"Adware" is an abbreviation for advertising-supported software. Adware comes bundled with some commercial software which, upon installation, installs packages that download advertising material to your computer and display them. These ads are usually displayed when the user is using the original software application. However, this is not always the case. As it becomes increasingly pervasive on your PC, adware begins to pop up ads even when u aren't using the original software application. And that's when it gets really irritating.
Spyware:
Spyware, on the other hand, is irritating right from the beginning. It gets its name from the fact that it installs itself and performs (often malicious) operations on the user's computer without his knowledge. It is intentionally designed to stealthily install itself and monitor the user's activity, accessing information that can easily be used to someone's profit.
Essentially, spyware, once on ur computer, is used to transmit personal data to a third party that will use it for a purpose you did not sanction.
Spyware shouldn't be confused with viruses or worms, as a spyware package is not intended to replicate itself.
Freeware:
As the name suggests, freeware is software that is available for download and use free of charge. The essential difference between freeware and adware is that freeware is free software without advertising content. Freeware also does not usually come with technical support on the developer's behalf. As opposed to shareware, freeware can be used indefinitely and does not expire after a particular period of use.
Shareware:
Put simply, shareware is "try before you buy" software. Shareware allows you to use the software for a trial period, after which you are asked to purchase it. The purchase may be of the entire software package, or a registration code to unlock the original shareware package for unrestricted use. The best part about shareware packages are that they allow you to evaluate them before actually buying, so you know whether the package suits your requirements or not. And as the name implies, users are encouraged to share the shareware package with friends.
Warez:
Warez is essentially pirated stuff (games, applications, music albums, et al) that are available for download over the internet.
Phishing:
Phishing is essentially a clever and illegal method used by "phishers" to extract personal information about Internet users. This personal information may be in terms of credit card numbers, bank account details, passwords, and such.
Phishing is essentially a clever and illegal method used by "phishers" to extract personal information about Internet users. This personal information may be in terms of credit card numbers, bank account details, passwords, and such.
Trojan Horses:
A Trojan Horse, or simply a Trojan (the name is derived from Greek mythology) is a malicious program that disguises itself as something interesting, thereby gaining the confidence of the user, who unsuspectingly then installs a piece of malicious software on his computer. Once installed, the developer of the Trojan is able to gain content from the machine(s) it has been installed on, which can then be used for malicious purposes.
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A Trojan Horse, or simply a Trojan (the name is derived from Greek mythology) is a malicious program that disguises itself as something interesting, thereby gaining the confidence of the user, who unsuspectingly then installs a piece of malicious software on his computer. Once installed, the developer of the Trojan is able to gain content from the machine(s) it has been installed on, which can then be used for malicious purposes.
Definitions given by Digit
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