Computer Viruses, Spyware, Trojans, and Malware – What’s the Difference?

Learn more about the difference between computer viruses and malware including Trojan Horses, Spyware, Network Worms, and other malicious programs.

What are Adware and Spyware?

• Any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running is called Adware. And any software that sends data back to a third party - WITHOUT ASKING the user - is Spyware.

• This means that software can be Adware and Spyware at the same time! More importantly, not all Adware is Spyware and most Spyware is NOT easily detected by displaying ads.

What is Spyware?

• Spyware is software that transmits information back to a third party without notifying the user.

  Note: Some privacy advocates also call legitimate computer monitoring, filtering, Internet monitoring, password recovery, security or surveillance software "Spyware" because it could be used without notifying the users.

Adware Removal

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If you are on an "always-on" Internet connection, we strongly advise you to consider using a more complex antivirus solution.

1. Free Removal Software

• Malwarebytes - helps you defeat Malware once and for all.
• Lavasoft Ad-Aware - The classic, FREE adware and spyware removal software
• AVG - Essential protection. Easy to use.
• avast! - Great for normal browsing, it frequently outranks competitors' paid-for suites in independent tests.
• Spybot Search & Destroy - Another good free adware and spyware remover
• Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft's own free Spyware and Adware-Remover
• STOPzilla - STOPzilla is a powerful anti-spyware software.
• Bitdefender Free - This free antivirus software download is an on-demand virus scanner, which is best used in a system recovery or forensics role.
• ZoneAlarm® Free Firewall 2016 - All-in-one free security that seamlessly integrates Antivirus and ZoneAlarm Firewall together for maximum protection and performance.

2. Protection and Removal Software

The following programs are capable of protecting and removing Spyware.

• Norton Security
• Kaspersky Lab
• AVAST!
• Bitdefender
• AVG Anti-Virus
• Malwarebytes Products
• Trend Micro
• Norman Safeground
• F-Secure
• Sophos Home
• Webroot
• McAfee
• Zone Alarm