Spyware, Adware, Sneakware, Malware, Cookies - What is the difference

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 Spyware - Software installed on your computer without your knowledge or explicit permission and serves some nefarious purpose. In general, spyware gathers confidential information from your computer and automatically transmits it back to the individual or organization that planted it on your computer. An example of spyware is a keystroke logger, which is a program that runs in the background on your computer and records every keystroke you make.
 
 Adware - Software that gathers information about your Web-surfing habits in order to target you with pop-up advertisements for products and services that might be of interest to you. Unlike spyware, adware is installed with the user's knowledge and permission, usually in exchange for software that's free but supported by advertisers. An example of adware-supported software is Sharman Networks' Kazaa, the popular peer-to-peer, file-swapping application.
 
 Sneakware - Uses deceptive means to sneak onto your computer. In theory, the user is still granting permission for the software to be installed, but the user is often unaware he is granting permission. This is because said permission is buried deep within the terms and conditions of an application that contains the sneakware¡ªterms and conditions the software developer hopes you don't take the time to review. Another sneaky thing about sneakware is that the vendor often tries to fool naïve users into thinking they are at risk if they don't install it. For example, as you're Web surfing, you may see a pop-up dialog box labeled "Security Warning" suddenly appear on-screen. The "Security Warning" label is intended to convince you that you must install the app it suggests to protect your computer from the very type of software that will be installed if you click Yes to approve the installation.
 
 Malware - A general term used to describe software intentionally designed for a malicious purpose. Viruses, spyware, Trojan Horses - they're all malware.
 
 Cookie - Information from a Web site sent to a browser and stored on a user's hard drive so the Web site can retrieve it later. A Web server using the technology looks for a cookie when a user visits. Cookies generally are used to identify visitors. A cookie can contain information about the user's login name, password, and preferences. For subscription sites, the cookie can make it unnecessary to log in each time. Users have the option to configure their browsers to either accept or reject cookies. There are many legitimate uses for cookies while surfing the Web. Many shopping sites, for example, may install a cookie on your system so that they can greet you with a personalized message such as, "Welcome, Sue!", and pull up your purchase history, shopping cart, and so on, without having to ask you to log in.