What is a common use of adware?

Adware is a type of software designed primarily to generate revenue through advertisements. Typically, it displays ads on your computer or within applications you use, often in the form of pop-ups or banners. While users may benefit from some free applications that are funded through ad-supported models, adware often collects data about user behavior and preferences to tailor advertisements, making it more effective at generating revenue for its creators. This method of monetization is prevalent in many free software applications across the internet.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of adware. For instance, adware does not protect personal data; it may, in fact, compromise privacy by tracking user behavior. Additionally, it does not focus on deleting files securely or enhancing system performance, as its primary aim is to serve ads and create profit.