Malware scanner

A malware scanner is a program, akin to virus scanners, which detects malicious software in a computer's RAM or hard drive.

Many home computers are, usually without their knowledge, host to several malicious programs. These malware programs can consist of key loggers, spam relays, spyware and adware. Often these programs do not offer any benefit to the user, and are harmful in that they can cause computer crashes, slow down the computer, and use up computer resources.

List of malware scanners

Windows

* Ad-Aware - freeware and commercial
* Spybot - Search & Destroy - Freeware
* Windows Defender - Freeware
* Syrrown Malware Scanner - Freeware

Linux

* ClamAV