A program that is automatically installed in your computer by merely visiting a Web site, without having to explicitly click on a link on the page. Typically spyware that reports information back to the vendor, drive-by downloads are deployed by exploiting flaws in the browser and operating system code. Of course, Internet Explorer and Windows are the primary targets. Routinely installing security patches is the best deterrent. See spyware.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Weekend Gadget Guidance: Speed up Vista installation via thumb drive
- It's Labor Day weekend. Have you given your computer a fresh Windows install for the holiday? (If you're the kind of guy or gal who's into periodically wiping your hard drive, this tip's for you.) The How-To Geek over at Lifehacker recently posted a...
- Blog posts 2008-08-29
- Comcast sets 250GB ceiling
- Now, it's official. Comcast will impose a 250GB monthly cap on its Internet customers, as the SF Chronicle reports. Violators will get a notice and a warning. If you do it twice in a six-month period, they may terminate your account. What's more, Comcast...
- Blog posts 2008-08-29
- IBM claims 'Quicksilver' flash sets data-speed record
- A project under development from IBM is setting new records for data-transfer speeds using solid-state technology with one million input/outputs per second. IBM has said its 'Project Quicksilver' is setting new records for data-transfer speeds on solid-state technology, with its tests showing a disk-storage solution hitting one million input/outputs...
- News items 2008-08-29
- New Android Market is YouTube for mobile applications
- Google released early details yesterday about their plans for Android Market, an online bazaar for programs that run on Android phones. Essentially an Android version of the iPhone's popular App Store, it offers three key advantages over Apple's offering: It will follow the YouTube model of instant...
- Blog posts 2008-08-29
- Novell: Quietly developing some momentum
- Novell's fiscal third quarter was notable for reasons beyond Linux sales and its core product line. Novell's most recent quarter was the sixth consecutive one that topped expectations. That consistency may mark the days where Novell becomes something more than an afterthought. Now it's no coincidence that...
- Blog posts 2008-08-29
- TV Software Pro (exe)
- TV Software Pro is a software to watch thousands of satellite movies and listen to radio channels from all over the globe. With over 3000 channels, quality and quantity is here. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com. Note: The Download Now link will download a small installer...
- Software downloads 2008-08-29
- MSD Organizer Freeware (zip)
- MSD Organizer Portable Freeware is a personal and professional information manager to be installed in Pen Drives, with the following modules: Calendar, Contacts, Alarms, Tasks and Cards. It also provides the following tools: backup and restore, word processor, spreadsheet, image viewer, calculator, and financial calculator. The program will allow you...
- Software downloads 2008-08-29
- Pamela for Skype - Business Version (exe)
- Pamela Business allows you to record Skype calls. Outlook integration, pllay audio files during a call, take notes during or after a call, transfer a call to a contact or group and many more cool features. Pamela looks and works like Skype. The Business Version is the ultimate tool for...
- Software downloads 2008-08-29
- Instant Services (zip)
- Instant Services is prepared for annoying length of path to reach the Services when you want to start or stop a service. Instead of keeping a shortcut permanently in your desktop, just use this simple tool to start or stop any Windows Service by selecting it. And it will start...
- Software downloads 2008-08-29
- Vista Audio Changer (msi)
- A system tray application which allows the user to switch their Default Audio Output Device at the click of a mouse - extremely useful for users with multiple sound cards, or multiple outputs on a single sound card. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
- Software downloads 2008-08-29
- Family E-Mail Spoofer Free Version (zip)
- Wind your family and friends up with our great new program Family E-Mail Spoofer. With our program you can send spoofed emails To anyone and FROM anyone with the click of a button. You could send an email from the Queen or even President Bush,its up to you. Family E-Mail...
- Software downloads 2008-08-29
- SmartLayouts (exe)
- SmartLayouts is easy, Innovative and powerful layout manager for Windows forms on .Net platform to ease the designing and development of GUI. It helps in arranging various winforms GUI elements and controls the behaviour of various elements when form is resized or repositioned. It uses unique methodology and algorithm for...
- Software downloads 2008-08-29
- GXDeviceEditor (msi)
- Create a device profile of the protocol and parameters of any physical device. The profile is a device template, containing protocols, settings and messages understood by the device. Then create one or more user interfaces for the profile. New device types can be used immediately, without any upgrading. No programming...
- Software downloads 2008-08-29
- Cafe (zip)
- The software is designed for management and ratification in Internet cafes and at places, where computers are rented (computer gaming clubs, hotels, hostels, libraries, schools, Internet points, and info centres). Protects computers against unauthorized use, permanent monitoring of the current state of each computer, allows remote control of computers from...
- Software downloads 2008-08-29
- Comcast's Web limits: Saving bandwidth or stifling innovation?
- The first computer I ever bought had a whopping six-gigabyte hard drive inside - far more storage capacity than anyone might have ever dreamed of using some ten years ago. Back then, no one was really downloading music or uploading digital photos, let alone streaming video or placing VoIP phone...
- Blog posts 2008-08-28
- Comcast takes broadband cap plunge; Other carriers likely to follow
- Comcast takes broadband cap plunge; Other carriers likely to followHmm, I wonder how long it will take the torrent abusers...... to reach that cap and get kicked? Not talking about the ones who get movies and software and games all illegally but the ones who serve this stuff up?...
- Discussion threads 2008-08-28
- Comcast takes broadband cap plunge; Other carriers likely to follow
- Comcast will implement a 250 GB data monthly cap on customers starting Oct. 1. The move, reported first by DSL Reports, was confirmed by Comcast today Techmeme. On its site, Comcast posted its amended user policy: We've listened to feedback from our customers who asked that...
- Blog posts 2008-08-28
- Windows 7 pricing thoughts - Is Windows too expensive?
- Windows 7 pricing thoughts - Is Windows too expensive?It is an apt comparison>Your Ubunutu/Vista comparison doesn't pass the common sense test. Think about what you can get with Ubuntu-- Compiz Fusion for eye candy, drive encryption, MythTV DVR app, OpenOffice.org, ect. You have to get Ultimate Windows to get all...
- Discussion threads 2008-08-28
- An IE8 Beta 2 Q&A
- Yesterday I published my first look at the just-released Beta 2 of Internet Explorer 8. I got some great comments in the Talkback thread and via e-mail and thought it would be worth answering them here. Should you install IE8? Where can you download the correct code for your OS....
- Blog posts 2008-08-28
- Why does Safari stink?
- Why does Safari stink?Safari on iPhone is even worseSafari on a Mac should work at least as well as Firefox. but on the iPhone it crashes regularly or locks up the iPhone. And it appears Apple's licensing is designed to preclude any competition:"Apple's software requirements for the device are too...
- Discussion threads 2008-08-28
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