What is Malware,
Spyware, Adware, Grayware, Viruses, Bloatware and Worms?
- Adapted from rbwatson1 (Nov 24, 2009) posting.
http://accesstechnews.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/whats-the-difference-between-spyware-viruses-malware-adware-and-grayware/
Malware is a general term
referring to all of the nasties that can infect your computer, from viruses
to spyware! The term malware is actually short for "malicious software"
that’s not surprising, considering what it can do to your computer!
Spyware unlike viruses, spyware usually doesn’t self-replicate, but
it can be equally or even more harmful to you and your computer. Although
spyware might not disrupt your use of your computer, it might collect
information about your usage which might be considered an invasion of
privacy. One example of software which could be considered spyware is
a key logging program. Key loggers record what you type and
allow the installer of the program to effectively monitor your computer
usage. Spyware can also have some financial implications: for example,
if you access online banking with a spyware-infected computer you could have
your details stolen!
Adware is a type of software that might not be considered to be
malware, depending on your point of view. The difference between adware and
other malware is that in many cases the user actually consents to having the
adware installed on their computer. In most cases, adware is installed in
conjunction with free software or as a seemingly useful browser add-on (like
a toolbar). Once it’s found its way into your computer system, it hits
you with a barrage of advertisements; from pop-ups to banner ads! Because
adware is often installed with the user’s consent, it is often not
classified as malware by antivirus programs and often a separate adware
removal program will be needed.
Grayware is a very broad term for all of those computer nasties that
are annoying but not necessarily totally destructive, including adware, joke
programs and dialers. Unfortunately, your antivirus program might not remove
grayware (in fact, one antivirus program maker was sued by a grayware
creator for blocking the installation of their program!) so you’ll need to
install other programs to get rid of it. You should make sure that you check
reviews of your chosen product as some ‘grayware removers’ are viruses in
themselves!
Bloatware is a program
that has grown substantially from the previous version. For example, from
Windows 2000 to Windows XP the difference was 200MB. However from XP to
Vista the size difference is 15GB!
Wetware is a geek term
for humans. Sort of like the ID-10-T error, or IDIOT.
Viruses - In case you
didn’t know, the first computer virus was Bob Thomas’s “Creeper”, created
way back in 1971 on the US Department of Defense’s ARPANET, the predecessor
of the Internet. Out of that was born the first piece of anti-virus
software, the “Reaper”. So, what is a computer virus? Strictly
speaking, a computer virus is just a self-replicating computer program. It
doesn’t have to be destructive, although many are. In fact, early viruses
were often harmless and simply displayed a funny message or poem.
WORM - worms are
malicious programs that attack a network of computers unlike a TROJAN
which usually only resides on the computer it was downloaded to, disguised
as a legit program - ie: card game.
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