What is a computer virus ?

I know that it is something that is not good for your computer and they have anti-virus software but not sure of a good way to define what it means any help would be great thanks ?

A virus is actually a program that attaches itself on your computer and starts spreading into other programs or sending itself throughout the network. There are many different kinds of viruses and they're generally destructive.

Certainly! A computer virus is a type of malicious software program that is designed to infect computers and disrupt their normal operations. It is called a "virus" because, like a biological virus, it can replicate itself and spread to other computers without the knowledge or consent of the user.

To give you a more detailed definition, a computer virus is a self-replicating program that attaches itself to legitimate files or software programs, and then executes malicious actions on the infected computer system. These actions can range from causing annoying pop-ups and system crashes to stealing sensitive data or even rendering the computer unusable.

Computer viruses can spread through various means, such as infected email attachments, malicious websites, compromised software downloads, or even through network connections. Once a computer is infected, the virus can spread to other computers on the same network or through shared files.

To protect your computer from viruses, it is crucial to install and regularly update antivirus software. Antivirus software scans your computer for known viruses, detects any suspicious behavior, and helps remove or quarantine infected files. Additionally, it is essential to exercise caution when opening email attachments, downloading files from the internet, or visiting unfamiliar websites to minimize the risk of infection.

I hope this explanation helps you understand what a computer virus is and how to protect your computer from them! Let me know if you have any more questions.