Is there a difference between antivirus software and spyware removal programs? If so, what?

spyware removal tools remove spyware. Oftentimes they are actually malicious programs that pretend to be antispyware so its important to be very careful.


antivirus software generally scans for malware such as a virus, a worm, a trojan

As a security professional I would advise you to get a security suite that includes protection from all types of malware (the collective term for all malicious programs) preferably from one good reliable vendor (like McAfee total protection or Norton 360) and just ensure its properly configured and kept completely up to date.

The only other thing you really need to do on the computer is to ensure windows updates are completely up to date with their security patches.

After that safe browsing habits and common sense will usually be enough.

Good Luck

antivirus software detects and removes viruses

spyware programs detect/prevent and remove spyware.

Viruses and spyware are similar but they're not the same. Viruses generally corrupt and damage your system if not removed. It can also lead to someone else controlling your computer.

Spyware on the other hand, usually annoys you with ads and popups. Spyware is generally more annoying than it is damaging. It also collects data to generate more ads. The nastiest ones will collect personal information/passwords, but keep in mind viruses have already been doing this for a long time.