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A '''computer virus''' is a piece of malicious [[computer]] [[software]] ([[malware]]) which attempts to copy itself into existing computer programs and files, and/or replicate itself outright. Computer viruses generally attempt to destroy software and operating systems, but usually not before spreading themselves to other devices.

A '''computer virus''' is a piece of malicious [[computer]] [[software]] ([[malware]]) which attempts to copy itself into existing executable files on a computer. By doing this, the virus hijacks the file's execution. Computer viruses generally attempt to destroy software and operating systems, but usually not before spreading themselves to other devices.

==Methods of transmission==

==Methods of transmission==

==Terminology==

==Terminology==

A virus is technically a type of software which acts very much like a [[Virus|biological virus]]; the term refers to a specific kind of malware.  However, since virus attacks became well known before most other types malware attacks, many people use the term "virus" for any kind of malicious software.  Although this is technically incorrect, it is common for someone to call anything unwanted, such as [[adware]], a virus.

A virus is technically a type of software which acts very much like a [[Virus|biological virus]]; the term refers to a specific kind of malware which infects preexisting files.  However, since virus attacks became well known before most other types malware attacks, many people use the term "virus" for any kind of malicious software.  Although this is technically incorrect, it is common for someone to call anything unwanted, such as [[adware]], a virus.

==References==

==References==