Malware is a pretty uncommon term, and is not familiar to a lot of users of computer software. Basically, the term refers to any kind of software that has been created to cause harm to its host computer by installing things and doing procedures unknown to the user.
The term can also encompass adware and spyware as well, similar software that don’t necessarily damage the computer but interfere with its general operation, track and send information, and operate without the user knowing about them. Although malware isn’t quite the same thing as a virus, they share the same basic purpose – of screwing your computer up. It’s important to distinguish them from ordinary programs that may have running problems because of unintentional or unforeseen issues. Freely downloaded programs and files tend to host malware more often than purchased software does, and malware can also sneak in by piggybacking on Trojan viruses and rootkits.
Trojan horses,are just as they sound, they are harmful installations that are hidden by seemingly harmless installations. While running these installations seems safe, what the user does not know is that malware is also secretly installing itself at the same time. In order for malware to continue to work, it needs to stay hidden and that is where Rookits come in. Rootkits Make sure that the malware installed on your computer stays completely undetectable, and that it does not show up in your list of system processes.
Advanced Rootkits will also fight any attempt at removing them. For example, a malware program may create instantaneous ‘ghost’ versions of itself, and whenever it realizes that one of the ‘ghosts’ has been deactivated or deleted, the original program quickly begins creating replacements for the deactivated or deleted files in order to protect itself.
Some common examples of malware include Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom. In addition to these and other versions of malware, there exists another category of unauthorized software, often termed grayware. Unlike malware, grayware does not actually harm your computer ? it is usually merely annoying. Examples of grayware include unauthorized advertisements on your computer and harmless, but nonetheless irritating, joke programs.
These can be quite tiresome and are usually as difficult to get rid of as malware, and therefore are classified along with it. Not only can this software compromise your computers safety, but it can also leave you more vulnerable to other damaging installations. Grayware and malware can also get into your system through codes that are unauthorized by things you plug into your USB ports.
Since it is virtually impossible to keep your system free of malware, you should routinely check for it by using a reputable anti-malware system, such as Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool. This program — compatible with Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 — can both identify the specific malware installations on your system and assist you in removing them.
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Mon, Oct 12, 2009
Spyware