eager

"Tim Jackson" <tim@tim-jackson.co.uk> wrote in message
news:13kfqk9qck4pne1@corp.supernews.com...
> eager wrote:
>
>> I have also found, "malware = malicious code = computer programs created
>> to break into computers or to create havoc on computers. The most
>> common types of malware are viruses, worms, logic bombs, Trojan horses,
>> and back doors."
>>
>> So, code, software, program seem to be used interchangeably .... On the
>> other hand, when I scanned the computer for viruses, using AntiVir, I got
>> different warnings for viruses, different warning for trojan horses and
>> different warning for malware. Confusing, isn't it?
>>
>
> It's all very simple really, but confused by, among others, those who want
> to muddy the water so as make their wizardry seem more amazing, and
> saleable. Sometimes the metaphors get in the way of the facts.
>
> Software is any sort of program which is not physically built into a
> machine. And sometimes the word includes programs that are built in, like
> the BIOS in a PC. "Ware" meaning something that can be bought and sold
> independently, "soft" meaning intangible.
>
> Malware is any program that is supplied with intent to harm, which is
> somewhat subjective, so lets say its any software you acquire unwillingly.
>
> Malware is classified by it's method of propagation and its intent or
> function. The categories are not mutually exclusive, and self-propagating
> programs are not always written with harmful intent. Most malware will
> consist of one or more parts which perform propagation and a "payload"
> which performs the damage.
>
>
> A virus is a piece of software that attaches itself to another program so
> that when that is run, it runs the virus again which copies itself into
> any other programs that are visible to it at that time. Thus if the
> program is copied to a 'clean' machine and run, it infects all the other
> executables on that machine.
>
> A trojan horse is a program which purports to be something it isn't in
> order to get the user to run it, most commonly an email attachment.
>
> A worm is a program that explores a network to seek out other computers to
> copy itself onto.
>
> A back door is a program which once installed provides unauthorised access
> to a computer. This is used to create zombies, (also known as 'bots or
> bot-nets), which are computers that have a back door installed to allow
> unauthorised control for such purposes as the sending of spam.
>
> Spyware is software that once installed records information about the
> computer and it's use and report it back to a remote site, without the
> user's knowledge. This could be simply gathering marketing information,
> or it could be something more hostile like keystroke (i.e. password)
> recording.
>
> Adware is software that once installed periodically presents unsolicited
> advertising to the user, eg by pop-up windows. This is used as source of
> revenue to pay for allegedly 'free' software.
>
>
> Tim Jackson
> www.tim-jackson.co.uk


Thanks Tim!