Definition

1. Noun:
   • A malicious software program: A computer virus is a type of malicious code or program written to alter the way a computer operates. It is designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation, often by corrupting or deleting data.
   • A self-replicating program: A key characteristic is its ability to replicate itself, attaching its code to other files or programs. A true computer virus requires human action to spread, such as running an infected program.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • My computer crashed because it was infected with a computer virus.
  • You should install antivirus software to protect your system from a computer virus.
  • The email attachment contained a computer virus that stole personal information.

Advanced Usage

• "to be infected with a computer virus": Describes a computer system that has been compromised by a virus.

  • Several workstations were infected with a computer virus after an employee clicked a suspicious link.

• "to spread like a computer virus": Used metaphorically to describe something that propagates very quickly and widely.

  • The meme spread across the internet like a computer virus.

Variants and Related Words

• Virus (in computing context): Often used as a shorter, more common term for "computer virus."

  • My laptop has a virus.

• Malware (n): Malicious software; this is a broader category that includes viruses, as well as worms, trojans, and spyware.

  • The term malware encompasses threats like computer viruses and ransomware.

• Worm (n): A specific type of malicious program that can replicate and spread independently across networks without needing to attach to another program or human intervention, unlike a traditional computer virus.

Synonyms

• Malicious code: Harmful instructions written for a computer.
• Malware: Malicious software (general term).

Related Phrases

• Computer virus definition: The technical description of what constitutes a virus.
• Computer virus protection: Measures taken to prevent virus infection.
• Computer virus scan: The process of checking a system for viruses.

Related Idioms/Concepts

• Digital pathogen: A metaphorical term comparing a computer virus to a biological virus, emphasizing its infectious and harmful nature.
• Payload: Refers to the harmful action a computer virus is designed to carry out, such as deleting files or displaying a message.

Noun

1. a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer
   • a true virus cannot spread to another computer without human assistance