I've always been a big fan of some programs
even though they contain ads in them. In my thinking, the ads were not
even noticeable after a few minutes and in many cases the program was well
worth the occasional distraction. In the past, I've identified these types
of programs as adware. I was wrong. They are ad-supported, not adware.
Brian Livingston at Windows Secrets came up with a great definition that
distinguishes between the two. With true ad-supported software there are
no hidden secondary programs that load on your system to give you
popup nightmares. You should know exactly what you are getting and it's up
to you to determine if using the program is worth it. Ad-supported
software is not adware, but it's not as nice as freeware.
Website - Tip
Quote from the website - I define adware as: A secondary computer
program (1) that is installed as a result of a person using a
primary, sought-out program or Web site, or the Internet in general, and
(2) that generates revenue or other benefits for the promoter of the
secondary program. It's the "revenue or other benefits" part that
causes problems for PC users. A secondary program — one that users didn't
seek out — can only generate benefits for its promoter if the secondary
program becomes installed. Such programs, therefore, have no financial
incentive to tell users about potential downsides.
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Ad-supported software vs
Adware - what's the difference?