Badware or Malware are generic terms used to describe Computer Viruses, Trojan Horses, and Spyware.
StopBadware.org defines Badware as…
Badware is software that fundamentally disregards a user’s choice over how his or her computer will be used. There are several commonly recognized terms for types of badware – spyware, malware, and deceptive adware. Common examples might be a free screensaver that surreptitiously generates ads, or a malicious web browser toolbar that makes your browser go to different pages than the ones you expected.
How do you know if your Home Computer has been infected with Badware? Common symptoms are:
- Your Home Computer runs slower
- Your Web Browser starts with a website that you did not choose
- Your Home Computer is being bombarded with Popup Windows
How do you check your Home Computer for Badware and remove it? In addition to anti-virus software, I recommend that you download and install the Free program Spybot Search and Destroy.