Parasite software

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Parasite software is software that works on a person's computer, typically without their knowledge or consent and without a visible interface. This can also include software which is installed along with another application, following acceptance of the latter's terms.

Parasite software may also be complicated to uninstall, in that it may not be listed as an installed program, or not have an uninstallation program. It may also install failsafes so that even if some of the software's files are deleted, they are put back in place from another directory when the computer is restarted.

[edit] Examples

Spyware can collect information on a person's usage of their computer, and sent that information to a company for analysis.
Certain parasite software can change settings on your computer to favorize certain websites, for marketing purposes.
Dialers, in the case of modem users, can disconnect a person from their usual Internet service provider and dial another number which grants access to a paysite, typically a pornographic website with price rates similar to erotic numbers.