Spyware vs Viruses, what are the differences?

Spyware is defined as software installed on your computer that spys on your personal information. Viruses differ in their operation and motives. A computer virus is a self-replicating program that explicitly copies itself and that can infect other programs by modifying them or their environment such that a call to an infected program implies a call to a possibly evolved copy of the virus.

While some spyware have "virus-like" characteristics in the way they operate but their motives remain different. Spyware is motivated by obtaining your personal information or getting you to visit a web site. Spyware is usually motivated by making money off of your personal information. Sometimes it is used for surveilling your online or computer habits. Viruses are generally motivated by disrupting your computer usage in some way. Different viruses differ in ways of operation and disruption but they are still aimed at creating havoc on your system.

Antivirus programs sometimes have anti-spyware functions because of their similar structure and modes operation. These are usually bonus features that don't replace a full blown anti-spyware programs in general. That is why we recommend that you purchase both for your total protection. Please check out www.anti-spyware-review.net for your spyware education and purchase needs.