Keywords I Should Know

Viruses and Worms
Viruses and worms are programs that are placed onto your computer without your permission, often through attachments to spam (see below).  They can be dangerous and may even cause your computer to crash.

Spyware, Adware and Malware
Spyware, adware and malware are like viruses, but they usually steal information about you that you do not want others to know.  You may never even know that your information was stolen.  They can also use your computer’s memory without your permission to do bad things to others or they can put annoying pop-up ads on your screen.

Spoofing and Phishing
Although appearing to be legitimate requests, these emails ask you for information; for example, ask you to update your bank account numbers.  They can be dangerous because in the wrong hands, any information may be used to hurt you, your family or your friends.

Spam
Spam is the junk mail of the internet.  It’s unsolicited email that you don’t want and never asked for.  Be careful with spam.  It may contain viruses, spyware or other dangerous attachments.

Filters
Filters are programs you put on your computer to block things you do not want to see, like spam and pop-up ads.  You can usually get filters through your internet service provider (ISP).

Flaming
Flaming is when some one sends a hurtful email to another person.  It can be easier to be mean in an email because you do not have to be there with them and see what harm your hurtful words can do.  Flaming can cause the receiver to send a flaming email in return and may end up seriously damaging a friendship.

Hoaxes
Hoaxes like urban legends are stories or rumors that are not true.  Not all information on the internet is true.  Many people send stories out to purposely hurt others.  A hoax may tell you to do something that will harm your computer like deleting a file that you need.  Some hoaxes tell you to forward the email on to your friends and others promise false rewards.