Malware

Malware is the nickname for "malicious software" which is a broad term used to refer to any program designed to cause harm or damage to a computer or network. There are several different types of programs that are classified as malware. These programs include:

• Viruses
• Worms
• Spyware
• Trojan Horses
• Hijackers
• Dialers

Any malware program can fall into one or more of these categories. For example, a spyware program can also be a trojan horse. Malware is the overall classification for these programs.

Malware can get on your computer in several way. Some of these ways include:

• Opening an email attachment that is infected with some kind of malware - and this can happen from opening messages from people you know as well as people you don't know
• As part of a program or file that is downloaded for free from the internet (like your free holiday screen savers, free computer games, free music that your teenager has downloaded, etc.)
• Visiting certain web sites that contain malware.

Almost all malware that you find on your computer has been loaded without your consent and usually without your knowledge. Scary, isn't it? For this reason it is important to be proactive when protecting your computer from Malware. There are several things you can do to protect your PC from Malware:

• Use good anti-virus program and be sure that the updates and virus definitions are up to date.
• Use a good anti-spyware program and keep the spyware definitions up to date. Also, most subscriptions are for one or two years. Always have an active spyware protection program with an active subscription running on your PC.
• Make sure that your Windows Updates are current. The creators of malware programs have been know to exploit holes or flaws in Microsoft Windows.
• Only open e-mail messages and attachments from known parties. Be skeptical of everything you receive via email. Even when you open an attachment from someone you know be cautious. Your friends could have malware installed on their PC and not even know it.
• Only download programs from trustworthy websites.