{"id":3676,"date":"2011-06-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2011-06-15T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/virus\/"},"modified":"2024-11-05T19:14:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T19:14:17","slug":"virus","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/virus","title":{"rendered":"Computer Virus"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a Computer Virus?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A virus in a computer<\/a> is harmful software<\/a> that can damage or disrupt how your computer functions.<\/p>\n

To explain what viruses do, they attach to files and hide malicious code<\/a>, ready to cause damage when activated. The virus stays inactive until a person runs or opens the infected file, which causes it to spread and infect other parts of the computer.<\/p>\n

Unlike worms<\/a>, which can spread on their own, a virus needs a person to take action, like opening an email<\/a> attachment, downloading an unsafe file, or clicking on a dangerous link. Once activated, viruses can slow down your computer, delete or damage files, and cause other serious problems.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n