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Security Terms and Definitions


Disk Defragmentation and Optimization

When files are stored on your hard drive, they are split into chunks. Over time, as files are added and deleted, the chunks can become small and scattered. This "fragmentation" can become severe enough to slow your system. A defragmenter gathers the fragments and putting some back together and storing them in more efficient locations. Some software can perform additional optimization to make the disk access more efficient. For example, it might place frequently accessed files in easy to fetch locations.

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Executable Files (Programs or Software)

An executable file is one that "runs" in the computer. That is, it executes actions or performs operations. Operations can be as simple as a calculator or as complex as virus detection. When a program runs, it may have unlimited power to make changes or to start and stop other programs. This power in a personal computer is what allows unscrupulous people carry out malevolent actions.This also known as a program or software.

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Firewall (Personal)

A firewall closes open ports and monitors traffic to and from computers to help prevent unauthorized access. A personal firewall refers to a firewall that is installed on a single desktop as opposed to a network firewall which filters all traffic to and from networks.

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Hacker

A hacker is a person who uses technology to try to enter and take control of your system. Personal data could be at risk -- after all, this person has your computer at his beck and call. (See firewall.)

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Malware

Malware is a term used to describe a broad range of software designed for malicious uses. This includes many viruses, worms and spyware.

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Phishing

Phishing is the term used to describe activities that attempt to fool people onto giving their personal information away usually personal finance information. It can be the source of identity theft. Most "phishing" attacks are email solicitations that pose as legitimate warnings from your bank, credit card company, or paypal. Unsuspecting people respond and enter passwords, account codes and so on to the thieves.

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Ports

A port is a "door" to your computer. Software listens or transmits to other systems through these ports. For example, on a server, a mail system can listen on one port while a a web server listens on another. Hackers target ports much as a car thief might check to see if your doors are locked. A firewall can be used to control activity and access through ports to prevent hackers from entering your system.

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Trojan (Horse)

A trojan is a program that a) masquerades like another program; or b) appears to be harmless. When a trojan "runs" in your system, it can perform malicious activities. The trojan can not self-propogate. That is, it requires the user to "run" it. This is often accomplished by tricking you into running a program that seems ordinary and harmless. Any top tier antivirus software will protect you from this threat.

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SPAM

Any unwanted or unsolicited email is called SPAM. Anti-SPAM software will help minimize (but not completely stop) SPAM. Most anti-SPAM tools move email identified as SPAM to a SPAM folder or to the Trash folder. This simply keeps you from seeing it. Once segregated, SPAM can be reviewed selectively or deleted or, optionally, deleted automatically. Most SPAM tools only work with Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express. Open source (freely distributed) Netscape and Thunderbird mail clients have built-in SPAM control. SPAM filters can be flawed. They may identify legitimate email as SPAM. It is recommended that SPAM messages be reviewed before they are deleted to be sure that legitimate email isn't lost or misplaced.

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Spyware or Adware

Spyware, also referred to as adware, is a relatively new and still emerging threat. It consists of malicious software that can either take partial control of your system or watch your activities -- all without your permission, of course. Spyware's goal is commercial gain. Some spyware can collect marketing data by monitoring your web surfing habits. It can steal personal data including credit card data. Other spyware is simply annoying, i.e., it floods your desktop with unwanted pop-ups. Anti-spyware software can locate spyware (if you're infected) and help you remove it. It will also keep it from entering your system.

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Virus

A virus enters your computer embedded in a executable file or a document. While it is more commonly known that programs carry viruses, a document that has executable components, such as macros in Word or Excel, can also carry a virus. Like viruses that attack people, computer viruses are capable of self-replication. They spread by insinuating themselves in other programs or documents which carry the virus to other computers when files are shared or exchanged online or by email or by sharing file space or removable media such as cd's, dvd's, floppy disks, "pen" drive. Viruses can only damage software; they cannot damage hardware. Many do not cause severe damage. Instead they present themselves as a major annoyance. They can sap computer resources. Any top tier antivirus protection software will protect you from worms.

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Worm

A worm is very much like a virus. It can be part of another file or be an independent executable. It is called a worm because it can spread on its own -- without file exchange -- "worming" its way into other computers. Any top tier antivirus software will protect you from worms.

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