Malware

Malware is the collective category of all software that has been built to satisfy various intentions that the user (That's you!) is not aware and would not approve, hence the name mal-ware meaning mal-intended-software.

Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system, without the owner's consent. There are many kinds - with many intents. They are commonly called viruses, worms, adware, spyware, time bombs, and Trojan horses. You do not want any of these on your computer.

These terms for malware generally overlap in meaning and in usage. For example:

A Trojan horse can install spyware or worms on your PC.
Spyware can in turn install viruses or worms on your PC.
Adware is a form of spyware.
Worms can cause your PC to send out volumes of spam email.
Predator email can deliver viruses.
Predator email can be used to "physh" information from you, using spoofing.
Malicious Web pages may use spoofing.
Worms can take over your PC making it part of a botnet.
Botnets are used to attack PCs with viruses, and spam.

Use the menu under Malware on the left to select one at a time.

NOTE: For each type of malware described on this site, there will be several sections.

There will be a definition section which may also include some history.
There will be an alert section that indicates the kind of harm the malware can inflict.
There will be a cleanup section that shows you how to rid your PC of the malware.
There will be a protection section that shows you how to protect your PC.

There are five or six Software Solutions that you can apply that will significantly reduce your PC's exposure to malware. There is a Hardware Solution that can shield your PC from hacker attacks. No solution will make you 100% safe.