Adware - A type of spyware that collects information about web users

Adware - A type of spyware that collects information about web users in order to display targeted ads in that user's browser window. Exhibited ads are based on the user's browsing patterns - see contextual and behavioural targeting. Those advertisers who seek to gain commercial advantage by less scrupulous means can use adware that has the ability to deliver competitive ads next to or over the top of a site's existing ads without the user's knowledge or the publisher's permission.