Welcome to the online guide to spyware and adware.  We have composed information about both in a short read below.  Please use the back and next links to browse through the pages. Adware Adware can do a number of different things to your system.  It can monitor and profile your web usage and direct pop up ads based on your surfing habits.  most peer-to-peer file sharing programs come bundle with Adware and the user is only notified of this is in the fine print of the End User License Agreement.  Adware is not as dangerous as other infections, but it can be incredibly annoying.  These are the types of programs that download files onto your computer by saying they are necessary for certain websites to work or without notifying you at all.  They can take up your computers resources and are largely responsible for the countless popup ads you receive on the web.   Browser Helper Object (BHO) A small program that runs automatically every time an Internet browser is launched. Generally, a BHO is placed on the system by another software program and is typically installed by toolbar accessories. They can track usage data and collect any information displayed on the Internet.   Bundled An arrangement in which one or more software programs are included with another program, for technical reasons or because of a business partnership. Many instances of spyware installations come through bundling.   Cookie A mechanism for storing a user’s information — such as login information and passwords, or a user's previous activity on a site — on a local drive.   Dialers Dialers are software that once downloaded disconnect the user from his or her modem's usual Internet service provider, connect to another phone number, and the user is then billed.   Drive-by Download While not a piece of spyware itself, this misleading dialogue box serves as a gateway for the stealth installation of spyware applications. In some cases, spyware can be installed even if the user does not choose the “yes” or “accept” button.   File-sharing programs These are software applications that allow the exchange of files (especially music, games, and video) over a public or private network. See Peer-to-Peer.   Freeware Software that can be downloaded and shared at no cost.   Hijacker Hijackers typically come in two categories, Browser/Page Hijackers and System Hijackers: Browser/Page Hijackers Applications that attempt to take control over a user's home page or desktop icons, resetting them to a pre-determined website destination. System Hijacker Software that uses the host computer's resources to proliferate itself or use the system as a resource for other activities. This taxes the host computer's resources, negatively affecting computer and Internet speeds.   Opt-in An online process by which a user chooses to receive information (such as e-mail newsletters) or software, often by checking a check box on a Web page or software installation screen.   Opt-out An online process (such as un-checking a pre-checked box) by which a user actively chooses not to receive information, such as e-mail newsletters or software. Actively opting out will prevent a user's information from being a shared with businesses. Users should be warned that most “opt-out” options are actually a scam that serves to confirm legitimate/active email addresses. Privacy experts recommend that users do not use the “opt-out” option unless they are personally familiar with the company where the email originated.   Parasite A parasite is unsolicited commercial software or programs installed on a computer for profit without the consent or knowledge of the user.   Parasiteware Parasiteware is the term for any Adware that by default overwrites affiliate-tracking links. This behavior is viewed as parasitic because this software diverts affiliate commissions and credits the affiliate's income to another party. To the end user, Parasiteware is not a serious security threat.   Peer-to-peer (P2P) A method of file sharing over a network in which individual computers are linked via the Internet or a private network to share programs/files, often illegally. Users download files directly from other users' computers, rather than from a central server. Many P2P programs bundle third-party advertising programs, and are currently the second largest source of virus, Trojan and datamining infections.   Remote Administration Tools/ RATs Some Trojans, called RATs (Remote Administration Tools), allow an attacker to gain unrestricted access of a computer whenever the user is online. The attacker can perform activities such as file transfers, adding/deleting files, and controlling the mouse and keyboard.   Scumware A slang term for spyware or any unwanted software/programs installed on your computer.   Shareware Software that is distributed — usually via the Internet and or CD-Rom — for free and on a trial basis.   System Monitors/Keyloggers These applications are designed to monitor computer activity to various degrees. They can capture virtually everything a user does on his or her computer, including recording all keystrokes, emails, chat room conversations, web sites visited, and programs run.   Thiefware Thiefware applications steal affiliate commissions by either overwriting tracking cookies or spawning new windows to redirect traffic from search engine keywords or other websites. This practice, while not currently illegal, is considered unethical among those in the merchant/affiliate community.   Tracking Cookies Not to be confused with personalization cookies (which allow users to customize pages and remember passwords), some web sites now issue tracking cookies. Tracking cookies allow multiple web sites to store and access records that may contain personal information (including surfing habits, user names and passwords, areas of interest, etc.), and subsequently share this information with other web sites and marketing firms.   Trojan Horses Trojans are malicious programs that appear as harmless or desirable applications. Trojans are designed to be actively harmful to PCs by intentionally damaging PC operating systems, other software or hard drives. Trojans are generally distributed as email attachments or bundled with another software program (often fraudulent versions of legitimate software).   Web bugs A file, usually a small or invisible graphic image, that is placed on a Web page or in e-mail to allow a third party to monitor user behavior.   previous page  |  next page   The definitive Guide to Spyware and Adware! View our SpyBuster products now - Click Here!