Computers can be confusing even for some of us that have used them a long time and think we know what we are doing. To add to the confusion for a lot of folks is the 'naming' of programs and processes.
Microsoft really confused folks by giving their email programs such similar names, Outlook (part of their Office suite) and Outlook Express which came with Windows 95 up through Windows XP. Tech support long ago learned to ask if their email problems are for OE or MS Outlook in Office.
There is the 'Messenger' as well. There is the regular Messenger, the instant messenger application and then there's the Windows Messenger Service (which the hackers found all too soon and used it to spam users even when not in email).
Microsoft is not the only culprit giving stuff almost the same names. There's Windows Media Player (comes with Windows) and Media Player Classic (not a Microsoft program). Guess the program author couldn't think of something unique.
There are a lot of stuff out there with similar names and the bad guys take advantage of this copycat name thing. They make really bad programs that sound like a good program and get folks to install them on their computers. Sometimes these programs are touted as being free, but usually there is a charge. These nasties do two things, first they take your money and then they spy on you.
You just can't be too careful out there on the wild and wooly web and never take a name at face value!
Martha
