What is Spyware?
Software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to
its Web site. Often quickly installed in your computer in
combination with a free download you selected from the Web, spyware
transmits information in the background as you move around the Web.
Also known as "parasite software," "scumware," "junkware" and "thiefware,
spyware is occasionally installed just by visiting a Web site
What is a Computer Virus?
Software used to infect a computer. After the virus code is
written, it is buried within an existing program. Once that program
is executed, the virus code is activated and attaches copies of
itself to other programs in the system. Infected programs copy the
virus to other programs.
The effect of the virus may be a simple prank that pops up a
message on screen out of the blue, or it may destroy programs and
data right away or on a certain date. It can lay dormant and do its
damage once a year.
