Computer attacks are very common nowadays. From home computers to corporate, secure computer systems, there are always attempts to attack and infect computers with the objective of destroying computer applications, steal information without the knowledge of the user, and track the user's Internet browsing activities. There are available adaware software downloads online that are for free. This is most helpful for home users and for trial purposes. Businesses and corporate offices may opt to avail of the paid adaware software versions which have more security features.

Free adaware software downloads should be run manually for security threats to be detected. Updates which are also freely available online should be downloaded and manually installed. It is advisable to check for updates regularly as security threats like adwares and spywares are continuously evolving.

Some of the kinds of security threats that an adaware software can detect and protect your computer from are adwares, data miners, dialers, hijackers, key loggers, malware, monitoring tools, spywares, trackwares, viruses and worms.

Adwares are not harmful to the computer, but are merely advertisements that pop - up on the screen. These are usually downloaded unknowingly by users who download files and freewares off the Internet. These adwares are usually bundled with freewares. While these are not harmful, it can be very annoying as it disrupts the user every time a pop - up window appears. It also tends to slow down the computer applications. An adaware software scan can detect this kind of threat, and can be deleted easily.

Data miners, trackwares and monitoring tools are softwares that collect information about the computer user, usually records usernames, passwords, account numbers and credit card information. It also tracks which sites you have visited, and logs this information. It is advisable for users to be wary of pop - ups that suddenly ask for log in name and passwords, or those that pretend to be a credit card affiliate company that asks users to "update" their credit card information. Running anti-spyware helps detect these threats before it collects all these sensitive information.

Dialers are softwares designed to virtually tap into your phone line illegally, and the "illegal connection" will be used by a third party to dial numbers, mostly expensive connections, without the owner's knowledge. The owner will just be shocked when the monthly bills come. Dialers can be detected by adaware software early on.

Hijackers take control of a web user's home page, changes the settings of one's browser, and can remotely manipulate a user's computer. Big companies are usually targeted by hijackers to control their systems to the hijacker's advantage. Other harmful softwares are malwares and spywares that have the potential to destroy files and hardware.

The use of free adware software downloads is very useful, but should not be used as stand alone. It is still advisable to have a full anti - virus package to scan the computer of security threats. Along with having the "cure", prevention will save the user a big deal of time and money. Visit only websites that are safe, download only files from trusted sources, and never click on pop - up windows and links from spam emails.