What is the difference between category and type?
I'm in an info tech class and the teacher wants us to research 3 main categories of computer viruses and 3 types of computer viruses.
But aren't category and type basically the same thing?
Thanks for help.
I didn't know either until I conducted a brief Google search for categories of computer viruse and for types of computer viruses. These sites make the differences very clear.
http://acct.tamu.edu/smith/virus.htm
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-computer-viruses.html
Thanks a lot for the helpful links!
You're welcome. Good luck with your research.
While category and type may appear similar, there is a distinction between the two terms. In general, a category refers to a broad classification or grouping of related items or concepts. On the other hand, a type refers to a specific subset or instance within a broader category.
In the context of computer viruses, categories typically represent overarching classifications based on various characteristics, such as their behavior or method of infection. These categories provide a high-level understanding of the different types of viruses.
For example, three main categories of computer viruses could be:
1. File Infectors: These viruses infect specific file types (e.g., executable files) and modify their code to spread the infection.
2. Macro Viruses: These viruses infect documents or files that contain macros (e.g., Microsoft Word documents) and exploit the code within macros to spread and execute malicious actions.
3. Boot Sector Viruses: These viruses infect the boot sector (a specific part of the computer's storage) to gain control during the boot process and infect the system.
On the other hand, types represent specific instances or variations within a category. There can be multiple types within each category, demonstrating different characteristics or behaviors.
For computer viruses, three types within the aforementioned categories could be:
1. Polymorphic Viruses: This type of virus uses various techniques to modify its own code, making it difficult to detect by antivirus software.
2. Macro Worms: This type of virus combines the characteristics of both macro viruses and worms, spreading by exploiting macros in documents and then self-replicating through network connections.
3. Bootkit Viruses: This type of virus infects the boot sector and manipulates the boot process, enabling it to hide itself within the system and potentially bypass system-level security measures.
To research the three main categories of computer viruses and three types of computer viruses, you can search for reliable sources such as academic journals, books, or reputable websites that specialize in cybersecurity or computer virus research. These sources will provide detailed information on various virus categories and types, including their characteristics, behaviors, and potential impacts on computer systems.