What's the difference between spy-ware and ad-ware?

Question

I really hope someone can answer this question for me because it can get really confusing at times.

Answer 1

Spyware is a category of programs that keep logs of certain things you do on your computer and sends reports back to a certain person. Spyware usually keeps an eye out for email addresses and credit card numbers.

Adware, however, is a category of programs that just fill your computer with advertisements.


The best way to get rid of spyware is to use a program called Spybot: Search & Destroy.

For adware removal, you'll want AdAware (note the spelling).

Both of these programs can be downloaded for free at http://www.download.com


Just be sure not to run them both at once, as you may mess things up if they're both doing a computer scan at the same time.

Answer 2

What do Cookies actually do for you? Are they safe? What is the difference between Ad-ware and Spyware? The original intent of cookies was to make your life easier. Sites that you visited before or frequently visited would store certain information about who you are; full name, phone number... so when you returned to the site you would not have type this information again. This in itself may actually be helpful to you. That is, if it is secure, and not performing some other task. Like many things created to make your life easier and with good intention, others will see it as an opportunity to exploit you. Ad-ware may be bad enough, collecting information about what sites you visit, sending this information (or selling it) to other people. But what if it's worse than that! How about visiting a website, unknowingly downloading a piece of software that;

Answer 3

Spy ware and ad ware are the same thing. They are both malicious programs, downloaded without the permission of the computer user, that track the users habits and the sights the user visits.

Answer 4

Spy-ware hides on you computer and monitors things you do then reports your activities.

Ad-ware is pop up ads and other ad based debris that collects when you surf the web.

Answer 5

to be specific spywares hides themselves so you no idea what they are doing to your computer. then sends information to the author. a good example is the key logger, it collects info on what you type then identifies item like passwords, credit card numbers and likes.

adwares are more transparent. they cause annoying popups such as gambling and porno sites.

but there are variants that performs the function of this two. they may be categorized as malwares.

Answer 6

Actually, Ad-Aware is a program that finds and gets rid of spyware.

http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

and it's free.

Hope that helps.