Gateway NE511 User Manual page 66

66 - Internet and online security
Definitions
What is a virus?
Malicious software, typically called 'viruses', are programs designed to
infect and damage computers. Most viruses are transmitted over the
Internet, emails or malicious Web sites. A typical virus will replicate
and pass itself undetected to multiple computers. Other forms of
nuisance, such as Trojan horses, worms or spam can infect your
computer in various ways, using up resources or clogging up a
network.
Note
Gateway guarantees that your computer was 100% virus free at the time of
purchase and does not cover damages due to viruses.
What is spyware?
Spyware refers to generally unwanted programs that are downloaded
onto your computer while connected to the Internet, often without you
knowing it. Once it has infected your computer, it can snoop on your
browsing activity, collect personal information, cause pop-up ads to
appear, or even change the configuration of your computer. Spyware
consumes resources on your computer; it can slow down your Internet
connection or entire computer system, and even cause crashes.
Spyware is sometimes used by unscrupulous companies to monitor
and track the sites you visit on the Internet so as to determine your
web-surfing habits and display targeted pop-up ads on your screen.
However, some kinds of spyware go beyond simple tracking and
actually monitor keystrokes and capture passwords, posing a serious
security risk.
What is malware?
Malicious software, also known as malware, is software designed to
deliberately harm your computer. For example, viruses, worms, and
Trojan horses are malicious software. To help protect your computer
against malware, make sure it is using up-to-date antivirus and anti-
malware software.