Spyware Removal
 Spyware Removal
Software vs Registry Cleaning Software:
What's the Difference?
If you are like the average web surfer, by now you have probably been bombarded with hundreds of frightening
advertisements for these two types of security software. Spyware, some ads argue, may be hiding on your computer
and secretly sending your credit card number to some faceless cyber-criminal. You need their spyware removal software to delete it off your computer, including (some
advertisements brag) from your registry.
Other ads warn your computer may soon stop working unless you clean the registry right away. Their registry cleaning software, they point out; will also
remove spyware entries from the registry.
This is where the confusion lies. These two security programs overlap each other's
functions somewhat, leading many puzzled PC owners to wonder what the difference, and which one of these programs
they should get. This article will try to clear up some of this confusion.
What Is Registry Cleaner Software?
The Windows
registry is essentially a database where the operating system where all the setting in
your computer are stored. Your computer needs to look up information in this database to perform almost any action.
Unfortunately, after a few years of use, your computer's registry can grow until it's huge, and get damaged and
corrupted through everyday use. This registry damage can affect your computer's performance in several negative
ways.
A registry cleaning program does two things. First, it searches for and deletes obsolete junk
data (including spyware entries) out of your registry, making it small, faster, and more efficient. Second, it
checks for registry errors and corrupted files, and fixes them. Regular use of a registry cleaner program can add
years to life of your computer.
What Is Spyware Removal Software?
Spyware is a general term applying to any software that is
secretly installed on your computer without either your knowledge or permission, proceeds to gather personal data
about you, and then send that information over the internet to other people. The most dramatic use of spyware is
for identity theft and cyber-crime. More often, however, spyware merely gather information about
your internet surfing activities, musical preferences, or software usage.
It then sends this information to advertising companies that use it to micro-target you. Although this is not as
malicious as, for example, stealing your credit card number, most people still consider it an invasion of their
privacy. Spyware removal software generally does two things. First, it scans your computer
(including, among other things, the Windows registry) looking for spyware and removing any it finds. Second, it
monitors your computer and tries to prevent new spyware from being installed.
What's the Difference?
Part of the confusion between registry
cleaning software and spyware removal software is caused from the fact that both
programs' jobs overlap somewhat. Ultimately, however, they are two different programs with two different goals
doing two different things. A registry cleaner cleans junk out of your registry, including any spyware registry
entries that may be there. Spyware residing elsewhere on your computer, however, is not
removed. Spyware removal software deletes spyware off your computer, including any spyware entries in the Windows
registry. It does not, however, remove other junk data from your registry, or repair any error in the registry.
Which One Should I Use?
Ideally, you should use both. They both perform important
(although ultimately separate) tasks. If possible, look for registry cleaning
software and spyware removal software that are both made by the same software company.
This is more common than you might think. This way, the two programs would work together and avoid getting in each
other's way. Between the two programs, your computer should stay both healthy and secure.
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