Malware is any form of Malicious software including worms, viruses, trojans, hacker utilities and other malware.
Viruses (Virii?): Programs that spread copies of themselves onto the infected computer. They are intended to execute computer code (run a program) or affect system resources when they are deployed.
Worms: Programs that propagate over a network or the internet. They are designed specifically to spread from one computer to another. Most worms spread as files distributed through email or instant messenger, links on infected websites or files downloaded on peer to peer networks (Limewire, Bearshare, etc.)
Trojans: Programs that perform actions without the user's knowledge or consent: collecting data and sending it to a cyber criminal, destroying or altering data with malicious intent, causing the computer to malfunction, or using a machine's capabilities for malicious or criminal purposes, such as sending spam.
Hacker Utilities and Other Malware includes:
- Programs that are used to create viruses worm and trojans.
- Programs that encrypt infected files to hide them from detection.
- Jokes that interfere with normal computer operations.
- Programs that are designed to do damage to the computer that hosts them.
On this website I will review:
- The tools I use to protect computers from malware.
- The tools I use to try and remove them if I do get infected.
- Tips to increase the performance of your computer.
- Give you places to check out problems you may have with your computer or to find out if the email that you just got telling you the worst virus ever is sure to infest your computer is for real, or just another hoax.
The best part about the programs I describe is that they are all free. Some of them have paid versions which will give you more features, but many times they are not necessary.
The links along the left side move you from one subject to another, the links along the right side take you to the download page for the program listed.
If you :
- Find a link that no longer works
- Know about another free program that works well for you
- Have comments or suggestions for this site.
I would appreciate it if you would let me know.
I can be reached by email at ric@henseltech.com.