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One hears the words adware, spyware, and computer viruses in connection with online computer use. Have you ever wondered, what exactly are they and how are they a security threat to your computer? This article is written to explain the differences, assist in providing information to protect your computer and advise you of the warning signs so you will be better prepared if spyware, adware, and viruses attack your computer.

The internet is loaded with numerous nasty software and programs waiting infect your computer. Trying to decipher the vast kinds of malicious software and their differences can be more than confusing.

It is not uncommon for viruses, spyware, and adware to be confused with one another. Unfortunately, the overall result from each type of these software is an infected troubled computer. Each infects and affects your computer differently since each has its own goal for doing so.

Infecting Spyware
Software with the name “spyware” is indicative of the function of the software. This type of software is called malware, it infects a computer, secretly collecting information pertaining to the computer user without the user being aware of the software’s presence. Spyware not only infects privately used computers but it’s presence has been found on public library computers and company computers as well.
Besides invisibly collecting data, spyware software is capable of installing additional software on your computer and hijacking your browser to redirect computer users to unwanted websites. Spyware can change computer system settings resulting in the computer completely shutting off unexpectedly.

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Irritating Adware
Adware is software that automatically displays or downloads advertisement onto your computer. You have to really beware since some adware can also be spyware.

Adware can be bundled in with software called shareware to make sure the software developer receives revenue for the creation of the program. Adware becomes irritating and illegal when the adware is monitoring the users internet habits and uses advertisement for the most watched sites as pop-ups when not wanted or least expected.

You want to remember not all adware affects your computer negatively. When it is part of a shareware program that is legitimate, it does not act as spyware when residing in your computer.

Computer Viruses
The last to be discussed in our list of nefarious attackers of computers are viruses. These are programs that can copy themselves and infect a computer. They spread from computer to computer through internet, network, or media connections such as an infected CD.
The purpose of a virus is to cause interference with your computer operating system deleting data and corrupting files. It is usually transmitted by opening email programs and then spreads itself to other or network computers. Some viruses are capable of wiping out a hard drive. Conclusion It is necessary to protect your computer against any form of threats of malicious attacks from spyware, adware and viruses. Knowing what techniques are used and the individual differences of spyware, viruses, adware and the various ways they attack your computer is the first step in protecting your computer.