Over the years that software has become a commodity, the various subcategories to denote its functionality have increased rapidly. While these subcategories are an attempt to clarify matters, there is often some confusion. This article attempts to draw a better understanding of three terms, freeware, adware and spyware.

Freeware

Typically there is some overlap between these three terms, but each has its distinctive signature. Freeware is copyrighted computer software that is made available for use free of charge, for an unlimited time. The fact that it is protected by copyright means that the author receives both credit for the software they created and the right to retain control of its future development.

The software license attached to the freeware may also impose one or more other restrictions on its use including personal use, individual use, non-profit use, non-commercial use, academic use, commercial use or any combination of these.

A subtle distinction does exist between freeware and free software. Whereas freeware is gratis, which is to say it costs nothing, free software on the other hand means free to study, change, copy, redistribute, share or use. A good rule of thumb is, however, that if you are able to change it and make it your own, it is free software.

Adware

Adware is as the name suggests advertising-supported software. It automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer once the software is installed or while the application is running. Since advertising revenues largely sponsor adware, the program that is downloaded appears at a greatly reduced cost or is even free of charge with the only caveat being that the adware comes with it.

When users download a piece of adware, they must consent to the terms, including the addition of advertisements to their internet browsing. Users may, however, also be given the option to pay for a “registered” or “licensed” copy to do away with the advertisements.

Spyware

Adware in its worst manifestation crosses the line into spyware. It does this when information about the user’s activity is tracked, reported, or re-sold, without the knowledge or consent of the user. It may also interfere with the function of other software applications, slow down a computer significantly or force users to visit a particular website during the course of their browsing online.

In many cases, users click a consent button to install software according to the terms set without reading the small print may open the door to invasive spying. While certain adware programs gain their user’s consent to ‘spy’ on their online activities, spyware in its proper sense is computer software that collects personal information about users without their consent.

Such activities as logging keystrokes, recording Internet web browsing history, and scanning documents on the computer’s hard disk are all examples of invasive spyware behavior. The hacker can use information obtained in this manner for any purpose ranging from direct criminal theft of passwords and information to selling of their findings for marketing purposes.

Spyware is more common than may be imagined with some studies suggesting as many as eight in ten computer users are infected by some form of spyware – in most every case unbeknownst to the user. Fortunately, data security companies like CenturyLink’s partner, F-Secure, and others have made significant gains in detecting these hidden threats and ensuring a spyware-free computing environment for their clients.

Courtesy of F-Secure