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Tuesday 2 June 2009

Adware, Spyware , Anti-virus.WhatsThe Difference ?

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So what`s the Difference`s between Adware, Spyware & Anti-virus -

Adware, spyware & computer virus share similarities, one of which is that all three are major nuisances for us the computer users. Let's differentiate between the three.

Spyware is software that doesn`t intentionally harm your computer.
What they do : -
they create a pathway where someone else, apart 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 let them send you unwanted emails & pop-ups.


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

The spyware then will send the information that it had gathered to the spyware author. The agent will then use this information for advertising & marketing purposes. They even sell the information to advertisers & third parties.

Adware, on the other hand is a more legitimate form of freeware. Similar to spyware, adwares are advertising materials which are packaged into software or program & installed automatically once that particular program or software is added into the computer system. Some forms of adware, on the other hand, download advertising contents as a particular application is being utilized. It is unfortunate that most of the adware programs take the form of spyware that track`s & report`s user information to the program authors.

Some signs of spyware infections include pop-up ads that seem to be not related to the site you are viewing. More often than not, spyware pop-ups are advertisements about pornographic contents & gambling. If you notice your computer slowing down, there's a chance that spywares has found it`s way in too your operating system. When the Windows desktop also takes a longer time to load, its best to scan your computer for possible spyware infections.

Meanwhile, viruses are destructive form of software. They were purely designed & created for one purpose : to wreck havoc on your computer. They destroy whatever they come in contact with & will initiate self replication & infect as many components of the computer's operating system or network as they can.

Nowadays, a lot of anti-virus software also provides spyware & adware scanning & removal utilities. Some programs, however, are focused on locating & deleting or destroying spyware & adware programs. Whether is an anti-virus software or an anti-spyware scanner, they both search your computer - identify any spyware & virus installed on your system.

They then remove it as well as their components located in the system registry among other places in your computer. It is therefore, good practice to regularly update your anti-virus or spyware scanner to make sure that your computer is protected from the thousands of spyware & viruses 0n the internet.

These adware`s maybe spyware in disguise & are just waiting to be deployed for them to gather your information. Learn to setup firewall systems & always block pop-up blockers to minimize computer infection and ensure the security of your computer files.
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To see a small series composed on how hackers are operating made by the BBC take a look here

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