When it comes to computers, it's probably pretty obvious that neither a virus nor a Trojan Horse is a good thing, as both are types of malware that can damage your computer. But, if your computer is hacked, knowing whether or not you need virus removal or Trojan virus removal can help both you and the PC repair service center you hire, so it's important to understand the differences between the two.

A virus must be downloaded onto your computer, and it is typically spread through poisonous links, attachments in emails, on websites and lately, even through social media. Once it downloads, a virus can damage your software, personal files or hardware. But, the important thing to remember about viruses is that while they can spread easily to other computers, they need the help of people do so - in other words, in order for it to download and start wreaking havoc on your computer, you must open the file.

A Trojan Horse is a little different. Just keep in mind: "A Trojan Horse is full of as much trickery as the mythological Trojan Horse it was named after."

Trojan Horses are a different type of malware that masquerade as beneficial software or updates but are actually malicious. Once you click on the "software" and install it, Trojan Horses can  delete files, wipe out your hard drive, or even create a "backdoor," a type of virtual spyware device that allows hackers to access your computer and obtain your personal information, such as financial documents. But, unlike other types of viruses, Trojans don't automatically replicate and spread. Instead, they have to be sent as an attachment, usually through email.