Computer Virus Definition – Types of Computer Virus

A computer virus is a program that infects a computer and affects its normal working. It can slow down the system, delete files, or make the computer crash. Sometimes, the computer may turn off suddenly due to a virus.

What is Computer Virus?

A computer virus can be defined as a small program that spreads through infected files, USB drives, emails, or downloads. It attaches itself to programs and runs when the file is opened.

Not all viruses in a computer system are harmful, but they can still cause problems. Knowing how computer viruses work helps in protecting computers. Using antivirus software and avoiding unsafe downloads can keep computers safe from viruses and malware.

It is important to understand how computer viruses work, it help prevent infections. Some viruses are harmful, while others cause minor disruptions.

Types of computer viruses

There are different types of computer viruses that affect a system in various ways. Understanding the categories of computer viruses helps protect devices from cyber threats and viruses. Below is a list of computer virus types along with their effects.

1: Worms Droppers and Logic Bombs

A worm is a type of virus in a computer that spreads on its own. It replicates and infects other devices without needing user interaction. Worms slow down the system and may cause network failures.

A dropper virus is designed to install computer malware into the system without detection. It is difficult to trace because it does not directly harm files but allows other viruses to spread.

A logic bomb remains inactive until triggered by specific conditions, such as a particular date or event.

2: Trojan Horses

A Trojan horse appears to be a normal program but contains hidden malicious code. Unlike a file infector, a Trojan does not attach itself to other programs but operates independently. It is among the common computer viruses that steal information or damage data.

3: Dropper

The purpose of the dropper virus is to install some sort of malware into the targeted system. A dropper is a program designed to secretly install malware onto a system. It helps other types of malware and viruses to enter undetected, bypassing traditional antivirus software.

4: File infectors

A file infector virus attaches itself to executable files, such as .COM or .EXE files. When the infected file is opened, the virus spreads. These various types of computer viruses can corrupt applications and system functions.

5: Resident virus

A resident virus stays in the computer’s memory and then infects the files depending on the programming of the virus. This classification of computer viruses makes it harder to remove because it continue spreading even after a system restart.

6: Boot Sector Virus

The boot sector virus is the type of malware that infects the storage devices or boot partitions of the hard disk of the computer.

A boot sector virus affects storage devices, including hard disks and USB drives. It infects the boot partition, which makes it difficult for the system to start properly. It is one of the most dangerous types of viruses in a computer.

7: Overwrite virus

It is the malicious virus that infects the original code of the program. 

It makes the data useless by overwriting the data in the program. This is the virus that exploits Linux, and Macintosh.

8: Browser Hijacker

Browser Hijacker is a type of malware that modifies the browser without any permission from the user and suggests websites to the users that he does not want to visit. It redirects such websites to the user which are harmful.

9: Web Scripting Virus

This is the type of virus which have the capacity to burst the security of the web browser. When the web browser’s security is infected or then in return, it injects some malicious code into it to take over the web browser.

How we can prevent our system from viruses?

To prevent the system from viruses we have to follow the following caution.

• Don’t use the questionnaire websites.
• Install the antivirus software and scan the system timely.
• Don’t use pirated software.
• Keep your system updated.

How do computer viruses spread in the system?

There are different ways through which computer viruses spread in the system.

• Computer viruses spread through e-mail attachments.
• It is also spread through a USB attachment.
• It is spread through internal download software.