Operating System, Security, Privacy

Subject: Operating System, Security, Privacy Thu Nov 27, 2008 4:46 am

Operating System, Security, Privacy

Operating System

An operating system (commonly abbreviated OS and O/S) is the software
component of a computer system that is responsible for the management
and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of the
computer. The operating system acts as a host for application programs
that are run on the machine. As a host, one of the purposes of an
operating system is to handle the details of the operation of the
hardware.

Antivirus Software

The Antivirus Software category contains programs developed to detect
and remove computer viruses and other virus-related software from
users' computers. Most software includes on-demand and scheduled
antivirus scans. Many programs now include real-time antivirus
protection and further spyware protection. Notable titles include AVG,
Avira AntiVir, and Avast.

Corporate Security Software

The Corporate Security Software directory includes programs
developed to protect computers and networks for companies and small
businesses. The software in this category may securely delete files,
monitor networks, encrypt data, manage terminal access, and utilize
tracking software for evaluating employee behavior.

Encryption Software

The Encryption Software directory includes programs that ensure data
privacy. The software in this category may encrypt files, directories,
and drives using methods such as AES-256, Blowfish, Serpent, and
Twofish. Notable titles include Roboform and TrueCrypt.

Firewall Software

The Firewall Software category consists of programs designed to
monitor and control the flow of traffic between computers and networks.
Firewalls are generally used to prevent unauthorized access to
computers or networks. The programs in this category can allow,
restrict, encrypt, or proxy computer traffic based on settings and
definitions such as trust levels. Notable titles include ZoneAlarm and
Comodo.

Monitoring Software

The Monitoring Software category includes programs developed to track
and record computer behavior. The software in this category may log Web
sites visited, record keystrokes, take screenshots, or block adult
content. Most of the tracking software is designed to monitor children
or employees.

Popup Blocker Software

The Popup Blocker Software directory consists of programs designed
to block pop-up windows, advertisements or otherwise, from appearing on
your computer when you browse the Web. Aside from stopping pop-up
windows, many of these applications can stop Flash or banner ads in Web
pages, prevent malicious cookies, or defend your computer from
scripting exploits. Some programs in this category work as plug-ins for
Web browsers; others are standalone applications.

Privacy Software

The Privacy Software library contains programs developed to keep users'
personal information safe as they browse the Web, mostly by allowing
users to delete Internet tracks. Software programs in this category can
also mask IP addresses, remove junk files, securely shred sensitive
computer files, or encrypt information. Notable titles include CCleaner
and Webroot Window Washer.

Spyware Removers

The Spyware Removers category contains software designed to detect
and remove spyware, adware, and other malware such as keyloggers,
rootkits, Trojan horses, and browser hijackers. Many antispyware
software programs also detect and eliminate computer viruses. Notable
titles include Ad-Aware 2008, SpywareBlaster, and Spybot.