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Application Ratings Explained

		FAQ: Ratings Explained Application type: An application can be listed under a few different categories. namely scumware, spyware, adware and malware. For complete definitions, please visit our frequently asked questions on scumware, spyware, adware and malware definitions. Security Compromise: If the application poses a risk or potential threat to the end user by collecting and/or sharing sensitive or personably identifiable information, by controlling computer processes or running programs and/or processes it is considered to pose a security risk. Advertising: If the application uses advertising of any kind to support its continued operation. Privacy Violation: If an application collects, shares or distributes personally identifiable information. Stability Problems: If the application causes errors to occur during normal computer usage which may lock, halt or hang other programs or applications being utilized by the end user. Overall Risk: A consideration of the overall implications of installing and using a particular program or application. Scum Rating: A consideration of the nature of the program itself, how it is installed, how it earns revenue and its effect on the end user. Security & Privacy Risk: A specific consideration of the security and privacy risks of installing and using an application. How Sections are Rated: Each section is assigned a rating (if appropriate) or a "yes" or "no" answer to the question posed. If a rating is applicable to that particular section, it is comprised of a scale from 1 to 5 which indicates the degree of severity for that section. Each rating is accompanied by a color coded bar for easy reading:  : 1 - The lowest on the scale of 1 to 5, exhibiting a few potentially harmful or scummy traits with little effect on the end user. : 2 - Exhibiting some, but not necessarily all harmful or scummy traits, with a few effects on the end user. : 3 - The middle of the scale, a program which exhibits traits with a degree of risk to the end user. : 4 - A program which exhibits several traits, with a higher potential for damage and higher risk to the end user. : 5 - The top of the scale of 1 to 5, exhibiting several very harmful and/or risky traits with significant risks to the end user. A program which should be avoided.