What’s the Difference Between a "Virus" and "Malware/Spyware?
Lets start with a definition of the Various "ware" that is used on a computer.
"Hardware":
That’s the solid and mechanical parts that make up your computer system. The mouse, keyboard, monitor, and tower or body are all hardware as well as the internal parts.
"Software":
That’s the Programming that makes the PC work. Your Operating system "Windows, Mac OS" as well as things such as internet browsers, email and photo editing programs are all software.
"Virus":
Not to be confused with Malware.
A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can spread from one computer to another (in some form of executable code) when its host is taken to the target computer; for instance because a user sent it over a network or the Internet, or carried it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB drive.
"Malware":
Malware, short for malicious software, is software designed to infiltrate a computer system without the owner's informed consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code. The term "computer virus" is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware, including true viruses.
Software is considered to be malware based on the perceived intent of the creator rather than any particular features. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, dishonest adware, crimeware, most rootkits, and other malicious and unwanted software. In law, malware is sometimes known as a computer contaminant
"Spyware":
Spyware is a type of malware that is installed on computers and collects little bits of information at a time about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user's personal computer. Sometimes, however, spywares such as keyloggers are installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer on purpose in order to secretly monitor other users.
Now we are not going to get into the definitions of every type of "ware" on a computer but this will give you a good idea of what we're talking about when we say that you "Don't" have a "Virus" but instead are infected with "Malware and or Spyware". Because these three things are different there needs to be different approaches to removing them and most of all preventing their intrusions.
Virus protection software is primarily used for the protection and removal of "Viruses". Most companies are focusing on the protection and removal of "malware" as well however the detection of "malware" requires a different type of software. Until Virus protection software such as AVG, MacAfee and Norton can effectively "see" malware before it attacks, people will be vulnerable. There are "good" and "better" software packages out there to help with malware, however some that offer "real time protection" can and will slow down an older computer. If you’re needing real time protection and are willing to pay for it we recommend Malwarebytes.org This program has 2 versions that offer great services. The Free version is robust and works well for removing current infections but does not offer real time protection. In other words it cannot keep you from getting infected. The paid version of this program Does protect you and does not perceptively slow down your computer.