Spyware, Adware And Computer Viruses

To a lot of computer users spyware, adware and computer viruses are all the same. In a way they are: they have all been sneaked onto your computer and none of them are going to benefit you, the computer user. They are all a majestic pain in the neck.

However, there are differences between them and, as a computer user, you might just as well know what those differences are so that you may correctly make a decision how many resources you are going to devote to getting shot of them.

Spyware: spyware is like a leech. It can get delivered to your computer via email attachments, as part of a free program or even as part of a program you paid for. Often, spyware is attached to something useful that individuals pass around because it is practical, humorous or pornographic.

Once the ebook or email is opened, the parasitic spyware goes off and secretes itself somewhere in your computer. Spyware can do lots of things, but like all good parasites, it is not there to harm your computer.

It is there to read your key strokes, scan your hard drives and record the sites you visit. Then, say, once a week, while the computer is inactive, it sends all this information home to its creator. The creator may then use this knowledge as he or she sees fit, but first they have to untangle it all. Software will do that.

The least that will occur is that the data will show that you have been looking for, say, new shoes on line and you will get heaps of spam on new shoes. One of the worst things that can happen is that it will have read your banking details and there may be an attempt on your bank account.

Adware: adware is comparable, but it is seen as practically legitimate. Typically, a practical program like a download accelerator will note where it has downloaded files for you from and it will report that back to its creator and you will be spammed again.

Theft is not part of the raison d'etre of adware. Look in your cookies and you will see dozens of these little programs gathering information on your every move. Most of the big names in the computer world, including Google, use Adware in the form of cookies to find out what you would like before anyone else does, so that they can be the first to serve it up to you.

Computer Viruses: include Trojans, worms and all the other forms of malware to most people. These are usually disruptive or destructive in nature and intended to ruin your computing or surfing experience. It is easy to understand why someone would make spyware and adware, but not viruses. Some people appear to get a thrill out of causing mayhem for others.

The only way to keep spyware, adware and computer viruses off your computer is by using good antivirus software and a firewall. Many people are happy with the amount of protection that the free Windows firewall and AV software provides.

Others utilize the free Windows firewall, but use a third party free AV program. Yet others purchase a commercial package that has its own firewall and AV software. It really depends on the level of protection that you are happy with and whether you are willing to pay for it.

Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with the cheap antivirus software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software