Adware is not normally defined as being as much of a threat as spyware but that doesn't mean they can't be annoying or dangerous, they can. Adware is normally referred to as being programs that show adverts to you when you are browsing online. Although sometimes you don't even have to have Internet Explorer open at all, you may still get boxes popping up with adverts on.

You can remove adware with a free adware removal tool and it will probably help in removing spyware too. But there are some types of software that do specialize in just removing adware, such as Adaware. This has been a popular tool for years and widely known as being one of the best at removing adware from your computer. It is free and created by a company called Lavasoft. If you want the professional version, then you may have to pay but the free version is fully operational and does a very good job.

The main difference between the two versions is that the professional version runs all the time, constantly protecting your computer 24 hours a day. But the free version will only scan for adware when you tell it to. But if you have a good spyware removal utility, then you probably wouldn't want an adware tool running at the same time. Just remember to scan your machine weekly and you should be able to keep it clean and free from adware and spyware.

So a free adware removal tool has many benefits, apart from being free. They will remove potentially malicious programs from infecting your machine and controlling various settings and programs. So don't put downloading one off for too long, in fact why not download one right now just to be sure you have removed all traces of adware from your hard drive.