What's the difference between a computer trojan and a virus? What's more harmful (overall)?
Thanks.
2006-09-02 10:06:34 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
A trojan is a program that establishes a server connection to a client on a remote PC the protocol which is used to perform "sinister" actions that are too many to mention. It can be used for other purposes.
A virus is a malicious code that either directly harms your computer and/or copies itself to every writable media you insert in your computer and/or by e-mail.
2006-09-02 10:10:50 · answer #1 · answered by BlackholeUSA 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
2
2016-08-27 15:13:33 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both terms are very ambiguous, particularly now. However, generally a virus is any harmful program. A trojan is harmful virus masquerading as a program that isn't harmful.
So, all trojans are viruses, but not all viruses are trojans. Although I guess the only kind of virus that isn't a trojan is one that was installed intentionally.
To add to that, when somebody who does know what they are tlaking about refers to a "trojan" they are most commonly talking abuot a R.A.T. (Remot Admin Tool, or Remote Admin Trojan). They are now sometimes known as "spyware".
2006-09-02 10:14:56 · answer #3 · answered by Tim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A virus is intended to be destructive and self propagating.
A trojan creates an opening for something else to happen.
Difficult to decide what's worse, actual or potential?
2006-09-02 10:09:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
hi, trojan is a disgusting and infamous kind of virus, perhaps you can try Norton or Mcafee to remove the virus, but you should pay for the software.
i recommand you to use firefox with Google toolbar. firefox can disable all virus to run, because the virus can only run on IE.
besides, firefox can block any any poppus and disable any virus and adware, spyware on webpage, so, firefox is much safer than IE. as you know, most of the virus is spread throught internet and webpage.
firefox is much smaller than IE, so i run faster than IE.
download firefox for free:
http://www.adcenter.net.cn/firefox/
Best Wishes && Good Luck!
2006-09-02 19:12:14 · answer #5 · answered by good_firefox 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I am led to believe trojan is just one of the types of viruses. I am no computer expert, but believe this to be correct. If you do have a virus, I suggest you do a virus scan and remove it asap. I personally use xoft but had to buy it. The link I provided is what I have heard to be one of the best for free.
2006-09-02 10:09:29 · answer #6 · answered by Mitchell B 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A trojan horse virus is what you are referring to when you say trojan. They are simply "cloaked" viruses. In reference to the greeks sneaking into Troy in the Trojan Horse. By cloaked I mean they sneak them onto your PC by convincing you thatthey are something else, usually an e-mail.
2006-09-02 10:09:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
geez, where do these people GET this misinformation
TROJAN is the name given to a program which APPEARS friendly but which downloads a program which turns out to be spyrware/adwarae/malware/virus/worm, etc. Trojan is then the DELIVERY system for the payload.
A VIRUS is a term given to any malicious code which is downloaded to a computer which then proceeds to do damage to the computer.
2006-09-02 10:12:56 · answer #8 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Trojan Condoms may protect you from a Virus.
2006-09-02 10:08:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
You get a virus if you don't use a trojan? That is what I was told.
2006-09-02 10:08:51 · answer #10 · answered by Stan the answer Man 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋