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What is Malware? E-mail
Exploring the Threats to Your Computer

You may notice something a little odd with your computer. It could be running slower than usual or important files may turn up missing. The damage sustained from an intrusion in your private computer space is probably a result of malware. So, what is malware and what does it have to do with you?

Malware (also known as malicious software) has the ability to enter your computer and cause damage to the system without your knowledge or consent. Sometimes, the intrusion is minor and annoying, while other forms of malware are quite serious, causing irreversible destruction to your current applications, files and data. The infiltration of your personal space can even attach itself to your outgoing correspondences and infect others.

When you want to find out what malware is on your computer, you should know what is considered as such. Many familiar computer threats help you to understand what malware is. They include viruses, worms, spyware, adware and Trojan horses. The problem is so serious that there have been legal codes set in various states, such as California, that define these entities as “computer contaminants”.  

Different Types of Malware

To select the proper course of action to eliminate harmful presences on your computer, you will need to know what you are dealing with. First, there is the infectious type that comes in the form of viruses and worms. They are the most commonly known and are responsible for a quick spread from one computer to the next, through email attachments and Internet downloads. They also possess the potential to wipe out entire program and system files, making your computer quite unusable.

Trojans often download onto a computer while under the guise of another program. Once downloaded, they may cause damage throughout your computer system as they latch onto important files. Spyware and adware are less harmful in some cases because their aim is to gather personal information on computer users for commercial benefits.

More serious spyware tactics attempt to retrieve passwords and credit card numbers from computer uses. Spyware and adware are quite annoying, as they display in the form of irritating pop-ups upon your computer screen while surfing the Internet.

Protect Your Computer

Once you know what malware is and the types of malware involved, you will be able to choose the proper software to fix your problems, as well as other means of computer protection. Virus scanners, antispyware and firewall protection are just some of the things used to keep your computer safe and healthy.
 

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