computer virus


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vi•rus

(ˈvaɪ rəs)

n., pl. -rus•es.
1. an ultramicroscopic (20 to 300 nm in diameter), metabolically inert, infectious agent that replicates only within the cells of living hosts, mainly bacteria, plants, and animals: composed of an RNA or DNA core, a protein coat, and, in more complex types, a surrounding envelope.
2. a disease caused by a virus.
3. a corrupting influence on morals or the intellect; poison.
4. a segment of self-replicating code planted illegally in a computer program, often to damage or shut down a system or network.
[1590–1600; < Latin vīrus slime, poison; akin to ooze2]
vi′rus•like`, adj.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.computer virus - a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computercomputer virus - a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer; "a true virus cannot spread to another computer without human assistance"
virus
malevolent program - a computer program designed to have undesirable or harmful effects
Translations
فيروس كمبيوتر
számítógépes vírus
computervirus
počítačový vírus
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References in periodicals archive ?
If you download files from the Internet or share files with outsiders, you stand a chance of getting a computer virus.
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Elk Cloner, which spread between Apple II computers via infected floppy disks, has the dubious distinction of the first computer virus to spread in the wild.
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According to a statement issued by the Russian Trading System (RTS) stock exchange on 2 February, 2006 a computer virus attack forced a suspension of trading on the RTS FORTS futures market, classic market and the stock exchange.
Russian Stock Exchange brought down by virus - report
Officials at Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology in Wirral say they do not want a repeat of last August, when the computer virus, called MyTob-Fam spread through the network infecting PCs and equipment.
Hospital on virus alert
So now comes the question you should all be asking yourself: Could my business be held liable for transferring a computer virus to my customers?
Transferring computer viruses through photo CDs, DVDs could cost more than just customers
A computer virus is a program that replicates by inserting or attaching itself to other computer programs or media and can disrupt a computer system's functional abilities.
Protecting your computers from invaders: antivirus-software powerhouse Symantec offers tips for keeping viruses, worms, and Trojan horses at bay
In this dramatic vignette, a mysterious hacker launches a new computer virus over the Internet.
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A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: ``He appeared at Bow Street magistrates on Friday charged with three counts of releasing a computer virus contrary to Section 3 of the Computer Misuse Act and possession of indecent images of children contrary to the Criminal Justice Act.
Web designer `unleashed a virus epidemic'
Brown provided some tips that may help avoid computer virus problems.
Combatting computer viruses. (IT Strategies)
The hoax warning stated that certain files were infected by a computer virus.
Contagion on the Internet. (Letters)
While there is no way to ensure bugs never infiltrate your system, Computer Virus Transmission Insurance will help cover the cost to restore your system to good health," said Harvey, president and CEO of Assurex International ( www.
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You need to remember that a virus definition may not have been released for a computer virus that was recently discovered.
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