What Can Viruses and Spyware Do To Your Computer?

Viruses, Trojan horses, adware and spyware can wreak havoc on your computer and make you wish it had simply crashed. Some computer users believe their computer is automatically protected when it's not, while others feel anti-virus software is an unnecessary expense. Without protection, what can viruses and spyware do to your computer?

A virus is malicious software attached to real software programs. For example, a virus may be programmed to attach to a word processing software. Every time you run the program, the virus runs too. It can attach to other programs and cause significant damage. Some viruses come as e-mail attachments. When you open the attachment, you expose yourself to the virus.

A Trojan horse is a program that claims to be one thing, but actually causes damage to your computer. For example, you may download a game that, when you play it, can erase your hard drive. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses can't replicate automatically, but that's a small point when your hard drive is toast.

Adware is part of a software package that automatically plays or downloads ads onto a computer when the software is running. When adware runs on your computer, sensitive and personal information can be leaked without you knowing it. It also clogs your system by taking up valuable disc space and makes it run slower. Some types of adware are also spyware.

Spyware is software that secretly gathers information about you while you surf the Internet and reports the information to someone without your permission. Spyware can create endless ad pop-ups and some versions can even change the settings on your computer and control the Web sites you see.

Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall provides award-winning protection against viruses and spyware as well as added protection against data theft and hacking attempts with a multi-layer, intelligent firewall. Webroot AntiVirus protects your computer against threats like viruses, Trojan horses and spyware and it's easy to use. The program won't slow down the performance of your computer or conflict with other software.

Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall makes your computer invisible on the Internet. When hackers can't see you, they can't attack you. Frequent automatic updates and proactive security identifies and stops the latest threats quickly and safeguards your privacy.

Don't let your computer go unprotected any longer. Visit Webroot.com today for a free computer virus scan or to sign up for only $39.95. It's a small price to pay for the best protection against viruses, spyware, data theft and hackers.

Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, Inc.