About Computers: Scareware, Bloatware, Ratware

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	from Paul Gil Software, malware, spyware, scumware, scareware, bloatware, ratware... so many "ware" names for all these different programs. Some of them are good programs, but many of them are nasty, and should be kept off your computer at all costs. Here are three types of ware that you'll want to steer clear of...
In the Spotlight

What is Scareware? The New York Times reports that a Russian operation has earned $5 million a year selling fake antivirus software. Using fear tactics to convince you that your computer will be infected without their scanner products, these peddlers sell you "scareware" and profit from your gullibility. Our antivirus expert explains how these bogus rogue scanners programs work, and how you can avoid them...              More Topics Fallout 3 Lives Up to Expectations Comp Action Games Finding and Using Hotspots Wireless/Networking Microsoft Tries to Catch GoogleDocs Google How to Share Mac Files with Vista Macs A Quick Course in Desktop Publishing Desktop Publishing 10 Font Tips for Presenters Presentation Software Careers in Java Programming Java What is Bloatware? Sadly, bloatware is commonplace. It is when a software product provides minimal functionality while consuming disproportionately large space on your computer's hard disk and memory. This extra space is often used by frivolous or unwanted extra features that seemed useful to the programmers, but users themselves don't care for them. So why do programmers cram unwanted features into their products? Our Web Trends author explains bloatware here...   What is Ratware? Have you received offers for porn or pharmaceuticals by email? Have you been invited to transfer $20 million into your account from Nigeria? If you've been spammed by emails like these, then you have been attacked by ratware. You see, ratware is the customized software that spammers use to burst-send millions of illegal messages. This is how ratware works...     Sponsored Links   Best Moves in a Bad Economy Save & Invest the Right Way Find out how to beat a bear market, make smart choices, and keep your cool even when the economy is unpredictable.

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