What is the general method by which adware is installed?

Adware is commonly installed by being bundled with other software, which is a prevalent method used by software developers to distribute their programs. When users download and install an application, especially from unofficial or less reputable sources, they may inadvertently agree to install additional software packages without realizing it. This is often facilitated through a standard installation process, where the option to install adware is pre-checked or presented in a way that encourages users to overlook it.

This bundling method allows adware to spread widely because it takes advantage of users seeking to install legitimate software, making it a stealthy and effective distribution tactic. While explicit consent and explicit agreements are important aspects of software installation, in many cases where adware is involved, users may not fully understand what they are consenting to or may be misled about the software’s true nature. Thus, the bundling process allows adware to bypass direct scrutiny and user hesitancy that might occur if it were presented as a standalone product.