What Are Computer Virus, Spyware, Ransomware, ​Adware & Worms

First you can help prevent computer viruses by installing and updating antivirus software, being cautious with email attachments and downloads, keeping your software updated, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and avoiding clicking on suspicious websites and email links..

Computer cookies: (Not technically a virus but cookies can track your computer use habits)

Small text files created by websites and stored on a user's computer or mobile device. Cookies store information about a user's web browsing habits and preferences, such as login information, shopping, or website settings.
 When a user visits a website, cookies are created and stored on their computer or mobile device. The next time you visit the same website, the cookie will remember your previous actions on their website.
 While cookies can help improve website user experience, they also track you for advertising purposes. For example, advertising companies may use cookies to track your browsing habits and display targeted ads based on your interests.
 Most web browsers allow you to control or disable cookies; disabling cookies may limit the functionality. And may have to reenter your user's login information each time you visit that website.

Computer Virus:
A computer virus is a type of malicious software that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. It is designed to cause harm to a computer system, steal information, or disrupt normal computer operations.
Computer viruses can be spread through a variety of methods, including email attachments, infected software downloads, or by exploiting security vulnerabilities in an operating system or software program. Once a virus infects a computer, it can perform a number of different actions, such as corrupting or deleting files, modifying system settings, or stealing personal information.
Computer viruses are often spread by hackers and cybercriminals who use them for financial gain, such as stealing credit card numbers or personal identification information. They can also be used for political or ideological purposes, such as disrupting government or corporate networks.
To protect against computer viruses, it is important to use antivirus software, keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches, and practice safe browsing habits, such as avoiding suspicious websites and not clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources.

Computer Spyware:
Malicious software designed to monitor and record a user's activities on a computer or mobile device without their knowledge or consent. Spyware can be used for various purposes, including stealing personal information, monitoring web browsing habits, or capturing keystrokes and passwords.
 
Computer Spyware:
On a computer, through various methods, including infected email attachments, fake software downloads, or exploiting security vulnerabilities in an operating system or software program.
Once installed, Spyware can be challenging to detect, as it often runs in the background and does not interfere with normal computer operations. Some common signs of a spyware infection include slow system performance, excessive pop-up ads, and unexpected changes to web browser settings.
 It is important to use antivirus software that can detect and remove spyware infections. It is also a good idea to avoid downloading and installing software from unknown sources. Keeping your operating system and software updated is very important in helping keep Spyware away.

Ransomware: 
Is a type of malicious software (malware) that encrypts the victim's files or system and demands payment, typically in the form of cryptocurrency, in exchange for a decryption key to restore access. In some cases, the attackers threaten to publish the victim's sensitive data if the ransom is not paid. Ransomware can be delivered via various methods such as email attachments, infected software installers, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or systems.
Once ransomware infects a system, it can quickly spread and lock down files and data, making them inaccessible to the user. The victim will then receive a ransom demand from the attacker, usually in the form of a message on their screen or in a text file left on their system. The ransom amount varies depending on the attacker, the severity of the attack, and the target's perceived ability to pay.
It's important to note that paying the ransom doesn't guarantee the safe recovery of the encrypted files, and in some cases, it can encourage further attacks. Prevention is key to avoiding ransomware, and this can be done by keeping software up-to-date, using reputable antivirus software, and being cautious with email attachments and links.

​Adware:
Is a type of software that displays advertisements on a user's computer or mobile device. It is often bundled with other software and can be installed without the user's knowledge or consent. Adware can take various forms, such as pop-up ads, banners, or videos, and can be displayed within web browsers or other applications. Adware is often considered a form of unwanted or intrusive software, as it can slow down the computer, use up system resources, and affect the user's overall experience. Some adware may also collect personal information or track a user's online activities for the purpose of targeted advertising.​

Computer Worms:
is malicious software designed to self-replicate and spread through computer networks. Unlike computer viruses, worms do not need to attach themselves to a host file or program to distribute. Instead, they use network connections and security vulnerabilities to propagate themselves to other computers.
 Computer worms can be very destructive, as they can quickly infect many computers and networks, causing them to slow down or crash. Computer worms can steal information or create backdoors that allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
 Some common ways that worms can spread include exploiting vulnerabilities in network services, using social engineering to trick users into downloading and installing malicious software, or through email attachments that contain the worm code.
 It is essential to keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches, use firewalls to control network traffic, and avoid opening email attachments from unknown sources. It is also a good idea to use antivirus software to detect and remove worm infections.

Only One Antivirus Program At A Time

​"You can have more than one antivirus/malware program installed on you computer. But only have one turned on at a time. And here is why."

Running only one antivirus/malware program on your computer at a time is recommended to avoid conflicts and ensure optimal system performance. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Resource Utilization: Antivirus/malware programs constantly scan files, processes, and network activity in real-time to detect and prevent malicious activities. Running multiple antivirus/malware programs simultaneously can consume many system resources, such as CPU and memory, resulting in decreased performance and system slowdowns.
2. Conflicting Detection: Antivirus/malware programs use their algorithms and databases to detect and quarantine threats. When multiple antivirus/malware programs are active, they may see each other's files or processes as potential threats, leading to false positives and unnecessary quarantining of legitimate files.
3. Incompatibility: Different antivirus/malware programs may have conflicting settings or functionalities that can cause compatibility issues when running simultaneously. For example, they may try to access duplicate files or system resources simultaneously, resulting in errors or system instability.
4. Updates and Maintenance: Antivirus/malware programs require regular updates to keep their virus/malware databases up-to-date and effectively detect new threats. Running multiple antivirus/malware programs can make it difficult to manage updates and maintenance, resulting in incomplete or outdated protection.
5. Ease of Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues related to antivirus/malware software, it can be challenging to identify the root cause when multiple programs are running. Troubleshooting becomes more straightforward when only one antivirus/malware program is installed, making it easier to pinpoint and resolve issues.

In conclusion, to ensure efficient and effective protection against viruses and malware, running only one antivirus/malware program on your computer at a time is recommended, along with keeping it updated and properly maintained.