Virus Removal vs Spyware Removal What's the Difference?

In today's lingo, a ""computer virus"" means any sort of program that has snuck, unbeknownst to you, onto your system and is causing you problems. In reality, however, a computer virus is a very specific thing, technically different from the common ""spyware"" or ""adware"" that often makes its way onto your system. What is the difference between a virus and spyware, and what is the difference, if any, between virus removal and spy/adware removal?

A computer virus is a program that can replicate itself when it infects your machine. These little bits of malicious code make it onto your system, normally, via infected email attachments or by hiding on disks that you insert into your computer. Once there, they take up shop on your system and go about making lots of little copies of themselves, just like a virus does inside the human body � hence the name. These programs can corrupt data, stop different applications from running, and, in the worst case scenario, completely crash your computer.

Spyware and Adware, however, are a different kettle of fish. For one, they don't replicate themselves with the intention of spreading to other machines; rather, they're there to either record the activities you do on your computer, or they constantly show you ""pop up"" ads or hijack your web browser, taking you to sites you don't want to visit. They're not designed to HARM, but rather to spy on or redirect.

So, what's the difference between virus removal and spyware removal? In theory, everything, and in practice, not a lot. Let me explain:

Virus removal and spyware removal are both accomplished the same way, by utilizing a software program that seeks out and destroys the malicious or unwanted code. However, you're probably going to find that just because a program will give you virus removal doesn't mean it will give you spyware or adware removal, or vice versa. You might need to locate different programs to scan for and destroy each type of problem program.

You can go a long way to avoiding the need for virus or spyware removal, however, by protecting your computer system. Be sure that you have a good firewall installed and running at all times, and keep it up to date. The same goes for anti-virus software and anti-spy and adware programs. New threats come out almost daily, and you need to keep your protections current. Just like last year's flu shot won't protect you from this year's virus, yesterday's software security won't protect you today. Keep your operating system up to date, too; viruses are written to exploit weaknesses in your system, and operating system patches will be released to fix that weakness when it's discovered.

Being careful and keeping current with your protections can help keep your need for virus removal nonexistent.