COMPUTER VIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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A computer virus is a malicious software program designed to infect, spread, and disrupt the normal functioning of a computer system or network. This digital threat is akin to a biological virus in that it replicates itself and attaches to host files or programs, ultimately compromising the infected computer's security and integrity.
Computer viruses are typically spread through various means, such as email attachments, infected websites or downloads, removable media like USB drives, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems or software. Once a computer is infected, the virus can execute its malicious activities, which may include destroying, modifying, or stealing data, corrupting files, disabling or hindering system processes, or even granting unauthorized access to the infected system.
The impact of a computer virus can range from mildly annoying disruptions to severe damage and loss. The detection and removal of viruses often require the use of antivirus software, which scans files and processes to identify and eliminate known threats. Additionally, preventive measures like keeping software and operating systems up to date, avoiding suspicious downloads or websites, and exercising caution when opening email attachments can help reduce the risk of infection.
Computer viruses have been a significant security concern since the early days of personal computers, and as technology evolves, so do the techniques employed by hackers to create and distribute these malicious programs. Constant vigilance and defensive measures are crucial in the ongoing battle against computer viruses.
Common Misspellings for COMPUTER VIRUS
- xomputer virus
- vomputer virus
- fomputer virus
- domputer virus
- cimputer virus
- ckmputer virus
- clmputer virus
- cpmputer virus
- c0mputer virus
- c9mputer virus
- conputer virus
- cokputer virus
- cojputer virus
- comouter virus
- comluter virus
- com-uter virus
- com0uter virus
- compyter virus
- comphter virus
- compjter virus
Etymology of COMPUTER VIRUS
The word "computer virus" has a relatively straightforward etymology. The term "computer" originates from the Latin "computare", which means "to calculate" or "to reckon". It has been in use since the mid-17th century in English.
The word "virus", on the other hand, comes from the Latin "vīrus", referring to a poisonous or harmful substance. In the medical field, "virus" specifically denotes a microscopic infectious agent that can cause diseases in living organisms. The term was first used in English in the late 19th century.
The fusion of the terms "computer" and "virus" occurred in the 1980s when the concept of malicious software spreading within computer systems emerged. Fred Cohen, a computer scientist, coined the term "computer virus" in 1983 to describe self-replicating programs designed to infect and harm computer systems.
Similar spelling words for COMPUTER VIRUS
- computer game,
- computer code,
- computer keyboard,
- computer science,
- computer hardware,
- computer backup,
- computer guru,
- computerize,
- computer mouse,
- computer file,
- computer circuit,
- computer business,
- computer storage,
- computer user,
- computer system,
- computer readable,
- computer screen,
- computer graphics,
- computer program,
- computer filename,
- computer menu,
- computer memory,
- computer error,
- computer paper,
- computing device,
- computer store,
- computer dealer,
- computer database,
- computerised,
- computer industry,
- computer expert,
- computer display,
- computerise,
- computer network,
- computer address,
- computer language,
- computerized.
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