When it comes to adware blockers, there are many programs that you can use to block adware. Although there are differences between the programs, there are common features to how each piece of software will behave.

Detection
No matter which piece of software you use, the adware blocker must be able to find the adware in order to remove it. This detection phase is carried out whenever you start a scan. The software will look at currently running programs, as well as common disk locations for adware to hide itself. This step is a crucial step, and should be done in real time, since adware can infect your computer just by visiting a website.

Not every program is equipped with a real time scanning element, however, and in fact most free programs do not come with. Take for example Lavasoft’s Adaware 2008 Free Edition.

This piece of software will only scan when it is chosen as a user action. In between scans, adware can get onto your computer, where it can do significant damage before your next scan. That is why real time scanning is such an important feature, which programs such as AdwareBot provide.

Interception
During this step, when the adware blocker has found some adware, it will take steps towards its removal. In some cases, it will not let the file get downloaded. These are the cases where the file is completely unsafe.

In many cases however, the adware is boot strapped against a legitimate download, and the fix for the problem is to just remove the adware and save the original file. The adware blocker can find these boot strapped adware programs even if they are hidden or more obviously attached. Sometimes the adware will be disguised as a legitimate file, without any real content.

These files are able to be detected during routine scans of the system, but if your adware blocker has real time scanning, then every time a file is saved to the computer the software will block or handle the adware as described above. Adware can also download with the cookies one encounters while surfing, which will also be picked up.

Quarantine
When adware is found, the software will take steps to rectify the situation. Before it removes anything, deletes anything, or otherwise does anything with suspected files, it will put the files in quarantine. Quarantine is a virtual area of the disk, where the files are put and separated from the system. The adware cannot interact with the system, so your system will be safe while you decide how you will handle the files that the adware blocker finds.

Depending on the software you find, your system will be protected either through manual scans or through real time automatic scanning of your system. While manual scanning is better than nothing in the fight against adware, it is best to choose programs such as AdwareBot, which include real time scanning to ensure that you are never caught off guard for a moment.