Adware, Malware, and Spyware
August 7, 2008 by Antivirus Ware.com - Download Norton Antivirus software instantly!
We’ve all heard or used the terms Adware, Malware, and Spyware, and more than likely used them either incorrectly or because we just didn’t know the difference and know any better. So for the sake of redundancy, here is the definition and the description of each.
Adware (or advertising supported software) refers to any type of software application or package that automatically displays, downloads, or plays advertisements on a computer once the software has been installed or while the application is running. Certain types of adware can be classified as spyware since they are actually privacy-invasive software.
Basically, advertising functions are bundled or integrated into certain software designed to note what websites the user visits. Some adware is also called “Shareware” in order to differentiate between types of shared software.
Malware is the blend of two words — malicious and software — and refers to software applications or programs that are designed to infect and ultimately damage a computer’s operating system without the user’s express consent. Computer professionals have coined the terminology to define various program codes or software applications and programs that are annoying, hostile, or intrusive.
Spyware is any type of software that is secretly installed on a computer without the express consent of the user, and intercepts and takes over partial control of the computer from the user. Although the name implies the act of monitoring the user’s behavior, the implications of its use go far beyond that. Spyware basically collects personal information of the user and can even change settings on the user’s computer.
