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Viruses |
Spyware |
Packaging |
Viruses send themselves around the internet and include the code necessary to reproduce themselves as part of their code. Viruses may be definitively identified by their contents.
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Spyware is reproduced through the agency of active Web content or other programs that are run on machines (usually without the owner's knowledge or consent, or by false advertising). It can only be identified from traces that remain behind after active content has run and is gone. |
Self-documentation |
Viruses leave copies of themselves available for decompiling and investigation. |
Spyware leaves only trace footprints, making innoculation tough to compile. |
Distribution |
Viruses transport themselves around in many different ways. |
Spyware sits on webpages and waits for visitors to attack. |
Complexity |
Viruses survive or die based on their contents and payloads. |
Spyware remains available to its creators over time, so they can change it whenever they like. |
Analysis, identification and repair |
Anti-virus companies can usually provide an update within 24 hours of discovering a new virus or determining a new variant. |
Anti-spyware companies must find the infection source code before they can begin a comparison, usually taking at least 72 hours. |
Self-contained packaging and definite footprints for viruses are the way to recognize and destroy viruses. For spyware, the transient, hidden and often unavailable code for traces and symptoms give us a close but non-definite answer. |
Your best bet for a virus-free computer is to have up-to-date antivirus software installed, such as Norton SystemWorks or McAfee Internet Security Suite. AnythingPC proudly carries these titles and many, many more! Stop by our store or shop online for the latest products and deals on virus prevention products.
