Difference Between Spyware & Firewall
Computer firewalls are an excellent defense against hackers, as well as malicious programs and codes that can damage your computer. Anti-spyware software protects against and removes advertising software, as well as more malicious spyware that can be used for the purpose of identity theft or to steal financial information.
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Anti-spyware Software
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Anti-spyware software protects computers from malicious spyware like keyloggers, which monitor keyboard activity unknown to a computer user in order to harvest personal information, such as bank account details. It can also block cookies and pop-up ads, which can make a computer run slowly.
Firewall
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A firewall monitors the ports with which a computer connects to the outside world and blocks any suspicious activity. Firewalls prevent hackers gaining entry to a computer. Firewalls will also block malware, which includes spyware, as well as viruses, Trojans and worms. However, it many not block tools or software used by advertisers to monitor a user's surfing habits in order to sell products.Unlike anti-spyware software, it won't remove malware once it is installed on a computer.
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Considerations
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A firewall may not perceive unwanted adware as a threat. Aware is used to build up a user profile, which is sold to advertising companies. Some adware, such as toolbars which use tracking cookies, may be annoying but are not illegal or malicious. A firewall may not perceive this as a threat. However, anti-spyware programs automatically detect and remove adware.
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References
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