The term “Malware” is just short for malicious software and it refers to software designed to “infect” a computer and cause damage to the computer’s hard drive, server or even its entire network (if applicable).

Malware includes “viruses,” “spyware,” “adware” (when it takes the form of spyware and tracks, reports and sales a user’s activity), “worms,” “Trojans (which falsely appear as beneficial programs so you’re tempted to download them so they can get to work quietly damaging your system and/or other networked computers), etc.

While there are many terms, with some acting differently in how and what they do, they can all attack your computer and wreak havoc on its operating system, hard drive, etc.

These computer programs, also known as scripts, spread from one file to another on a single computer and/or from one computer to another, using a variety of methods, without the knowledge and consent of the computer user.

These “trick” programs are maliciously designed to impair computer operation, record, corrupt, or delete data, or spread themselves to other computers and throughout the Internet and can be used to steal your files, take control over your desktop or laptop, or steal your identity while tracking your every move in Cyberspace – all without you ever knowing about – that is until long after the damage is done.

Once Malware in any form (virus, worm, spyware, etc.) is on your computer, its type or the method it used to get there is not as important as removing it and preventing further infection.

To help avoid Malware infections, you simply must keep your computer current with the latest updates and anti-virus tools, stay informed about recent threats, and be very cautious when you surf the Internet, download files, and open attachments. If you do not know the source from which these originated, it may be best to not open them because you risk damaging your computer and everything on it, not to mention having your identity stolen.

In laymen’s terms, a Windows Registry is a centralized database used in Microsoft Windows 9x, Windows CE, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 to store settings and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all the hardware, software, users, and preferences of the PC.

The Registry contains information that Windows refers back to again and again as you use your computer, referencing profiles for each user, the applications installed on the computer and the types of documents that each can create, property sheet settings for folders and application icons, what hardware exists on the system, and the ports that are being used.

It is important to keep your Registry clean and the only way to do this is to run a registry clean program, one specifically for the windows registry. A registry fix will identify and remedy any problems in your windows registry by removing the little bits of information that are left behind every time you have a failed installation or receive error messages when you add/update software on your computer.

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