Spyware, Adware, and Malware

April 2004

Used to be all we had to worry about were viruses, trojans and worms, but these days, there are far many more malicious little programs that want to wreak havoc on our computers. Just keeping our systems clean and safe is becoming a full-time job, in fact, just staying current with the latest threats is a full-time job.

Spyware is a term describing software program that is used gather information about users without their knowledge. It can come to your computer from a virus, or as the result of installing a program, or from a cookie set by a web site that has been visited.

Adware describe software that generates advertising, often banners or popups, while the sponsored program is being used. Adware allows people to get software for free, as the advertising revenue is used to offset the cost of the programming and distribution. Adware sometimes includes spyware as well.

Malware is short way of saying MALicious softWARE. Any software that is designed to damage or disrupt a system is considered malware. This includes viruses and trojan horses.

So what's the difference between viruses, trojan horses, and worms?  

A virus is any program that loads itself onto your system without you being aware of it, and also has the ability to replicate - copy itself to other systems. A virus can also attach itself to other programs, which helps it to spread to other systems.

Trojan horses are programs that appear to be safe, but actually are very damaging. Some say they are a fix-tool for other viruses, but are not in reality. Trojan horses by themselves do not replicate (spread). 

Worms do not attach themselves to other programs, but have the ability to spread to other computers via the internet or networks. Worms often take advantage of email addressbooks to propogate themselves.

All of the above mentioned entities can cause damage simply by residing in memory, using up valuable memory resources, slowing the system down, and eventually causing it to crash (come to a halt or lock up). It is imperative that anyone who uses a computer understand what these are and how to prevent them - and how to get rid of them!

If you have any questions about these little rascals, or think you need help to get them off your system, just drop me a line and I'll be happy to help.

Have a terrific spring!

 This site maintained by The Computer Counselor