Difference between Virus and Spyware

1. Virus :
A virus is a malicious executable code attached to another executable file which can be harmless or can modify or delete data. When the computer program runs attached with virus it perform some action such as deleting a file from the computer system. Virus can’t be controlled by remote.

2. Spyware :
Spyware is a kind of malware that perform certain works include watching and tracking of user actions and collecting personal data. Spyware programs generally install themselves on system and provides profit to the third party by collecting data of system user without his consent. Malicious spyware also try to catch passwords and personal information of the users by running in background in the system.

Difference between Virus and Spyware :

S.No.	VIRUS	SPYWARE
1.	A Virus is a malicious executable code attached to another executable file which can be harmless or can modify or delete data.	Spyware is a form of malware designed to collect your personal information.
2.	The main objective of virus is to modify the information.	The main objective of the spyware is to monitor the activity of the system.
3.	Antivirus software are used for protection against viruses.	Spyware can be detected and removed by the anti-spyware program.
4.	It can control data and resources, cause error, destroy system and slow down the performance.	It provides profit to the third party by collecting data of user without his awareness.
5.	It is more harmful.	It is less harmful as compared.
6.	Virus replicates itself.	Spyware does not replicate itself.
7.	Resident and Non-resident viruses are two types of Virus.	Bonzibuddy, Cydore and Downloadware are some examples of spyware.