GLOSSARY
ActiveX:
ActiveX is a Microsoft extension that
allows users to incorporate interactive
technologies on the Internet, such as scanning
computers for viruses.
Adware:
A
software program installed without a users’
knowledge or consent when another program is
being installed on the computer. Adware is
typically used to track the computer user’s
browsing habits so ads can be geared toward
them.
Antivirus:
A program that
searches a computer for viruses and removes
any that are found.
Backdoor Santas:
This kind of spyware gathers information
about surfing and/or shopping habits.
BHO:
A
Browser Helper Object is a program that runs
automatically every time the browser is started.
Browser Hijackers:
A
browser hijacker redirects a computer's usual
browser settings to those of their customers’
websites.
Computer Virus:
A
virus is a software program designed to
infect, destroy or interfere with a computer or
software program.
Cookies
Small
files downloaded to a computer to send
information back to its website.
Dialers:
Software downloaded by pornographic
vendors, without the computer user’s knowledge
or consent. Dialers can rack up expensive and
unwanted bills for the unsuspecting computer
user.
EULAs:
An End User License Agreement, or EULA,
is the legal agreement between the software
maker and the end user provided before a
software download.
Firewall:
A firewall is
a program that monitors a computer’s connection
to the internet, protecting it from attacks and
hackers.
Flash file:
Animation technology.
Freeware:
Copyrighted software allowed to be used for free
by the author, but the other users cannot do
anything other than use it, such as change the
program or charge for it.
Keyloggers:
A
keylogger, also known as a keystroke logger, key
logger, or system monitor, is a hardware device
or small program that monitors each keystroke a
user types on a specific computer's keyboard.
Keylogger programs are sometimes promoted as a
tool for parents to monitor their children’s
computer use, but keylogging is too often used
for more nefarious purposes.
Peer
to Peer:
Peer to peer (P2P) is the act of two or
more small or medium computers creating a direct
link between each other to forward packets, or
files, across the internet directly to each
other. More than two computers can be involved
when the traffic is first routed to a central
exchange, then forwarded on.
Phishing:
Phishing is
email fraud. The lure, or bait, is the
email that seems to come from a
well-known company’s website (like PayPal, eBay
and many banks), attempting to get personal and
financial information from the recipient.
Pop-up:
A pop-up
is a small window that suddenly appears on a
computer screen, and is usually something of a
surprise to the user.
Registry:
A database
located on a computer that keeps track
everything, such as hardware, software, and user
information. For example, when new software is
installed on a computer the registry would
contain all the information about this software.
Safe
Mode:
An
alternate Windows
boot method that makes it easier to diagnose
problems. The only startup programs loaded in
safe mode are the operating system and drivers
for the
mouse, keyboard, and display modes display.
A system may also be able to start in safe mode
when it won't start normally.
Smilies:
A smilie or a smiley, sometimes called an
emoticon, can be used in text communications to
convey an emotion with a message. The idea is
that these small yellow faces with expressions,
or the faces used with keyboard smilies, make up
for the facial expressions and voice changes
used in face to face communications but not
available in text only.
Spam:
Spam is
electronic junk mail, junk newsgroup postings,
or even any unsolicited e-mail from someone
advertising a product.
Spyware:
Software
that installs itself into a computer without the
user’s knowledge or consent.
Stalking Horses:
Stalking Horses are
bundled into a program, offered as an addition
the user thinks he or she needs to let adware
networks send ads to the computer.
System Restore:
A Windows utility allowing a user to
restore their computer data to a specific former
state, or restore point, undoing changes made
since that time. System Restore periodically
creates automatic restore points to protect data
from unexpected problems. The user is also
allowed to create his own restore points.
Trojan Horse:
Trojan Horse, or
Trojan, refers to programs that appear
desirable, but actually contain something
potentially harmful, such as a port allowing a
hacker to remote control a computer. Trojan
Horses may also contain viruses or worms.
Worm:
A
program that makes copies of itself, as well as
damaging and compromising the computer’s
security.
