Geek Speak
A glossary of terms for the average computer user
Copyright © 2005 Chuck Nelson

Quite often I have customers come into the shop to discuss a problem they are having. As we talk I notice they do not understand many of the terms used to describe computers and the internet. Before discussing how to prevent and remove bad software from your computer, let’s define common terms for that software.

Malware: any malicious software that may be installed on your  computer. Malware is a generic term for any software designed to either cause problems with your computer, obtain personal information or allow advertisers to display ads on your computer.

Virus: A program which causes damage or loss of data on a computer.

Worm:  A complete self-contained program which invades or infects a computer then spreads itself to other computers.

Adware: A program which displays advertisements on a computer. Adware can also direct you to some specific ad related website when on the Internet.

Spyware: A program which collects personal information or “spies” on the activity on a computer.

Keylogger: A specific type of spyware program which logs every time a key is pressed on your keyboard. Keyloggers can keep track of most computer activity, but are usually for harvesting passwords and access information.  A keylogger can also be a hardware device attached to your keyboard.

Phishing: The act of obtaining personal information from a computer user. This can be from a disguised website or email, or a program which gathers the data.

Browser Hijacker: A program or browser plug-in which takes control of your browser to prevent visiting certain websites or directs you to websites other than where you specified.

Browser Helper Object or Plug-in: A program which adds functionality to your web browser.

Pop-up: An additional browser window which displays or “pops up” while you are visiting one website or doing other work online.

Pop-under: Similar to a pop-up but the window is opened behind or under the current window. The user doesn’t see this window until the original is moved or closed.

Windows Registry: A special file on the computer which contains information for the Windows operating system to function correctly. It contains entries from system and hardware settings to information for each software program installed on the computer.

Defragment or Defrag:  re-organizing the physical location of each file stored on the computer’s hard drive to a more efficient layout.

Freeware: Software which the author provides free of charge.

Shareware: Software which the author provides free for a specific period, usually 30-60 days.  Once the trial time has expired the software should be purchased. Quite often, the software will disable itself until a registration key can be provided.

Donationware: A cross between freeware and shareware. Although the software is provided free by the author, they do request that a donation be made to assist them in being able to continue maintaining and upgrading the programs. A donation is not required but strongly encouraged.

Anti-virus software: Software designed to discover and remove viruses and worms from a computer. Anti-virus software will usually not detect Adware or Spyware programs.

Spyware/Adware Remover: Similar to Anti-virus software, but designed to remove Adware and Spyware programs.

Firewall: Either software or hardware designed to restrict traffic both into and out of your computer or network. A firewall is primarily for blocking unwanted access.

Back Door: A method for secretly gaining access to a computer. A Back Door is usually a program used by a hacker after a computer has been compromised. Once installed, someone can access that computer anytime it is connected to the Internet.

 I have tried to focus on mostly terms related to malicious software in this article. If there is a word or phrase which I have missed, please email me and I will reply with an answer or include it in a future article.