Knowledgebase

Safe Mode
Safe mode is a way of booting into Windows  that loads only the most basic applications and...

Scanner
A scanner is a virus detection program that searches for viruses. Also see: anti-virus software,...

Script
Computer code that is contained in a file and can be directly executed to run a sequence of...

Script Kiddy
Script Kiddy, sometimes spelled Script Kiddie, is a derogative term, used to represent an...

Sector viruses
See: boot-sector infector, master boot-sector virus.

Self-encrypting virus
Self-encrypting viruses attempt to conceal themselves from anti-virus programs. Most anti-virus...

Self-extracting files
A self-extracting file decompresses part of itself when executed. Software authors and others...

Self-garbling Viruses
A self-garbling virus attempts to hide from anti-virus software by garbling its own code. When...

Server
A Server is a computer that is usually dedicated to a single task.  Other computers, called...

Service pack
A patch provides additional, revised or updated code for an operating system or application....

Shared Drive
A shared drive is a disk drive available to other computers on the network. Shared drives use the...

Shareware
Shareware is software distributed for evaluation without cost, but that requires payment to the...

Signature
A signature is a search pattern—often a simple string of characters or bytes—expected...

Slow infector
Slow infectors are active in memory and only infect new or modified files. Also see: fast infector.

SMTP
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transport Protocol. It is the Internet email delivery format for...

Sniffer
A sniffer is a software program that monitors network traffic. Hackers use sniffers to capture...

Software Firewall
A Software Firewall is a piece of software that is installed on your computer in order to protect...

SOHO
Small Or Home Office, is an oft-used  acronym that defines people who work from...

Spam
Spam is unsolicited or undesired bulk electronic messages. There is email spam, instant messaging...

Spam Filter
A spam filter is a program used to detect unsolicited email to prevent spam from making it to a...

Sparse Infector
Sparse infector viruses use conditions before infecting files. Examples include files infected...

Spider
Are robot programs that are used by search engines to scan the entire Internet and index the...

Spim
Spim is spam for instant messaging. The messages can be simple unsolicited ads, or fraudulent...

Spoofed web site
A spoofed web site is one that mimics a real company’s site—mainly financial services...

Spyware
Spyware is a wide range of unwanted programs that exploit infected computers for commercial gain....

Stalking Horses
These types of spyware are generally bundled into many popular programs and often, but not...

Stealth virus
Stealth viruses attempt to conceal their presence from anti-virus software. Many stealth viruses...

String
A string is a consecutive series of letters, numbers, and other characters. "afsH(*&@~" is a...

Switch
A switch is a device that you plug devices into that allows them to communicate with each...

System boot record
See: Boot record.