Adware, spyware and computer viruses share some similarities. The largest one being that all three are major nuisances for computer users. But I guess that might be a bit simplistic so let’s differentiate the three a bit more.

Spyware is software that does not intentionally harm your computer. It creates pathways wherein someone else, aside from the computer owner, can communicate with the computer. Normally spyware records the various types of web sites you visit which are later used by web advertisers to allow them to send you unwanted emails and pop-ups.

This is why spyware is usually frowned upon and greatly avoided. It is more intrusive than adware. Spyware has its own separate executable programs which allow it to record your keystrokes, scan files on your hard disks, and look at other applications that you use including, but not limited to, chat programs, cookies, and Web browser settings.

The spyware will then send the information that it gathers to the spyware author. The agent will use this information for advertising and marketing purposes. They may even sell the information to advertisers and other parties. 

Adware is typically a little less nefarious by nature. Although it is similar to spyware, adware is advertising materials which are packaged into a software or program and are installed automatically once that particular program or software is added into the computer system. Some forms of adware download advertising contents as a particular application is being utilized. Both Adware and Spyware tend to slow the computer down and tend to be a general pain, either way. 

Some signs of spyware include pop-up ads that seem to be un-related to the site you are viewing. More often than not, spyware pop-ups are advertisements with adult content. Also if you notice your computer slowing down, there’s a big chance that spyware and its other components have found their way into your operating system. If the Windows desktop also takes a longer than normal time to load, it’s best to scan your computer for possible spyware infections.

Viruses, on the other hand, can be quite destructive. They were purely designed to wreck havoc to your computer. They may destroy, or maliciously alter the systems with which they come in contact.  A virus cannot self-replicate, meaning they have to have some type of human interaction to spread, but they do have some creative ways of getting users help them spread and infect other systems. 

Any way you spin it, all of these little bugs are nasty and need to be removed from your system.  There are lots of tools to help with that but if you’re not confident that you know what you’re doing, check with the professionals.  BizTek Connection has great solutions that can resolve these issues without you ever leaving your home or office.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 24th, 2010 at 12:19 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.