BEWARE OF THE
‘WARE’ 
It is not unusual for consumers to be perplexed by Spyware, Adware, and Malware. While each term does differentiate by definition, each one of the concepts will intertwine with the other.
ADWARE
Adware is the general term which refers to advertising-supported software. Adware will automatically play, downloads, or displays advertisements on a computer once the application is used or the software installed.
SPYWARE
Spyware is software which is secretly installed onto a personal computer. Once installed, the spyware program will, without the user’s knowledge or approval, take over some control of the user’s communication with the computer. Spyware is capable of automatically installing other software programs, monitoring on-line activity, collecting personal information, re-routing web browser actions, or even switching advertising profit to a third party. Spyware’s tracking abilities also leave the user vulnerable to having personal information tracked and sold without permission.
MALWARE
Malware is computer software created to damage a system without the user’s knowledge or consent. Malware is derived from the words malicious and software and generally used by technical persons. Badware may also be another term used. Malware is more commonly referred to as “computer viruses”. Programs like Trojan horses, worms, and some spyware are considered to be malware based on what the intentions were when it was created. If the intention by the creator was to contaminant personal computers, than it is considered to be malware, though some adware and spyware programs can be considered malware. Legitimate programs which may contain bugs that can be detrimental to the computer system are not considered to be malware, just defective software.
TREATMENT
There are specific programs which have been developed and are sold to treat the individual software. These programs will find, quarantine, and remove adware, spyware, and malware. The programs are usually very specific to fixing only the software it is intended to treat. A few commercial anti-virus programs have the ability to detect spyware and adware programs but the programs specifically for adware and spyware will not find viruses.
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