Adware:  Adware is a type of spyware that displays advertisements to a user based on the user's online behavior and information. It often comes bundled with free software and performs its tasks while the user is browsing the internet. Adware can be intrusive and potentially harmful, as it may collect data about the user without their knowledge or consent, and it can also slow down the user's computer and internet connection.

History: The history of adware traces back to the early days of the internet when software developers sought new ways to generate revenue from their products. In its inception, adware was a relatively benign form of software that displayed advertisements to support freeware or shareware, allowing users to access software at no cost while developers still generated income. However, as the internet evolved, so did the nature of adware. It became more aggressive and intrusive, often being installed without clear consent from users. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, adware had become synonymous with unwanted software that not only displayed ads but also collected user data without explicit permission, leading to privacy concerns. This shift in the nature of adware resulted in a negative perception among users and security experts alike. Over time, adware has continued to evolve, with some becoming more sophisticated, embedding itself deeply into systems and becoming difficult to remove. It remains a challenge in the realm of internet security, as it often walks a fine line between legitimate advertising and malicious behavior. The history of adware reflects the broader challenges in the digital age of balancing monetization, user experience, and privacy.