What’s the difference between spyware and a virus?
Spyware and viruses are both forms of unwanted or malicious software, sometimes called “malware.” You need to protect yourself from both.
What’s the difference?
- Spyware (sometimes called adware) collects information about you without appropriate notice and consent.
- A computer virus spreads software, usually malicious in nature, from computer to computer.
Spyware can get installed on your computer in a number of ways. One way is through a virus. Another way is for it to be secretly downloaded and installed with other software you’ve chosen to install.
In short, spyware is a specific type of unwanted software that secretly collects your information.
A virus is a specific way software can be secretly distributed, often by e-mail or instant messaging.
Both spyware and viruses can cause damage to your computer or cause you to lose important data.
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September 11th, 2008 at 6:22 am
More information on the differences between spyware and virus: http://www.spyware2.net
IMO, spyware do not spread and multiply like viruses. And viruses do not collect personal information. These days malware are hybrid: they can be classified as both virus and spyware.