The typical computer user must be aware of the possible threats their computer faces each time you connect to the internet. It is a treacherous place for a computer and the security threats are growing every day. It all so confusing, viruses, spyware, malware, and adware, just to name a few. Why are they all so different?
 
In the old days we used to call everything a virus, however now days we have more specific names to further classify them.
 
What is Malware?
Malware is a software program that has bad objectives. It can either be installed by the computer user unintentionally or it can sneak into your computer through various ways. It’s not the same as a piece of software that unintentionally causes harm to your computer, malware is software that has been developed with the intent of causing problems with your computer.
 
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a type of malware program that invades your computer and basically spies on you. There are different types of spyware that collect different information. A common spyware type is a keylogger which records keystrokes typed on your keyboard. This is how people lose their bank account details. Other spyware will record your actions and browsing practices on the internet. Any information collected by spyware is usually with the goal to sell.
 
What is Adware?
Adware is another form of malware and is precisely as the name suggests, software with advertising. Adware can be downloaded and sometimes included in free programs. For example Windows Live messenger and Yahoo messenger contain adware. Although some programs give the option not to install the extra adware, others seem to sneak it in without permission.
 
What is Virus? 
A virus is a small program designed to contaminate your computer and cause errors, computer crashes, and even destroy your computer hardware. Unlike spyware, a virus can grow and replicate itself. It can also travel from one computer to another via an internet connection. Of course you can get viruses from discs with virus infected files stored on them; however the internet is the most common entry point. Some common symptoms of a virus are emails being sent to all contacts when you didn't send them, being taken to web pages that you didn't choose, or being told you have a virus and to download a program to fix it.

If you think your computer may have been infected by any of these, please give us a call at 843-553-8800 or visit our website at www.kotoritechnologies.com. We offer a variety of computer security services from computer troubleshooting to email solutions to intrusion detection to firewall security encryption. So whatever the problem, we can help to clean up your computer and protect it from future occurrences.