A pro-active shield that silently monitors your system and alerts you of any activities that could be harmful to your computer or result in performance loss. An alert notification pops up while you are on your computer - this happens in real-time. There are various settings so you can choose to have ParetoLogic Anti-Virus PLUS perform automatic Active Protection without notification or you can enable notification so as to allow only the software you want to be downloaded on your system.

Warning: Active Protection can conflict with other programs that utilize similar real-time blocking strategies; results will vary. We recommend that you use only one active protection mechanism.

Adware

A form of malicious software that displays advertisements on your web browser without your consent. The ads are an attempt to direct you to business and e-commerce websites and the ads are often based on information collected from your browsing patterns. These programs are difficult to remove or uninstall.

Browser hijacker

A type of malware that changes the Web browser settings including the home page, search page, error page, and Favorites/Bookmarks. Browser hijackers are a common form of malware, affecting millions of computers across North America alone.

Cyclic Detection

A term used by ParetoLogic when detecting an occurring loop where you choose to block a detected threat but an alert notice continues to appear. A Cyclic Detection also occurs when automatic blocking is occurring in a looping pattern. In these cases it is likely that the malware item is able to recreate itself and it is recommended that you do a scan to detect and remove the item completely. For more information, see Cyclic Detection.

Keylogger

A type of malware that records keystrokes into a log file and may transmit or email the file to an intruder. Keyloggers can record passwords and login credentials, allowing intruders to access password-protected programs and web sites, including online banking accounts. Most Keyloggers log ALL keystrokes.

License key

An alphanumeric code provided by ParetoLogic for the purpose of registering the product so that you can receive full functionality. A license key is required to upgrade from a trial version to a full version of the product. For instructions on entering and renewing a license key, see How to Register.

Malware

A generic term for software that performs in such a way as to provide damage to your computer system - "malicious software." While similar to viruses, malware is typically not self-replicating and does not spread from one computer to another.

Messenger service

A Microsoft Windows utility that was identified as a security vulnerability and was disabled with Service Pack 2. Some network enterprises may require this feature to be enabled.

Real time

The term "real-time" is used to describe events that happen immediately and are not subject to time delays. As an example, a real-time system would immediately act on any input that it was presented with as it occurs.

Spam

Electronic mail messages that are most often unsolicited advertisement. The term spam messages can also refer to messages sent to chat rooms, newsgroups, instant messaging, fax transmissions, and to mobile phones. Those that generate spam emails are referred to as spammers. Typically, spammers acquire email addresses from indirect means including mailing lists, web pages, online forms, chat rooms, and even guessing email addresses.

Spyware

Any software that covertly intercepts, takes partial control of, or gathers user information from your computer without your knowledge or consent. True spyware (or surveillance) applications are designed to collect and record personal or private information and transmit it to a third party. Often this data is used for market research and advertising, but more malicious spyware programs attempt to steal passwords, login credentials, banking details, email addresses, and credit card information. These applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, it can cause system crashes or general system instability.

Startup programs

The programs that are launched when the computer starts up. These programs are placed in the Startup folder when installed. While not all startup programs are malicious, some of these programs remain running in memory and can slow down computer performance.

Trial version

A version of the software application that enables you to try out the product before registering to buy it. After the trial period has ended you can continue using the product for free but with limited functionality, or you can get a license key and activate the product to receive full functionality of the program. For more information, see How to Register.

Trojan

A malicious program embedded within software that is considered legitimate and safe. These programs take their name from the mythical wooden horse that carried hidden Greek soldiers into Troy. While these malicious programs seem safe to use, they contain hidden functionality that perform malware or adware functions, or allow remote access.

Windows shell

The interface layer of an application that executes the user's commands. A Windows shell is the operating system shell, and it provides desktop component functionality including Windows Explorer, icons, wallpaper, taskbar, the start button, and the Control Panel.

Worm

Self-replicating, fast-spreading Internet threats that are more akin to viruses than spyware. They differ from viruses in that they can replace entire files on the host computer. Both viruses and worms attempt to spread to as many computers as possible, using email, the Internet, and file-sharing networks as methods of distribution.