Infections are never good
Question:
About 5 years ago I remember that all I needed to protect my computer from was a virus. Now I keep hearing about Spyware, Trojans and other terms that are considered dangerous. What is the difference between these? Are they not just all viruses?
Answer:
About 5 years ago I remember that all I needed to protect my computer from was a virus. Now I keep hearing about Spyware, Trojans and other terms that are considered dangerous. What is the difference between these? Are they not just all viruses?
Unfortunately no, they are all different types of infections and none of them are good. I will give you a good explanation of each type of infection and what it does once it's inside your computer. Some are considered harmless and some can do major damage so always keep your antivirus up to date for maximum protection and be smart when downloading content from the web. If you're about to download a file and are not sure if it's safe, type the file name in the Google toolbar and see what information comes up about it, you may be surprised.
Virus: A Virus is a small program that once installed on your computer generally likes to spread to other parts of your computer and as well to other computers via email or wired and wireless networks. Some virus's can damage your files and computer while others tend to just spread. Viruses will attach themselves to pre-existing programs installed on your computer.
Worm: Worms are much like a virus as they want to spread to other computers, but it does not attach itself to an existing program. Worms tend to have less malicious characteristics, meaning that it probably won't delete any files or disrupt your computers operation.
Trojan or Trojan horse: This is a program that once it finds its way onto your computer will open up what's called a back door to allow the controller of the Trojan to access your computer. Trojans are targeted at a specific computer and generally will not spread on its own.
Spyware: This is computer software that once installed, spy's on your various pieces of personal data and usually sends it to a master server where it is collected and used mainly for marketing purposes. Though it does sound harmless, some spyware will collect personal information such as credit card information that can be used for identity theft as well it can disrupt your computers functionality.
Adware: Pretty much does what it says, once installed it will blast you with advertisements, pop-up's, and sometimes will ask you to purchase software and other items. It is very annoying and anyone who has had this knows what I mean.
Malware: Is designed to infiltrate your computer and do damage. Although it may not delete files or crash your computer, malware can be aggravating and to an average user may be mistaken for a virus, the two are very different but ether way it is still very bad.
Rootkit: Rootkits are becoming more and more popular because they are designed to corrupt the legitimate control of your computer. Basically once a Rootkit is installed it is pretty much undetectable by any means and the computer should be wiped clean and reinstalled. Rootkits generally open a back door for the controller. It can be considered a super Trojan.
Although some of these items might sound the same, each one has a specific purpose and each carries its own implications. Generally you do not want any of these on your computer. Keep your anti-virus protection up to date and be smart. For more detailed information on each of these, type the name in Google and have a look at the Wikipedia link, it is very informative.
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