Gateway NE572 User Manual page 54

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.
54 - Internet