A computer virus is best described as?

A computer virus is best described as?

• A. A data file with no effect
• B. A hardware fault
• C. A password-cracking algorithm
• D. A self-replicating program

Answer: (D)

A computer virus is best described as a self-replicating program that infects other programs or files and propagates to other systems. This defining behavior—to copy itself and attach to legitimate code or data—allows it to spread, often bringing along harmful payloads or changing how the infected software behaves. It’s not simply a data file with no effect, not a hardware fault, and not a password-cracking tool—the distinguishing feature is its ability to reproduce and spread by infecting other software.

A computer virus is best described as a self-replicating program that infects other programs or files and propagates to other systems. This defining behavior—to copy itself and attach to legitimate code or data—allows it to spread, often bringing along harmful payloads or changing how the infected software behaves. It’s not simply a data file with no effect, not a hardware fault, and not a password-cracking tool—the distinguishing feature is its ability to reproduce and spread by infecting other software.