Software delivering pop-up advertisements based on Websites that online users browse. Online users find adware to be particularly annoying, and computer critics maintain that adware often degrades computer performance. It can also track usersÂ’ browsing habits and is generally installed without usersÂ’ permission.

Claria Corporation, previously called Gator Corporation, a pioneer of such software, said in March 2006 that it was leaving this business by June 2006. Claria officials maintain that they have hired Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., to sell their adware assets. Claria is now interested in focusing on PersonalWeb, a new service generating personalized Web portals. Previously, ClariaÂ’s software came bundled with free products such as the eWallet password-storage program or file-sharing software such as KaZaA.