How might one identify the presence of adware while browsing?

Identifying the presence of adware while browsing involves recognizing how it behaves and affects online activities. The correct option highlights that seeing targeted ads based on recent searches is a clear indicator of adware at work. Adware often tracks users' browsing habits and search queries to serve tailored advertisements, which can create the illusion that it enhances the browsing experience by providing relevant promotions.

This behavior aligns closely with the definition of adware, which does not typically compromise system security in the same way that more harmful malware might but instead focuses on monetizing user activity through advertising. Users may notice an increase in the number of ads they encounter that seem personalized, which can prompt further inquiry into whether adware is present.

Other options hint at different issues: receiving security alerts from antivirus software may indicate a range of threats, not necessarily just adware. Continuously being redirected to unrelated websites is often more indicative of other types of malicious software or browser hijacking rather than adware alone. Experiencing system crashes regularly could signal serious performance issues, likely stemming from various malware types or system malfunctions, rather than a direct correlation with adware.