is there inadequacy between name * name [list any col]

i'm controlling ms sql server 2005. there difference, sql engine, between

select * mytable;

and

select cola, colb, colc mytable;

when cola, colb, colc paint each buttress table?

if same, there reason since should 2nd anyway? i have digest that's complicated linq, i'm certain customary name * generates bad practice, i should always .select() mention cols i want.

edit: altered "when cola, colb, colc columns table?" "when cola, colb, colc paint each buttress table?" clarity.