Adware is software that displays unwanted (and sometimes irritating) pop-up adverts which can appear on your computer or mobile device. Some adware has keyloggers and spyware built into the program, leading to greater damage to your computer and possible invasion of your private data.

Adware

Adware is the correct answer to the question. Adware is a type of software that, once installed on a computer, tracks the user's internet browsing habits and displays pop-up advertisements related to the sites and topics that the user has visited. Here is a detailed explanation of why adware is the correct answer:

1. Definition of Adware:
Adware is a software program that is designed to display advertisements on a user's computer or mobile device. It is often bundled with other software programs and is installed without the user's consent or knowledge.

2. Tracking Internet Browsing Habits:
Adware tracks the user's internet browsing habits by monitoring the websites they visit, the search queries they make, and the content they interact with. This information is then used to display targeted advertisements based on the user's interests and preferences.

3. Pop-up Advertisements:
One of the main characteristics of adware is its ability to display pop-up advertisements. These advertisements appear as separate windows that open on top of the user's web browser or other applications. The pop-ups often contain advertisements related to the websites and topics that the user has recently visited.

4. Personalized Advertising:
Adware uses the tracked information to deliver personalized advertising to the user. By understanding the user's browsing habits and interests, adware can display ads that are more relevant and likely to catch the user's attention. This targeted advertising is often more effective in generating clicks and conversions for advertisers.

5. Negative Impact:
While adware may seem harmless compared to other types of malicious software, it can still have negative consequences for users. Adware can slow down the performance of a computer, consume bandwidth, and disrupt the user's browsing experience with intrusive pop-up ads. It can also compromise the user's privacy by collecting and sharing their personal information without their consent.

Conclusion:
In summary, adware is a type of software that tracks a user's internet browsing habits and displays pop-up advertisements related to the sites and topics they have visited. It is important for users to be cautious when downloading and installing software to avoid unintentionally installing adware or other potentially unwanted programs.