Q: What is the Difference Between Spyware Adware Malware?

A:  All of these are things to avoid, but for the curious, here is the scoop.  (For recommendations on how to protect your computer, be sure to check out our FAQ on Best Anti-Spyware.)

Adware is a program, often willingly downloaded by the user, that you "pay for" by agreeing to view advertisements while the software is running.  The programmer or software company that produces the program is then reimbursed by the advertisement company.  There is usually an option to upgrade to a paid version that will remove the ads.  Adware is troubling because it often uses system resources and sometimes the line between adware and the more troubling spyware is blurry.  Examples of adware are "free" screen savers, coupon printers, smiley packages, email enhancement programs, etc.  Remember the famous old line - "there is no such thing as a free lunch."

Spyware is the next step up from adware.  Spyware snoops on your system and monitors your web surfing to try to determine what your interests are.  This information is provided to the advertising company, which can then prevent more targeted advertising.  Essentially, you are being spied upon, hence the name spyware.  Spyware does not usually ask for permission to install itself, and does its best to remain undetected.

Malware is used to describe the most malicious variants of this type of software.  If spyware is the smooth guy at the end of the bar trying to buy the ladies a drink, malware is the drunk guy getting into a fight with his girlfriend over by the pool tables.   Unlike spyware, which can be annoying, malware will affects the normal functionality of your system, often making your computer virtually unusable.  Typical symptoms are non-stop, annoying pop ups that appear out of no where to direct you to some sales sites.  Malware may send bogus email messages from your system.  Whereas spyware is more passive, malware can be downright vicious.

Rootkits are very sneaky Malwares that actually compromise the operating system and attempt to hide themselves.  They may try to disable any anti-virus and anti-spyware programs they find to prevent their detection.

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