adware itself without any more downloads on your part. Most adware is actually covered in the database for virus killers.
Okay, still infected with pop ups and spam? Let’s move on. It’s time to try something specifically dedicated to killing adware. Even the best virus killer won’t always be able to spot the adware you’re dealing with because, as the name implies, a virus scanner is primarily for viruses, even if we do include adware under the blanket term of virus.
If you really need to get that adware off your computer, and right now, try Ad Aware Anniversary Edition. Ad Aware has long been, more or less, the undisputed king when it comes to removing adware. It gets rid of any and all adware, fast, it can spot spam from miles away, and it updates on a regular basis.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to upgrade to a full security center program like McAfee. McAfee is really designed to be an “Any dirty job required” program, killing viruses, Trojans, worms, adware, malware, and spyware without hesitation or remorse!
It really is the only software you’ll ever need to take care of all of your computer security issues, so we at least recommend trying the trial offer of the program to see if you like it.
Now, if you just want something free, go with Avira AntiVir. It’s updated at least once a day, it’s easy to use, and it’s one hundred percent free for the full version of the program.
Now hurry up and get rid of that adware!
