What Malware And Grayware Are And What You Can Do About Them
by Susan Reynolds Malware is a pretty uncommon term, and is not familiar to a lot of users of computer software. Basically, the term refers to any kind of software that has been created to cause harm to its host computer by installing things and doing procedures unknown to the user. Specific examples of malware include spyware and adware, both of which operate by conducting unauthorized operations on a computer. Though malware and computer viruses are different, they are both specifically designed to cause harm to the host computer, as opposed to a legitimate program that you yourself install which does not execute properly. Malware programs are more commonly spread through end user installations, such as peer to peer applications, than through installations from purchased software. Malware most frequently finds its way onto your computer through Trojan horses and rootkits. Trojan horses are harmful installations that disguise themselves as seemingly innocent programs. These installations may seem harmless when running, but behind the scenes the malware covertly installs itself at the same time. Once installed, malware needs to remain concealed to continue working on your computer. This is done through rootkits, which work by concealing the malware from the list of running system processes, ensuring that the malware remains undetected. Advanced Rootkits will also fight any attempt at removing them. For example, a malware program may create instantaneous ‘ghost’ versions of itself, and whenever it realizes that one of the ‘ghosts’ has been deactivated or deleted, the original program quickly begins creating replacements for the deactivated or deleted files in order to protect itself. Some examples of especially infamous forms of malware are Blaster, Sasser, and the rather appropriately-named Mydoom. A spinoff of malware is something called grayware, which is a non-harmful but nonetheless irritating piece of software. Grayware includes things like adware and humorous joke programs that are meant to annoy the computer’s user without damaging the computer or user. These can be quite tiresome and are usually as difficult to get rid of as malware, and therefore are classified along with it. Not only can this software compromise your computers safety, but it can also leave you more vulnerable to other damaging installations. Grayware and malware can also get into your system through codes that are unauthorized by things you plug into your USB ports. Since it is virtually impossible to prevent malware from installing itself on your system, it is best to create a routine check on your system for malware by using an anti-malware system such as Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool. This program is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, and can determine the nature of specific malware installations while also being able to assist you in removing them from your system. About the Author: Susan Reynolds is a content editor for a leading Spyware And Adware Removal Software brand. For more information visit: http://www.spywareremovaldoc.com
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What Malware And Grayware Are And What You Can Do About Them