When it comes to computer jargon, there are tons of different terms that many use interchangeably and improperly. One common misconception is the idea that a virus and a malware are the same thing and that an antivirus program will rid a computer of both. Unfortunately that’s not true.
What is malware?
Malware is a broad term that encompasses a vast amount of malicious programs designed to infect or harm a computer. Such malware includes viruses, adware, spyware, worms, and more. They all have different methods but each one has a specific target: to infect your computer.
What is a virus?
As mentioned earlier a virus is actually a type of malware, but it’s quite different than the rest of the malwares. A virus’s intent is to infect your computer and cause problems (ie crashing it, preventing programs from opening, and more), but where it differs is that a virus can spread and replicate itself. Much like viruses that infect humans, the longer a virus is on a computer infecting it, the more replicas it will make of itself and the harder it will be to kill.
How to get rid of malware and viruses
An antivirus program targets viruses completely while a malware program searches for a broad spectrum of malicious programs. Fortunately for you there are tons of free programs available that should effectively clear up your computer from any type of malware! Check below for the top free antivirus programs and free malware programs.
Antivirus Programs:
AVG Free
Avast!
Comodo
Malware Programs:
Malwarebytes
Spybot Search & Destory
Combofix
What is malware?
Malware is a broad term that encompasses a vast amount of malicious programs designed to infect or harm a computer. Such malware includes viruses, adware, spyware, worms, and more. They all have different methods but each one has a specific target: to infect your computer.
What is a virus?
As mentioned earlier a virus is actually a type of malware, but it’s quite different than the rest of the malwares. A virus’s intent is to infect your computer and cause problems (ie crashing it, preventing programs from opening, and more), but where it differs is that a virus can spread and replicate itself. Much like viruses that infect humans, the longer a virus is on a computer infecting it, the more replicas it will make of itself and the harder it will be to kill.
How to get rid of malware and viruses
An antivirus program targets viruses completely while a malware program searches for a broad spectrum of malicious programs. Fortunately for you there are tons of free programs available that should effectively clear up your computer from any type of malware! Check below for the top free antivirus programs and free malware programs.
Antivirus Programs:
AVG Free
Avast!
Comodo
Malware Programs:
Malwarebytes
Spybot Search & Destory
Combofix
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