Glossary

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adware	Adware is often bundled with or embedded within freeware, utilitarian programs like filesharing applications, search utilities, information-providing programs (such as clocks, messengers, alerts, weather, and so on), and software such as screensavers, cartoon cursors, backgrounds, sounds, etc. Adware applications may monitor your Internet surfing activities and display advertising including targeted pop-up, pop-under, and other advertisements on your computer. Some adware may track your Web surfing habits. Deleting adware may result in the deletion of the bundled freeware application.
definitions	A definition is the set of fingerprints that characterize a piece of spyware. Webroot regularly updates the definitions of known spyware that Spy Sweeper uses.
fingerprints	Fingerprints are the unique patterns of files, cookies, and registry entries that spyware installs. Spy Sweeper compares these patterns to its internal database so that Spy Sweeper can detect spyware on your computer.
other (as used in the Category field)	Programs detected on your system that fall under this category are not necessarily considered malicious or unwanted. There are two opinions regarding programs in the "Other" category. The first opinion is that these programs use unnecessary space and system resources. You do not want to be targeted with advertising or promotions that these programs may deliver. Occasionally you forget that you downloaded the application and no longer find it useful. Other times, these programs are installed inadvertently by someone else with access to your computer, like a child or roommate. Even though you may forget about or be unaware of the desired program, the malicious parts of the bundle continue to live and work on your computer. The second opinion is that these programs are beneficial to have on your system. Problems arise when the desired programs are bundled or linked to other applications that you do not want, but that you download by default when downloading the desired program. Removing part of the bundled program may also remove or disable the desired program. We created this category to inform you of software residing on your system and to give you the ability to make informed decisions as to whether or not you want to install these programs. The choice is up to you.
spyware	Spyware is any application that makes potentially unwanted changes to your computer while collecting information about your computer activities. This information may then be sent to a third party for malicious purposes, without your knowledge or consent. Spyware arrives bundled with freeware or shareware, through e-mail, by someone with access to your computer, or by another means without your consent. Unlike traditional personalization or session cookies, spyware is difficult to detect, and difficult (if not impossible) for the average user to remove.
system monitors	System monitors have the ability to monitor your computer activity. They range in capabilities and may record some or all of the following: keystrokes, e-mails, chat room conversations, instant messages, Web sites visited, programs run, time spent on Web sites or using programs, and even user names and passwords. The information is transmitted via remote access or sent by e-mail. A keylogger is a type of system monitor that has the ability to monitor all keystrokes on your computer. A keylogger can record and log your e-mail conversations, chat room conversations, instant messages, and any other typed material. They may have the ability to run in the background, hiding their presence. Keyloggers and system monitors may be used for legitimate purposes but can also be installed by a user to record sensitive information for malicious purposes.
traces	Traces are places where Spy Sweeper finds spyware fingerprints. Traces can be a file, cookie, or registry entry. Each definition is made up of multiple traces.
tracking cookies	Cookies are pieces of information that are generated by a Web server and stored on your computer for future access. Web sites initially used cookies to provide you customized content while viewing their Web site. Some Web sites issue Tracking cookies that collect personal information including surfing habits, user names and passwords, areas of interest, etc. This information can be shared with multiple Web sites in order to provide targeted marketing to particular users. Some Web sites install and access tracking cookies without your knowledge or consent.
Trojan horses	A Trojan horse is a malicious program that is disguised as a harmless software program. Trojans do not replicate themselves like viruses, but are spread through e-mail attachments and Web downloads. Once the file is opened, the Trojan may install itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent. It may have the ability to manage files on your computer, including creating, deleting, renaming, viewing, or transferring files to or from your computer. It may install a program that allows a malicious user to install, execute, open, or close software programs or take full control of the infected machine. The malicious user may have the ability to open and close your CD-ROM drive, gain control of your cursor and keyboard, and may even send spam by sending mass e-mails from your infected computer. They have the ability to run in the background, hiding their presence.