PC Problems and Information

Your PC is probably infected with adware & spyware if:

• You have downloaded music online or FREE Screensavers
• Your PC is running extremely slow
• You fight with those horrible pop-up ads

Computer Problem Keywords:

. . . Definitions Below:

Computer Problem Keyword Definitions

adware - Free, sponsored software that often contains cookies and Registry keys that are loaded onto your PC when you install the app. This data tracks your online habits and sends you adds suited to your tastes. Uninstalling the software does not always remove the cookie and Registry keys that track you.

antivirus software - Software that monitors a computer for viruses by looking for irregularities in a computer system and comparing its findings to a database of virus information. Viruses not included in the antivirus program's database will go undetected, so it is important to periodically update antivirus programs with information about new viruses. Users can susally purchase such updates on a subscription basis from the company that produced the antivirus program. The regular use of an antivirus program can usually eliminate a virus before it causes any damage.

blended threat - A Trojan horse that carries another piece of malware as its payload.

cracker - A person adept at deciphering codes and passwords and breaking security systems for malicious reasons.

firewall - Software or hardware that limits certain kinds of access from a network or other outside source. Firewalls can stop crackers from infiltrating computer networks and systems.

hacker - A technically sophisticated user who spends a lot of time at a computer. The term refers to a person who writes computer programs, "hacking" up the digital code. Instead of cracker, the term "hacker" is often erroneously used to refer to those who illegally break into computer systems to do damage, steal secrets, or enter simply because they can.

macro virus - A virus that travels as a macro, a series of commands carried out with a single action, embedded in documents (usually Microsoft Word or Excel files). These viruses remain dormant until the user opens the infected file. Macro viruses spread quickly via email.

malware - Software intentionally designed for a malicious purpose, such as to erase a computer's memory or gain unauthorized access to a system. Trojan horses and viruses are examples of malware.

payload - The action or data a virus or other type of malware delivers. The payload may trigger some action, such as sending the virus to other users through the original user's email client.

script - A sequence of commands the computer executes at the touch of a button or a short series of buttons.

script kiddies - Relatively unskilled, newbie crackers who have done great damage to Web sites and systems by using hacking software they've found online.

social engineering - A tactic crackers enploy to convince users to divulge information or perform a task. For example, a scocial engineer might pose as a system administrator to collect passwords. He may also send an email that tells the recipient to open the attached file to access some sort of useful app, when in fact the file is a virus.

spyware - Software that tracks behavior without a user's knowledge. Spyware can find its way onto a user's computer in a variety of ways. It may, for instance, manifest itself as part of a virus or Trojan horse. However, spyware is increasingly finding its way onto users' computer systems through legitimate software and applications. Companies may install spyware on a user's computer to track browsing habits and relay the information to advertisers.

trojan horse - A malicious program that appears to be a useful application, such as a game or a utility. The recipient either downloads the Trojan horse from a Web site or receives it as an email attachment. Unless coupled with another type of malware, such as a worm, the Trojan horse will remain harmless unless a user opens the file.

virus - A program designed to destroy data or halt operation on systems by copying inself into files and executing when those files are loaded.