Spyware Adware Literal Meaning

By Author: Neoro Das
Total Articles: 5
Comment this article

So when we say software it’s quite difficult to define what kind of software it includes and what purpose these programs carry out. If the terms “adware” and “spyware” is used as synonyms in a same article usually a reader would wonder why so many different words are used for same meaning. He may think that the author just wants to show off his writing skills. Though computer programmers don’t read these articles at all but an average user feels puzzled after reading it. If one goes through the meaning of spyware in different articles, instead of being clear about the concept, he is going to be more confused.
So if we use our common sense and just consider the literal meaning of the word we can get a concept what it indicates. For example – A browser hijacker is software that hijacks browsers’ keylogger is software that logs keystrokes.
Similarly, Adware is software used for targeted advertising. Other method of advertisement promotion also exists. Pop ups is another method of advertising. The actual intension behind this software is to track prospective customers. People call this software unwanted ...
... because these programs are installed without the user’s consent. But just as we would not want to see an ad channel only in television, online advertisements are just to attract a user’s attention towards the product sometimes at whatever cost it takes. But if the software collects and transmits information it is termed as a spyware. That is why keyloggers and cookies are both called “spyware”. But before calling any program a “spyware” we should at least consider what they ‘steal’ and how this information is used.
Some other terms are also pretty unclear though it may be interesting.
Terms like “crapware” and “junkware” also don’t give a clear idea about the software.
“Malware” is software that has malicious content, may be malicious or benign. Just like a plant that can be eatable or non eatable. If one hears that software is malicious he has no idea about what kind of software it is.
And for Viruses and Worms, there has been such evolution since its existence that programmers say that there is almost no worm, virus or Trojan that they used to be years ago. These terms may be obsolete soon because of this constant evolution. “Trojan Horse “is a pretty graceful term that may be having a benign look but it has potentially dangerous core inside. It makes us remember Greek and Roman history.

All these may seem amazing for a philosophist, making it an interesting study material for him, but for an average PC user who would really want to know what his anti spyware software protects , the situation is still doubtful.