NetPulse - IT Support around the M25

Computer Infections - What are they?

Malware is any unwanted program, script or code found on a computer system. What malware is going to do to any system varies from infection to infection, because, unfortunately, there are a large number of threats out there. It is important that all users know how to remove malware: with a regularly used and updated antimalware program (or two).

Even with great protection, it is still possible to get an infection. If you have a particularly persistent problem, take to the web to learn how to remove malware of that type. You are most likely not the first to have had this problem, and there will probably be a product that can help.

Malware is short for “malicious software,” as that is precisely what it is. Malware defines an entire class of malicious software. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, spyware, crimeware, scareware, rootkits, and other unwanted programs.

Many may wonder what is malware going to do if it is downloaded onto a computer system. Different types of malware are written to do different sorts of things. Some malware is designed to deny or disrupt the running of certain programs or operations. Other malware is written to take over a system and have it carry out functions, usually for further propagation or profit for the person or group that created the malware originally. Still other malware is designed to gather information about the user, often including sensitive personal information like credit and bank account numbers. This is only just some of what malware is designed to do.

Malware can not only be annoying to a computer user, but it can also end up being costly. Even programs that aren’t gathering a user’s personal data will most likely end up causing damage to the system that could be costly to fix. This is why malware needs to be removed as soon as it is detected.