Added by the MAILBOT-BA TROJAN!

Packard Bell ActivSurf - automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates

Ad Blocker - blocks popups, and also removes banners, image ads and flash ads

Added by the BAS.A WORM!

AsdPlug premium rate adult content dialer variant

Added by a variant of the IRC.BOT TROJAN!

CD recording utility that comes with a lot of CDR/CDRW drives and isn't required

Added by the SDBOT.BND WORM!

B3d Projector foistware - periodically trys to access the internet. (1) Uninstall it via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs. (2) Remove the BDEsecureinstall.exe if still present in the "System" directory. (3) Disable and ideally delete it from the registry. (4) Remove the "BDE" directory and all its contents

FireTrust Benign - allows you to receive e-mail which is safe from viruses, worms, scripts, web bugs, privacy threats and other security risks, without affecting your e-mail. "Benign neutralizes or strips out the code that makes viruses, worms, scripts and other potentially harmful things run"

Babylon-Pro is a powerful information tool that instantly provides relevant information, translations & conversions for any word or value you click on"

Babylon-Pro is a powerful information tool that instantly provides relevant information, translations & conversions for any word or value you click on

Back2zip is a simple and elegant backup solution which uses the industry's most powerful ZIP and ZIP-64 technologies to constantly monitor your documents and make sure that they are always properly backed up

Originally included with Microsoft's XP PowerToys (but now withdrawn - see here, Background Switcher allows your desktop background to periodically change

John’s Background Switcher (or JBS for short) periodically changes the background image on your computer (like every hour or every day) to something interesting

Backpack UDF packet writing software for Microssolutions' Back Pack external CD-RW drive. Similar to DirectCD. Run manually before insert an appropriately formatted CD-RW disk

Unidentified adware

Backup4all is an award-winning data backup software for Windows. This backup utility was designed to protect your valuable data from partial or total loss by automating backup tasks, password protecting and compressing it to save storage space

Veritas "Back Up My PC" software

HP Digital Imaging related. What does it do and is it required?

Automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates. Typical on Compaq and HP PC's but not restricted to those OEM's. Resource hog and often causes malfunctions. Available via Start -> Programs

Backwork trojan detector

Known as "PowerKey" - a minimalistic keyboard driver that allows power management keys on BTC keyboards to function properly in older OS's (i.e. Win95/98/NT4). Also adds an icon to the system tray

Broadcom Advanced Control Suite - for modems and set top boxes based upon Broadcom chipsets. Not required unless you have networking problems

Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or TROJAN!

Rokario Bandwidth Monitor

Bandwidth Monitor Pro - utililty to track your current download/upload limit that may be set by your ISP

Banpopup - popup killer

BargainBuddy foistware

BargainBuddy foistware

Added by the AGOBOT-UG WORM!

Broadcom Advanced Control Suite - for modems and set top boxes based upon Broadcom chipsets. Not required unless you have networking problems

Detected by Kaspersky as the LOCKSY.M WORM!

Monitors battery levels on a notebook/laptop PC

BatteryBar - displays battery usage, and the current percentage of battery power left

Added by the BACKZAT WORM!

Boston Acoustics Audio, USB driver

Added by the BEAGLE.AR or BEAGLE.AU WORMS!

Hot-swappable drive management on Compaq Notebooks which allows you to swap drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices

BBC Alerts - "You can now have all the latest news and sports headlines delivered straight to your desktop with the new BBC Alerts service"

Part of BT Broandband - is it required?

BounceBack Professional - back-up software

Philips CD-RW related - "the 'Blue Button' feature gives users the chance to receive convenient online support for their possible device problems or questions"

AOL DSL status monitor displaying a red/green icon indicating if you have a connection

BeClean Agent - registry, history, temp files, etc cleaner

Bcdetect.exe searches the system to make sure Creative drivers are installed for the video card. It loads the BlasterControl when the drivers are detected. Your choice - try it and see

BCM voicemodem driver. Required for dial-up if you have one of these modems

BCM voicemodem driver. Required for dial-up if you have one of these modems

Broadcom Corporation Wireless Network Tray Applet. Is it required?

AWS Weatherbug related. What does it do?

BroadcastPC adware variant

BroadcastPC adware variant

BlasterControl for Creative video cards - controls for desktop settings, monitor configuration, colour adjustments and performance tuning. May be needed to retain settings

Added by the GAOBOT.BQJ WORM!

BCWipe Task Manager - scheduler for BCWipe so that it runs at convenient times. You can set a time for running the task, as well as special options for the task. Run manually when needed

BitDefender antivirus

BitDefender antivirus

BitDefender antivirus - updater

Bitdefender 8 antivirus and firewall

Bitdefender 8 antivirus and firewall

BearFlix is optimized for the fast download of video files

BearShare file sharing client. Versions known to include spyware - see here

BeatNik Internet Clock is a Windows clock add-on that supports 'skins'. It can also synchronize your computer's clock with an atomic clock

Added by the SDBOT-ADK WORM!

??

BeFaster internet connection optimization tool

??

??

Related to Belgium Identity Card card reader

Wireles configuration utility for some Belkin cards such as the Wireless G Desktop Card

Related to BellSouth Alert Manager

??

Configuration tool for Belkin wireless network cards. Required to change the card's configuration. Is it required for correct operation once the confuiguration is changed?

VX2.Transponder parasite updater/installer related

Plug-in for WeatherBug advising when pollen count in your area is high - prompting you to buy Benadril

BestCrypt from Jetico, Inc. "Keeps your confidential data in a strongly encrypted form on your disk and provides you with transparent access"

Popup killer by Swanksoft - not recommended, see here

Added by the IRCBOT.GEN WORM!

Bullguard antivirus and firewall. The P2P version is free with KaZaA Media Desktop and Grokster

BGinfo automatically displays relevant information about a Windows computer on the desktop's background, such as the computer name, IP address, service pack version, and more

BullGuard antivirus updater

Printer driver to generate PDF files from any program

PC Magazine's BHO Cop that lets you see what browser helper objects are installed. Useful for detecting spyware

BHODemon "protects you from unknown Browser Helper Objects (BHOs), by letting you enable/disable them individually. When running, it also monitors your Registry and alerts you when a BHO is installed. Best of all, BHODemon knows about the most common BHOs - the good ones, and the not-so-good ones!". If you prefer forgoing resident protection, the application can also be run on demand

Browser Hijack Retaliator - recovers your browser after it has been hijacked by spyware, adware, etc

ScreenScenes "Beach Islands" screensaver. The freeware version comes with GAIN branded ads (pop-ups and others). ScreenScenes do however offer you the option of doing away with the ads by purchasing the screensaver for a whopping $30. Please note that Claria Corporation no longer support GAIN-Supported software - see here

Added by the DELBOT-AG WORM!

BigFix can automatically download and read technical support information provided by computer and software manufacturers and other technical support experts (published in the form of Fixlet(r) Messages) and can automatically check your computer for bugs, configuration conflicts, and security holes. Should only be started manually as it's a resource hog

Added by the DORF-AZ TROJAN!

Telstra BigPond Toolbar - "Introducing the free and easy to use BigPond Toolbar that is designed to make your internet experience and managing your Telstra internet account a whole lot easier"

Telstra Bigpond Cable login software - can be started manually

Related to BigPond_Wireless_Broadband Service by Telstra

Added by the LOWZONE-CX TROJAN!

Added by the AGENT-FZO TROJAN!

Can be setup in Quicken to remind user of due payments. Available via Start -> Programs

Added by the BINGD WORM!

Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or TROJAN!

Added by the BANCBAN-PW TROJAN!

Added by the OPASERV.T WORM!

??

BitComet P2P client - can be launched from Start -> Programs

Added by a variant of the SPYBOT WORM!

BitDefender antivirus

BitDefender antivirus

Bitdefender anti-virus for P2P clients - no longer supported at the BitDefender website

"BitTorrent DNAis a content delivery service that uses a secure, private, managed peer network to power faster, more reliable, more efficient delivery of richer content"

FaxServe network fax software

Loads the user interface for the BlackICE PC Protection (was Defender) firewall program. From the parent site - '(the user interface) starts in the "Startup" menu and adds itself to the taskbar. The user interface is independent from the rest of the system and only displays the output or reconfigures the system. It does not need to be running for the rest of the system to run.' See also LoadBlackD

Loads the user interface for the BlackICE PC Protection (was Defender) firewall program. From the parent site - '(the user interface) starts in the "Startup" menu and adds itself to the taskbar. The user interface is independent from the rest of the system and only displays the output or reconfigures the system. It does not need to be running for the rest of the system to run.' See also LoadBlackD

A Tweak-XP component, blocks advertisement banners in Internet Explorer. Can be enabled/disabled via Tweak-XP / Internet Tweaks

Part of Dell Alerts which provides customers with an update on latest updates for his/her system

Added by the DELBOT-M WORM!

Blinkx Desktop "Smart Folders" software

BuddyLinks adware

A Tweak-XP component, blocks advertisement banners in Internet Explorer. Can be enabled/disabled via Tweak-XP / Internet Tweaks

BlockChecker adware

If present on a HP machine it tracks all the processes and logs them to a blocklog.txt file

BellSouth ISP Internet Tools

Added by the BLARUL TROJAN!

Puts access to Creative's BlasterControl in the System Tray

Related to Blubster Music sharing service

Blue Frog by Blue Security Inc. - actively fights spam by posting complaints on the sites advertised by the spam you receive

BlueSoleil Bluetooth wireless manager from IVT Corporation

BlueSpace NE is a utility program used to run the Bluetooth function on VAIO computers that support the Bluetooth function or on VAIO computers connected to the Bluetooth USB adapter. Shortcut available via Start -> Programs

Added by the SDBOT-DFN WORM!

Abcsearch.com/DealHelper adware variant

Battery Manager for IBM ThinkPad laptops

Related to the BookmarkCentral entry. Typically added after downloading drivers for Visioneer scanners for example, and you install the driver self-install

NCase adware

Added by the LACON WORM!

ScreenScenes "Butterfly Oasis" screensaver. The freeware version comes with GAIN branded ads (pop-ups and others). ScreenScenes do however offer you the option of doing away with the ads by purchasing the screensaver for a whopping $30. Please note that Claria Corporation no longer support GAIN-Supported software - see here

ScreenScenes "Butterfly Oasis" screensaver. The freeware version comes with GAIN branded ads (pop-ups and others). ScreenScenes do however offer you the option of doing away with the ads by purchasing the screensaver for a whopping $30. Please note that Claria Corporation no longer support GAIN-Supported software - see here

Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!

NSClean BOClean (now Comodo) anti-malware software - "Protect yourself from online identity theft. The greatest threat on the Internet today is having your personal information hijacked remotely". Version 4.23

NSClean BOClean (now Comodo) anti-malware software - "Protect yourself from online identity theft. The greatest threat on the Internet today is having your personal information hijacked remotely". Version 4.24

Comodo BOClean anti-malware software - "Protect yourself from online identity theft. The greatest threat on the Internet today is having your personal information hijacked remotely". Version 4.25

Version 4.12 of NSClean's BOClean anti-trojan software

NSClean's BOClean anti-trojan software

BOINC manager - "controls the use of your computer's disk, network, and processor resources"

Added by the WANTVI.BF TROJAN!

Added by the ELDYCOW.O TROJAN!

Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. Protects your Windows system from application failure and crashes - similar to Norton Crashguard. Your choice - may cause problems

Adware downloader - detected by Kaspersky as the FAVADD.O TROJAN!

Bookmark Express - "offers a more flexible way to manage Web site bookmarks, regardless of which browser you use"

Boost XP from Systweak - WinXP tweaking utility

Added by the PUPPET-A TROJAN! Located in the System (9x/Me) or System32 (NT/2K/XP) folder

Part of Acer Empowering Technology. "Acer ePower Management is a straightforward interface that allows users to select from pre-configured power usage profiles, or to create their own customized profiles". Located in the "AcerEmpowering TechnologyePower" directory

Added by the DELBOT-AB WORM!

Added by the FLOOD-EV TROJAN!

Added by a variant of the SPYBOT WORM!

Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN!

Added by the WATERWORKS WORM!

Added by the AGENT-DT TROJAN!

Visual Basic program that pops up a small window on startup telling you how many times the machine has been booted that day. Once you exit it, it has no more effect on resources

From here: "Norton AntiVirus Boot Warning. This program is installed as a startup item when you install Norton AntiVirus, and also sometimes when you do a LiveUpdate which updates Norton AntiVirus significantly enough that a reboot is needed to complete the installation. We believe its purpose to be to warn the end-user that he must reboot his PC before using Norton AntiVirus in those cases when a reboot did not happen with the result that Norton AntiVirus did not fully complete its installation or software updating. Recommendation : Start Norton AntiVirus from "Start Programs Norton AntiVirus". If Norton AntiVirus comes up without problems, then fix this entry from the Msconfig Startup tab - it was left behind by mistake and is no longer needed now that Norton AntiVirus is fully installed and opens without error messages"

Part of the Boston Acoustics USB speaker systems. What does it do and is it required?

Virtual Bouncer - malware from Spyware Labs. It is distributed by the same bundling and drive-by download techniques as the parasites it claims to remove, so definitely qualifies as unsolicited commercial software in itself. It also has an update feature that can download and execute arbitrary code. Warning - choose "custom" uninstall as "automatic" may remove other programs - see here

MS TV Viewer Post Setup Program. Part of MS WebTV for Windows. Used to display TV on your PC via a compatible video card with in-built tuner (such as ATI All-In-Wonder). If you don't use it - uninstall it

BroadcastPC adware variant

Blazing Tools Perfect Keylogger keystroke logger/monitoring program - remove unless you installed it yourself!

System Tray access to BurnQuick CD burning software. Only required if you use the queueing facility, hence the U recommendation. Create your own desktop shortcut to start manually

Added by the OPASERV.E WORM!

Added by the OPASERV.E WORM!

Spyware remover - not recommended, see here

Added by an unidentified malware

Break Reminder - Remind yourself to take breaks to prevent computer related injuries. See here

BroadcastPC adware variant

BroadcastPC adware variant

BroadcastPC adware variant

Main process for the following applications: GEDEX, SICARIO, BRINOTES, BRIRESPA, SICURE, TRASGO, UNDOCS, FRESH & BRIFAME (all of them from Brindys Software). Performs the following tasks [un]installation, web software autoupdate, notification windows, interprocess communication, tray bar icons & menus, alarms (brinotes), and common web launching from the mentioned applications. Can be stopped safely once run if so desired

Brother resource manager - needed for a Brother MFC printer/copiert/scanner and PC to properly communicate

Starts Broadband Wizard so it runs in the System Tray. This application tests and optimizes your Cable or DSL connection. Available via Start -> Programs

BroadCam is an easy to use video streamer designed to broadcast live video using a webcam (or other camera) and microphone

Related to Broadcom Network Adapters for additional configuration options for these devices. Should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems

Added by the RONTOKBRO.C WORM!

Added by the BRONTOK-M WORM!

Added by the BRONTOK-N WORM!

Added by the TACTSLAY.C TROJAN!

BrowserAid/BrowserPal foistware

Added by the RBOT-AVQ WORM!

Browser Hijack Blaster - protects your system from browser hijackers and spyware that alters your IE settings. Now replaced by SpywareGuard

Browser Sentinel - notifies you if a program wants to penetrate into Internet explorer, add itself to the Windows auto-run list or change your home page

Added by the SILLYFDC-D WORM!

BSplayer - A video player used to play avi, mpg, wmv and other multimedia files

CD recording utility that comes with a lot of CDR/CDRW drives and isn't required

RapidBlaster variant (in a "BelmontSoft" folder in Program Files). Recommended you use RapidBlaster Killer to uninstall - see here

BSplayer - a video player used to play avi, mpg, wmv and other multimedia files

Associated with an Anycom bluetooth wireless card. What does it do and is it required?

BT Privacy Online modem protection software, see here

Related to a USB Bluetooth adaptor. What does it do and is it required?

Broadcom (formerly WIDCOMM) Bluetooth Connectivity Software

System tray icon which shows the status of a BlueTooth wireless module. Most systems with such a module installed can enable/disable the module. The system tray icon changes from blue/white to blue/red when the module is turned off. Allows access to explore bluetooth places, setup wizard, advanced configuration, quick connect and shutdown device

Used with a Mitsumi USB Bluetooth adaptor (and maybe others)

Used with a Mitsumi USB Bluetooth adaptor (and maybe others)

BroadcastPC adware variant

Added by Windows SteadyState which "helps make it easy for you to keep your computers running the way you want them to, no matter who uses them." Bubble allows notification messages to appear on a computer managed by Windows SteadyState

Part of the AIMster Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing application that runs over the AOL Instant Messenger network

Bug Eliminator - "performs a complete health check on your computer safely, securely, and silently!"

Bugtoaster is a service that sends reports on system/program crashes (certain types) back to Bugtoaster. They relay information to program authors and provide, if available, any known solutions to the crashes. It doesn't take up any room in memory, just activates in the event of certain program failures

Part of Dell Alerts which provides customers with an update on latest updates for his/her system

BulletProof FTP Server

Part of BullGuard antivirus

Part of Bullguard antivirus

BargainBuddy adware

BargainBuddy adware

Bullseye - intelligent research assistant

Added by the LEBREAT-E WORM!

System Tray access to BurnQuick CD burning software. Only required if you use the queueing facility, hence the U recommendation. Create your own desktop shortcut to start manually

Found on a Compaq PC, for the extra buttons on the keyboard for the speaker volume, media player, sleep and internet buttons. If the buttons aren't used on the keyboard or your's doesn't have them, then it isn't required

CyberView TWAIN driver for the Pacific Image range of 35mm film scanners. Enables the one touch scanning button and places an icon an the System Tray. Use your scanners software or run it manually by creating a shortcut

Buzme by RingCentral, Inc - internet call waiting. Intercepts telephone calls like an answering machine and plays the voice message on your PC. Only required when you're on-line and via dial-up modem

Buzof from Basta Computing "enables you to automatically answer, close or minimize virtually any recurring window including messages, prompts, and dialog boxes"

FaxServe network fax software

Added by the BXPROXY TROJAN!

Caddais BackupOnDemand - "runs in the background and monitors your important files for changes. Within seconds of changing, modified files are automatically backed up to an archive location"

Printer software for Canon Bubblejet printers

Added by the RANDEX.BE WORM!

Added by the NEMSI-B VIRUS!

See here - "messaging service that automatically sends you support information, tips, ideas, and special offers from HP and our partners, especially designed for HP and Compaq desktop computer owners". * can be any digit

Added by the SDBOT-XS WORM!

BrowserAid/BrowserPal foistware

Brother scanner 'Control Center' application - can be started manually

Added by the TACTSLAY.C TROJAN!

Added by the DELF-LB TROJAN!

Added by the BEAGLE.A WORM!

Data LifeGuard diagnostic tools for Western Digital's series of hard drives

Added by the MYFIP.AC WORM!

A utility to launch the applications that are bundled with a Canon bubblejet printer

ESPN BottomLine. "You can dock the BottomLine to the top or bottom of your screen or drag it around on your desktop, without even worrying about a browser. As long you keep the BottomLine running, you will continue to receive live scores and breaking news, and by clicking on any score or news item, you will be taken directly to the corresponding page on ESPN.com for a full break down."

Associated with mysearchnow.com/searchbar.html

PurityScan/Clickspring adware

Added by the AHKER.E WORM!

Added by the SILOV-B WORM!

HorngTech 4D mouse driver

See here - "messaging service that automatically sends you support information, tips, ideas, and special offers from HP and our partners, especially designed for HP and Compaq desktop computer owners". Applies to certain HP Pavilion desktop computers between Fall 2001 and Spring 2003. * can be any digit

Added by the TACTSLAY.C TROJAN!

Homepage hijacker, redirecting to coolwwwsearch.com; see for example here

Added by the MUMU.B WORM!

Software updater for Kodak Easyshare digital cameras

Installed with the software for Logitech products. Automatically checks for software upgrades AND new products, services and special offerings from Logitech

Bitware modem driver

This is the "intrusion detection system" of the BlackICE PC Protection (was Defender) firewall which loads independently of the "user interface" (BlackICE Utility)

Fujitsu Siemens Lifebook laptops have some buttons on the case that can be programmed to execute specified programs (like hotkeys). The buttons can also be used as a combination lock input

Added by the GIBE WORM!

Installed with the software for Logitech products. Automatically checks for software upgrades AND new products, services and special offerings from Logitech

Added by the LITMUS.203 TROJAN!

Added by the MYTOB.AJ WORM!

Added by the HANSAH-A WORM!

Added by the TACTSLAY.C TROJAN!

Added by the RBOT.CWG WORM!

Added by the AHKER.J WORM!

Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN!

Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN!

Added by the SDBOT.EV WORM!

Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!

Added by the RBOT-FMN WORM!

Added by the RBOT-KS WORM!

Added by the RBOT.XL WORM!

Added by the BDOOR-AW TROJAN!

Added by the SDBOT.IH WORM!

Added by the RBOT.AFL WORM!

Added by the RBOT-AVK WORM!

Added by the VANEBOT-K WORM!

Added by the SDBOT.AHG WORM!

Added by a variant of the AGOBOT/GAOBOT WORM!

System tray icon for help from BT Broadband, used to communicate internet problems via the network rather than telephone. Available via desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs - not required

Added by the RBOT-AMF WORM!

Added by the BUTSUR-A WORM!

Added by the BUTSUR-A WORM!