Adware, Spyware and Viruses

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There are some similarities between Adware, Spyware and computer viruses. The main one of course is the level of danger or annoyance they pose for our computers. But let’s look at the three in some detail.

Spyware is software that does not intentionally harm your computer. What they do is create pathways wherein someone else aside from the computer owner can communicate with the computer. Normally spywares record 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. But spyware can also extract valuable and private information from your computer. This is the main reason why spyware should be greatly avoided and steps taken immediately to remove any spyware from your computer if you suspect any has been installed there.

Basically Spyware are executable programs which allow them to record keystrokes, scan files on your hard disks and even query other applications that you use including but not limited to chat programs, cookies and Web browser settings.

The spyware can then send the information gathered to another computer that is accessible by others. The information collected can be used for a wide array of purposes from advertising to even fraud.

Adware, on the other hand, are less dangerous than spyware and can even have some form of legitimacy. Similar to spyware however, adwares are packaged into a software or program and are usually installed automatically as a result of some online activity or even through the installation of other programs. As the name suggests, Adware is mainly concerned with showing ads on your computer, most of the time without your permission.

Some signs of spyware and adware infections are pop-up ads that seem to be not related to the site you are viewing. Another indication that you have spyware or adware on your computer is a very slow computer for no apparent reason. Whether it is adware or spyware, you want to take actions to protect your computer. There are several tools out there to help you do this. For a full review of some of these types of tools go to Adware Reviews or Spyware Reviews.

Of the three, viruses are the most destructive form of software. Viruses are purely designed and created for one purpose only - to wreak havoc on your computer system. Once your computer is infected any number of damages can be inflicted, from damage to your files or deletion of files to taking over some functions completely such as the sending of e-mails. Virus normally replicate from computer to computer mainly through e-mails or file sharing.

Quite a number of anti-virus software have been developed to detect and stop viruses from infecting your computer. Some provide utilities to scan and remove spyware and adware. However the more useful ones are more focused at identifying and removing computer viruses or stopping them before they can do any damage to your computer system.

There are some actions you can take to guard yourself against viruses. One obvious one is do not open e-mails from unknown senders. Another is to not download any files from sites you do not trust or from e-mails. Even if you think you can trust the sender of an e-mail that has an attached file or you are sure about the safety of a site you are downloaded a file from, it is always a good idea to scan these files for viruses.

There are a number of really good tools that allow you to guard yourself against viruses and you should plan to invest in at least one as soon as possible. To see a full review of virus detection and removal tools, visit Virus Control Reviews.