OT: Q about anti-spyware

[Jorge Cervantes]

I have a subtle question. I thought that spyware was not virus and
probably did not disable/hurt computer.
They seem to be detecting only cookies. If so, why do we need anti-spyware
install on our computer? Jorge

 

[Tom [Pepper] Willett]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware

:I have a subtle question. I thought that spyware was not virus and
: probably did not disable/hurt computer.
: They seem to be detecting only cookies. If so, why do we need
anti-spyware
: install on our computer? Jorge
:
:

 

[David B.]

Spy/malware is not classified with viri, but they can most definitely screw
up your computer.
What exactly is "they" that is detecting only cookies? Do you think you are
infected but can't find the infection?

 

[Ken Blake]

I have a subtle question. I thought that spyware was not virus
Correct.

and probably did not disable/hurt computer.

It may not disable, but it create impact th eperformace of your computer.
And it can greatly hurt *hurt*, if for example, it steals your banking
information.

They seem to be detecting only cookies.

Good. Then you are fortunate that you are not infected with any spyware
worse than cookies. Your objective is not to have anti-spyware software find
and remove infections you're gotten, but *not* to get infected in the first
place. The ability of anti-spyware programs to find and remove infections is
valuable *in case* you get infected ayway.

If so, why do we need anti-spyware install on our computer?

See above.