What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a type of malicious software that is designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. Once a virus is activated on a computer, it can perform a variety of actions, such as deleting files, stealing personal information, or disrupting the normal functioning of the computer.

There are many different types of viruses, and they can be transmitted through various means, such as email attachments, infected websites, and external storage devices. Some viruses are designed to cause damage to computers and networks, while others are created for more nefarious purposes, such as stealing sensitive information or displaying unwanted ads.

There are many different types of computer viruses, and they can be classified in various ways based on their characteristics and behavior. Here are a few examples:

• Worms: These viruses replicate themselves and spread to other computers through networks, often causing disruptions to the normal functioning of the network.
• Trojan horses: These viruses masquerade as legitimate software or files, but they contain malicious code that can be activated when the user installs or runs the software.
• Ransomware: This type of virus encrypts the victim's files and demands a ransom from the victim to decrypt them.
• Adware: This type of virus displays unwanted ads on the victim's computer, often redirecting the victim's web browser to specific websites.
• Spyware: This type of virus collects and transmits sensitive information, such as passwords and financial data, from the victim's computer to the attacker.

It's important to note that this is just a small sampling of the many different types of viruses that exist, and new viruses are constantly being created. To protect against viruses, it is important to use antivirus software, keep the operating system and other software up to date, and be cautious when opening email attachments or visiting unfamiliar websites.

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