The Differences Between Viruses & Spyware
The Differences between Viruses and Spyware
A lot of people who are new to computing and especially to the
internet usually lump both viruses and Spyware together.
However, both viruses and Spyware are two completely different
entities. To protect yourself from both, here are some common
definitions and ways to protect yourself.
A virus is a piece of malicious code that is sent
indiscriminately across the internet or passed around on saved
media such as data CD's, data DVD's and floppy discs. A virus
works similar to its real world counterpart, by placing snippets
of code into applications and programs and contaminating the
original programs so they no longer work properly. The best and
easiest way to get rid of a virus is to use a virus scanning
software that will search your entire computer or media and find
viruses which are then destroyed. Some virus scanning software
is free, while others charge a nominal fee.
Spyware is a type of program that is downloaded unknowingly with
another program. While most downloadable software companies
don't include Spyware, there are many downloadable programs that
not only include a program that was initially intended to be
downloaded but a secret program that keeps track of your online
movements as well as sends information back to an online
database about your online and computing habits.
Some Spyware can cause your computer not to run optimally and
there are few Spyware programs that can actually find and send
personal and private data to an online database without you
knowing it. To combat Spyware there are certain programs that
will seek out and find Spyware on your computer and destroy it.
Some of these programs come with virus scanning software and
most are extremely inexpensive. So to be safe, protect yourself
from Spyware and viruses.
About the author:
Jay is the web owner of http://www.dsl-in.com DSL, a website that provides
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Providers. You can also visit his website at:
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Written by: Jason Bauder