These can include tracking cookies, search hooks, or browser helper objects ( BHOs). Many items are often mistaken for computer infection. Many malware packages incorporate rootkits to embed themselves into the kernel level of the OS, making them stealthy and more difficult to remove. Viruses were once an exclusive type of infection, but now they have been combined into infection packages of malware.

Many malware payloads contain a virus file, such as a Trojan or a Worm, to help root the infection. Sometimes they capture your personal information and communicate back to the creator of the infection.Ī virus, which has become a subset of malware, is a program that replicates and attaches itself to services or specific applications. Sometimes these infections can hide your entire root drive and all your subdirectories. Alternatively, they redirect to a website that they are compensated for, based on the number of hits the site receives. There are malware infections that redirect your browser to sites that the creator has chosen. This type is known as hostage-ware, ransom-ware, or scare-ware. Some install themselves and create a simulated infection, corruption, or hardware failure, therefore tricking you into purchasing their product to resolve the issue. Malware, or malicious software, has become a catch-all term for several different types of infections. What is the difference between Malware and a virus?

Dell is not responsible for any loss of data from your computer, and you run these tools at your own choice and risk. This information is provided for informational and educational purposes.

Note: While some infections, are not serious and can be removed using the right tools.

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