The Differences Between Spyware, Adware and Viruses
Spyware, Adware and computer system viruses share some of there qualities, the biggest being that they are all major security risks for internet users. Let us compare all three.
Spyware is a type of software that doesn't intentionally harm the computer system it infects. But they will create a path for someone else besides the computer owner to communicate with the computer system and invade your privacy. Usually the spyware will record the different types of web pages that you've visited which will be used later by web advertising companies to allow them to send you unwanted emails, ads and pop-ups.
This is one reason spyware is usually frowned upon and greatly avoided by all. They are also more invasive than adware. Spywares usually have a totally separate executable program to allow them to record all of your keystrokes, scan your files on your hard disks and look at other programs that you are using including but not limited to chat rooms, cookies and your browser settings.
The spyware will then send all of your information that it has recorded to the spyware maker. They will then use your information for advertising and marketing reasons. Then they will sell your private information to other advertisers.
Adware, is usually a more legitimate form of freeware. Similar to spyware, adware is a type of advertising material which is packaged with software or other programs and then installed automatically once that program is used. Some types of adware can download unwanted advertising and pop-ups as that particular program is being used. It is quite unsettling to know that most of these adware programs are also a form of spyware. They also track and report your private info to the program makers.
A few signs of a spyware infection are pop-ups that are not related to the sites you are surfing. A lot of the time spyware pop-ups are ads about adult content. Or if you've notice a slowing down of your computer, there's a good possibility that spyware has infected your computers operating system. If your Windows desktop is taking a longer time to load, it would be a good idea to scan your system for possible spyware infections.
Then there are viruses. Viruses are a more destructive form of computer malware. They made and designed for only one reason: to wreck havoc on your computer. They will attempt to destroy anything that they come in contact with and will replicate and infect your entire computer's operating system.
Sometimes anti-virus software will also provide a spyware or adware scanner and removal tool. Some programs, however, are programed to locate and delete or destroy spyware and adware removal tools. If it is a anti-virus program or a anti-spyware program, they both search your computer and attempt to identify and remove any spyware and virus present on your computer.
It is always good to update your virus or spyware scanner so that your computer is protected from the many thousands of spyware and viruses on the internet.
Don't forget that adware maybe just spyware in disguise and are just waiting to be unleashed to gather your private information. Always setup a firewall on your systems and always block pop-ups to minimize the possibility of a computer infection and ensure your security.
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Available Spyware/Adware Reports
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