| tart --> | | | | encourage the consumer to purchase more products, |
| Spyware and Adware programs are the latest tools in | | | | upgrade to a pricier version or to test out other |
| the insidious world of information farming and | | | | programs. |
| computer hacking. The terms Adware, Spyware and | | | | Malware programs are programs designed specifically |
| Malware are typically used in an interchangeable | | | | to destroy or bring harm to a PC and its functionality. |
| manner by many end-users of PCs, but in truth, the | | | | Malware includes the typical viruses, Trojans and |
| definitions of the programs are different. | | | | worms that are typically protected against by anti-virus |
| Spyware programs and applications are often | | | | programs such as Trend Micro's PC-Cillin. |
| downloaded unbeknownst to the end user, and | | | | While most end users typically employ some type of |
| installed in the computer's hard drive. These | | | | anti-virus shield, an alarming number of PCs are |
| applications then (as their name implies) spy on the | | | | vulnerable to a spyware or adware program. |
| user, transmitting surfing habits, sites visited, | | | | Specialized programs exist which will shield computers |
| demographic information and more to the company | | | | from these specific threats. These specialized |
| that inserted the program. A tremendous concern | | | | programs protect the end users in two ways. First, |
| about spyware is not only breach of privacy for the | | | | they protect the end user by employing a scanning |
| end user, but a growing trend in identity theft, credit | | | | technology similar to an anti-virus program. They will |
| theft and other forms of illegal usage of the | | | | scan the PC and identify and remove and existing |
| information harvested. Spyware programs are rife | | | | spyware on the PC. The second functionality is |
| among sites that employ shareware downloads, such | | | | real-time protection, which prevents the re-infestation |
| as Kazaa, Bonzi Buddy, Morpheus and other | | | | of the cleaned PC from any additional programs by |
| shareware sites. | | | | notifying the end user of potential threats and |
| Adware applications are generally applications that | | | | preventing insertion of malicious code into the registry |
| come bundled in with a software program in order to | | | | or other programs and downloads. |