The terms Adware, Spyware and Virus are nothing new to us.
For a layman, all the three terms are one and the same.
In other words he names them as Malicious or simply virus because virus is much known term when compared to other two.
Let me differentiate these terms in simple words.
One thing is for sure that these are the major nuisances faced by the computer users.
SPYWARE is a computer software that collects our own personal information with out our knowledge.
This personal information is secretly recorded with a variety of techniques.
The techniques range from logging keystrokes, recording internet web browsing history and scanning documents on the PC's hard disk.
Spyware may collect different types of information.
Spyware tracks the websites which the user visits and sends this information to web advertisers through which they send unwanted emails and pop-ups which are simply a nuisance to the web browsers.
Some spyware indulge in the theft of passwords of credit cards and leaks out our financial details which is nothing but a criminal affair.
In other words, SPYWARE is simply that tracks the web browsing activities and is closely associated with identity theft and fraud.
The term ADWARE is nothing but a software which displays advertisements, whether or not the user has consented.
The more controversial nature of adware is that it often takes the form of spyware, where the user's activity is tracked, reported, and often re-sold, without the knowledge or consent of the user.
Many spyware programs display advertisements.
Some programs simply display pop-up ads on a regular basis.
One can note that advertisements containing adult content seem to pop-up which are no way related to the subject of the web viewer.
Moreover sluggish performance of the PC denotes that some form of spyware has attacked the PC and it's an alarming issue.
A VIRUS is a computer program that replicates itself and infects the PC without knowledge of the user.
But one is for sure, a virus spreads from one PC to another if the user sends it over the network or carries it on a removable medium such as floppy disk, CD or USB drive.
Some viruses are programmed to damage the computer by damaging programs, deleting files, or reformatting the hard disk.
Whereas the other simply replicate themselves and perhaps make their presence known by presenting text, video, or audio messages.
As a result, they often cause erratic behavior and can result in system crashes and data loss.
Many programmers and commercial firms has been working relentlessly to combat these nuisances.
As the spyware, adware and virus threat has worsened, a number of techniques have emerged to counteract it.
These include programs designed to remove or to block spyware, adware and virus.
To remove spyware, anti spyware has been developed.
To remove adware, anti adware has been programmed.
To counteract virus, anti virus software has been developed.
Now-a-days, anti virus software also provides spyware and adware remover utilities.
Similarly anti spyware software application has anti adware and anti virus removal capabilities.
With the advent of technology, the programmers have come up with Internet Security Suite which includes anti virus, firewall and anti spyware software in one single package.
Whatever may be the software it is recommended to download programs only from reputable sources.