computer virus

Also known as virus, malware, software virus

type of computer program that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code

AI overview

A computer virus is a type of program that spreads itself by inserting its code into other programs on your computer. It matters because once it's running, it can replicate widely and potentially cause damage or unwanted changes to your system.

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Stack Exchange tag: stackoverflow.com/tags/virus
Commons category: Computer viruses

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Article

Hex dump of the Brain virus, generally regarded as the first computer virus for the IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC) and compatibles

A computer virus is a type of malware that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code into those programs. If this replication succeeds, the affected areas are then said to be "infected" with a computer virus, a metaphor derived from biological viruses.