Spyware and viruses - two separate problems requiring separate defences

[rpm]

http://www.mybroadband.co.za/nephp/?m=show&id=6384

 

[XCentricdave]

There are also far more variations of Spyware than there are viruses, because Spyware is programmatically designed to spin-off its own variations which leads to a substantially greater number of Spyware programmes to contend with.

I'm pretty sure that viruses mutate and there are multiple varients as well.

Spyware also typically impacts multiple registry entries and leaves dozens of application files spread across a computer’s hard drive or deep within the hardware. Newer Spyware variations are even capable of reinstalling components and repopulating registry entries that have been removed and can also randomise various elements of the programme so that they leave a different footprint, which makes them harder to track. Worse still, if left unchecked, many Spyware applications are actually capable of downloading additional programmes

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And viruses don't?

I'm sure that there is a distinction between viruses and spyware.

To me spyware is something that sits on my machine and does what it says on the tin - spys on me, and reports that information back to someone. The term virus is more about the transmission and infection mechanism, spyware is more about the intent of the software.

You do need more than one approach to preventing 'undesireable' software on your systems. Up to date protection, well implemented security, education...