Virus / Trojans - Frequently asked questions   What is a Virus? A virus is a man-made program or piece of code that causes an unexpected, usually negative, event, such as deleting files, destroying the boot sector of Hard drives, changing your Computer's settings, etc. Viruses are often disguised as games, programs, or images with marketing titles intended to entice you to download and click on the file.    What is a Worm? Computer Worms are viruses that reside in the active memory of a computer and duplicate themselves. They usually send copies of themselves to other computers, such as through your email or chat programs.    What is a Trojan Horse? A Trojan horse program is a malicious program that pretends to be a fun or useful program. A Trojan horse program purposefully does something the user does not expect. Trojan horse programs are used by hackers to steal your passwords, or to gain access to your computer. Trojans are not viruses since they do not replicate, but Trojan horse programs can be just as destructive. Click here for more details.    What is Spyware? Ad-supported software (like the sponsored mode of Eudora) has been around for years, but as software companies struggled to survive, many took ad support to new heights. That's how adware--software that downloads advertising while you use the associated application or at random--was born. This insidious trade, in which adware skulks onto your hard drive and can invade your privacy online, has proliferated, frustrating more than a few Internet users. Some people call such programs spyware, or scumware, because in most cases they permit advertisers to continuously monitor your online activities. In many cases simply removing the software does not remove the adware that was installed. Thus, the makers of the software you uninstalled continue making money sending you pop-up ads, even after you thought you removed their software!    How do they infect a computer? A Virus, Computer Worm, or a Trojan horse program can be received through an Email, by downloading a program, via a Chat program, visiting a malicious website ( such as some porno and hacking websites ), etc. Spyware is installed by installing programs such as Kazaa, Bonzi Buddy, Gator, etc.    How can I tell if I am infected? Signs of possible Infection: Computer running slow, Very slow Internet connection - resulting in being unable to surf websites, Receiving undeliverable Email notices for Email you did not send, Friends asking you about Email you did not send, Programs not running correctly, unable to start Windows correctly, frequent error messages, Internet connection insisting on dialing automatically, Internet connection constantly sending / receiving data when you are idle. You may be infected with Spyware if you receive more than 1 pop-up ad every half hour, depending on what Websites you are surfing. ( NOTE: These problems may also be due to other problems, such as low free resources, Computer settings, etc. )    I think I might be infected by a virus. What should I do? Try running several of the FREE online virus scans listed here. Make sure you have an Antivirus program running at all times, and make sure your Antivirus program is updated at least once a week! If you do not have an Antivirus program, or are unable to update your copy, try uninstalling your old version (if you have one) and installing one of the Antivirus programs listed here.     Do I have any Spyware / Adware Running in the background? If your computer is running slow, and you are getting a lot of pop-up / pop-under ads, or your Browser settings were mysteriously changed and you cannot reset them, you should download, install, and run Adaware, Spybot, and Hijackthis!! Be sure to click each program's "Update" button after installing the program, and before using it's "Scan" feature, to insure each program is up-to-date.   For Virus cleaning programs that will check your computer for Viruses and remove them if found, or for Virus protection programs, see our " PC Protection " page