Definition of: Trojan
A program that appears legitimate, but performs some illicit activity when it is run. It may be used to locate password information or make the system more vulnerable to future entry or simply destroy programs or data on the hard disk. A Trojan is similar to a virus, except that it does not replicate itself. It stays in the computer doing its damage or allowing somebody from a remote site to take control of the computer. Trojans often sneak in attached to a free game or other utility.
Definition of: spyware
Software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to its Web site. Often quickly installed in your computer in combination with a free download you selected from the Web, spyware transmits information in the background as you move around the Web.
Spyware Vs. Viruses
Since spyware and adware are unwanted software, it would seem that antivirus software should detect spyware and adware as well as viruses and Trojans. Although some security suites provide all these capabilities, antispyware and antivirus modules are typically separate functions.
Perhaps, it evolved in different camps because the intent of the software is different. Virus writers want to be exposed to the world at large so they can one-up their peers, the "xyz virus contaminated 100 million computers" type of glory. On the other hand, spyware writers want their software to remain hidden and perform their tasks for months to come.
However, Trojans are viruses that are designed to remain hidden in the computer as well, so the two philosophies do overlap. Perhaps, in time, a new category of "anti-insanity" software will take care of all of it.
Definition of: adware
(1) (ADvertisementWARE) Software that periodically pops up advertisements on a user's computer. It displays ads targeted to the individual user based on key words entered in search engines and the types of Web sites the user visits. The marketing data is collected periodically and sent in the background to the adware Web server. Adware is known as "contextual marketing."
Adware or Spyware?
If adware is installed in the user's machine without disclosure, it is considered "spyware." Such programs are often delivered as part of another download the user actually did want, but without any notification. Since software licenses are rarely read, there is controversy over what is legitimate adware versus spyware. See contextual marketing, popup ad, PUP and spyware.
(2) (AD supported softWARE) Software that is given away for free because advertising messages appear on a regular basis.
All information provided by http://www.pcmag.com |
发表于 2007-9-10 13:02:59
发表于 2007-9-10 14:12:09