Comparison of Antivirus & Spyware
According to Microsoft, spyware is a general term for software that performs certain behaviors, generally without appropriately obtaining your prior permission. It also states that spyware is often associated with software called "adware" that displays advertisements, or software that tracks personal or sensitive information. Microsoft defines antivirus as a computer program that detects, prevents and attempts to disarm or remove malicious software programs such as worms and viruses.
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Comparison of Antivirus & Spyware
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The relationship between antivirus and spyware is akin to that between penicillin and infections. Antivirus software programs are designed to undo, as much as possible, the effects of spyware the way penicillin fights the effects of infections. Spyware is in every sense an infection. Like a disease, it uses the resources of its host (memory, CPU etc.) in a manner that is inimical to the host. Spyware causes "harm," while an antivirus works for "good." Although spyware and antivirus programs are both sets of computer coded instructions, that is their only similarity.
History of Spyware
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The term spyware, as used today, was first applied to Internet safety software by Zone Labs around the early 2000s. It was used in reference to its "Zone Alarm Personal Firewall" software product designed to protect online users. In response to spyware's growth, laws have been enacted to protect users. The Internet Spyware Prevention Act was passed in 2005, which allows for the imprisonment of spyware creators.
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Where Does Spyware Come From?
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The malicious programs known as spyware can come from various places. Most often they "piggy-back" onto other programs being purposely downloaded onto a computer. When free software is being offered, by clicking yes the free software will download along with other programs that may be malicious. Pop-up offers from various websites may make free offers which, upon being accepted, may allow a spyware program to wreak havoc on your browser, toolbar and homepage settings.
What Does Spyware Do?
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Any time someone does something that affects you without your knowledge, except maybe adding you to their will, it is almost always a bad thing. So it is with spyware. Once spyware has "infected" your computer the results can be merely annoying, as in having your homepage, browser or other computer settings changed. But far more insidious activities can--and most likely will--occur, including the monitoring and reporting of websites you visit and monitoring and reporting what you type on your keyboard. This occurs all while using your computer's resources, greatly slowing it down in the process, to do these things.
The Future of Spyware and Antivirus
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The individuals who write virus software programs keep up with the technology curve by evolving and becoming ever more sophisticated. It is good to know however, that the "good guys," those who create antivirus protection software, are also keeping up with technology and keeping pace with the "bad guys."
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