MichaelVash7886
Level: 143


POSTS: 7342/7395
POST EXP: 196387
LVL EXP: 35324527
CP: 0.0
VIZ: 63020

Just to clear a few things up.

Hacking can only be as harmful as the person wants it to be. Most of the time hacking is used to get your information. They may install a payload or backdoor to allow them to keep getting to your info, but they are probably NOT going to destroy your files. If they wanted to they could easily add a virus or worm to do it. But generally hacking is much worse for your personal information than your computer.

Malware is just a general term for viruses, trojans, etc. It's not really a proper choice here. As it encompasses viruses.

Virus in the strictest sense is a file that infects one and makes and proceeds to infect other files. Trojan Horses are similar expect they usually take over a system file. There are a few other pieces of malware out there.

As Madus pointed out worms can be very dangerous as they can self-propagate without any user interaction. However, most of the time, they are simply used to backdoor and hack the machine. However they can be used to delete files etc.

As for which one is the most dangerous, it honestly just depends on what type it is. Every one of them can be dangerous to the computer. Aside from the virus which is specifically used to cause harm, the others can also get personal information in addition to causing computer problems.

Star Mario
The Quiet Paladin
LEGENDARY POSTER!
VIzzed Ville Gameshow Champion!!!(8-14-2005)

Affected by 'Laziness'

Position: Elite
Since: 12-06-04
From: Tennessee
Last Post: 154 days
Last Active: 124 days

owlflame
Level: 25


POSTS: 14/213
POST EXP: 6631
LVL EXP: 85900
CP: 0.0
VIZ: 2599

Malaware. because it's hard to get rid of. slows you're computer. and is just a pain to deal with






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Nightwolf
the best of all youtube
Affected by 'Laziness'

Position: Member
Since: 04-16-11
Last Post: 491 days
Last Active: 258 days

Bintsy
Level: 56


POSTS: 456/1343
POST EXP: 57244
LVL EXP: 1364066
CP: 187.9
VIZ: 37750

Virus is the worst for my computer. Not sure about A hack. I think that would be bad though.

Goofy Kind of Gal
Affected by 'Laziness'

Position: Trusted
Since: 04-12-11
From: a mystical candi land
Last Post: 11 days
Last Active: 1 day

pacman1755
Level: 130


POSTS: 1496/9530
POST EXP: 295797
LVL EXP: 25098935
CP: 7638.9
VIZ: 355047

Virus is pretty bad, if it gets strong enough, it can pretty much infect your computer and you will not do anything on it ever. I had it once.

Star Mario
Winner of The August VCS 2011
Affected by 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome'

Position: Global
Role: Moderator Manager

Since: 05-22-11
From: Wisconsin
Last Post: 21 hours
Last Active: 8 min.

sop281
Level: 32


POSTS: 195/357
POST EXP: 9978
LVL EXP: 188124
CP: 38.1
VIZ: 9913

Well viruses wreck your computer, so I am going to have to go with a virus. My last computer was actually somewhat fast, up until we got a virus. It started out small, but gradually became worse until it was so bad, that we couldn't even get it repaired.

Poliwag
I love PlayStation, and I currently have a PS2, PSP, PS3 and PS VITA. Affected by 'Eternal Sadness Syndrome'
Affected by 'Trooperness'

Position: Trusted
Since: 04-02-11
Last Post: 3 hours
Last Active: 54 min.