What is adware commonly characterized by?

Adware is commonly characterized by displaying ads without user consent. This form of software often infiltrates systems and generates revenue for its developers through advertisements that may appear in various forms, such as pop-ups or banners. Users typically do not have control over these ads and have not explicitly agreed to see them, which can lead to a frustrating browsing experience.

While some forms of software, like those that integrate with web browsers or measure online traffic, serve different purposes. Adware specifically focuses on the advertisement aspect, which distinguishes it from programs designed to block ads or tools that measure online interactions. The nature of adware is to monetize advertising space, often leveraging user data to target ads effectively. Therefore, the primary characteristic that defines adware is its unsolicited display of ads.