Among computer users, there’s considerable confusion between anti-virus and anti-spyware programs or, more specifically, the difference between viruses and spyware. Unfortunately, this confusion sometimes leaves users at risk because they protect themselves from one form of malware while leaving themselves vulnerable to the other.

Both viruses and spyware can be delivered via e-mail attachments, unscrupulous web sites, and “free” downloads. Each may decrease the performance of your system and may capture and/or destroy information. So, if they have some similar effects and can be transmitted in the same ways, why is it important to distinguish between them? Because users need to obtain software that combats both types of malware—either by employing two separate utilities or by using a single utility that detects both types.

Anti-virus programs detect a variety of program types globally referred to as viruses, including worms and Trojan horses. The key distinguishing feature of viruses from spyware is their explicitly destructive nature. These types of programs, which attempt to copy themselves as rapidly as possible to spread from computer to computer, tend to aim toward destroying data or programs installed on your computer or using your computer to assist in an attack on another computer. Both free and retail AV programs are available, and both must be configured to download updates regularly.

Anti-spyware programs detect programs that aim to provide the distributor with monetary gain. Once these programs are installed on your computer, they may collect information about your computing habits or from data stored on your computer, direct your computer to visit web sites, or download pop-up ads from the Internet. These activities allow the purveyors of the malware to sell information about you or to earn money from exposing you to various ads or web sites. To add insult to injury, spyware often makes a computer run slowly or inhibits the ability to use the computer efficiently by bombarding users with unwanted ads or pointing their browser to unwanted sites. Anti-spyware programs also are available as free or retail products and must be updated regularly; most free spyware programs also depend on the user to manually scan their system on a regular basis to detect infections.

A number of manufacturers have combined these utilities. The majority, if not all, are retail versions.

Understanding the technical differences between spyware and viruses isn’t as important as keeping your PC protected against both. Installing and updating anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on your PC, as well as updating the PC with service packs and patches, is step one in keeping a computer safe. Step two is practicing safe computing, meaning not opening e-mail attachments unless it’s something you’re expecting. This also means resisting the urge to download or install “free” programs, no matter how good the deal seems. Finally, computers should be protected by either a hardware or software firewall. TPW