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A chunk
of computer programming code that makes copies of itself
without any concious human intervention. Some viruses do
more than simply replicate themselves, they might display
messages, install other software or files, delete software
of files, etc.
A virus
requires the presence of some other program to replicate
itself. Typically viruses spread by attaching themselves
to programs and in some cases files, for example the file
formats for Microsoft word processor and spreadsheet programs
allow the inclusion of programs called "macros" which can
in some cases be a breeding ground for viruses.
See also:
Trojan
Horse,
Worm
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