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Virus, Malware, Spyware... What's the Difference?
If your computer is running unusually slow, behaving badly, or giving you lots of unexpected popup messages, it's likely that you have picked up some form of infection, but what really is an 'infection'? Let's take a look at some of the infections you could pick up, and how to protect yourself against them.
Malware
Short for 'Malicious Software'. A general term that refers to any file or program designed to cause damage to your computer. This would include a virus, a trojan or a worm.
Worm A piece of software that duplicates itself over and over again. Doesn't cause any damage to your files, but will consume storage space and processor power, slowing your machine down.
Virus A piece of software specifically designed to damage your computer by deleting or corrupting files. Can duplicate itself and spread, but only with some form of human interaction. Most commonly spread via an email attachment, such as an image or video file, or via free downloadable software.
CAUTION: Films downloaded via Torrent sites are often infected with malware! Scan them before you watch them!
Spyware Designed to spy on your computer usage, and report the data to someone else over the internet. Can also quietly download other malware without your permission or knowledge. Usually hidden inside a program downloaded from the internet.
Prevention Always make sure you have an up-to-date virus scanner running. Scan your machine often, and try to scan files you download from the internet BEFORE you open them. If you suspect you have an infection, come and talk to us at Quesada Computers in Avenida Las Naciones, near the Quesada arches, behind the Sabadell and Santander banks. We're open Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm. Alternatively, call us on 96 627 2416, or email
sales@quesadacomputers.com. Like us on Facebook at
facebook.com/quesada.computers.
QF Focus Magazine
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