Do you know the difference between goodware, grayware and malware? Most software products fall under one of these three categories. Whether you’re downloading software for personal or commercial use, you should consider its classification. As you may already know, malware is malicious. Downloading malware could result in data theft. Even if you’re familiar with malware, though, you may not be familiar with goodware and grayware.
What Is Goodware?
Goodware is software that’s downloaded from a trusted source. The Microsoft Store, for instance, is a trusted source. When you download a software product from the Microsoft Store, you can rest assured knowing that it’s safe. Apps on Google Play and Apple’s App Store are safe as well. These are all examples of goodware because they come from trusted sources.
Goodware is completely safe. It’s essentially “good software,” so it won’t cause any harm to you or your computer.
What Is Grayware?
Grayware is software that’s not explicitly malicious but may still pose a concern. It’s not inherently malicious; grayware isn’t designed to harm users who download it. Nonetheless, grayware may exhibit behaviors that make it undesirable or irritating. As a result, most people try to avoid downloading it.
Examples of grayware include the following:
- Adware (e.g. pop-up software)
- Potentially unwanted applications
- Web browser toolbars
- Registry cleaners and “optimizers”
What is Malware?
Malware is malicious software that’s designed to cause some form of harm. Some forms of malware are designed to consume system resources so that the user’s network becomes slow and sluggish. Other forms of malware are designed to steal data. There’s even malware that’s designed to hold the user’s files for ransom. Known as ransomware, it’s one of the most distributing types of malware. Research shows that the average cost of a ransomware attack is over $4 million.
Viruses are classified as malware. Viruses are defined by their self-replicating properties. They are able to spread by copying and reproducing their code. As a result, if a virus infects a computer on a given network, it may spread to other computers and devices on that same network.
Differences Between Goodware, Grayware and Malware
Goodware, grayware and malware are software classifications. Goodware is safe software that’s downloaded from a trusted source. Grayware is software that’s not explicitly harmful or malicious but still exhibits unwanted behaviors. Malware, of course, is the worst of the three. Malware consists of malicious software that’s designed to harm users who download it.