Q.What is a computer virus? State any four ways to protect a computer from viruses and other malware.

A virus is one kind of harmful program; the answer should define it and then give practical protective steps.

Meaning. As Section j explains, a computer virus is a type of malware — a harmful program that attaches itself to a file or program and, when that file is run, copies itself to other files and spreads. A virus can corrupt or delete data, slow the computer, or make it behave wrongly, and it needs the user to run the infected file in order to spread.

Four ways to protect a computer:

1. Install and regularly update antivirus software, which detects and removes viruses and other malware.
2. Keep the operating system and other software updated, so that known security weaknesses are closed.
3. Do not open unknown e-mail attachments or suspicious links, and avoid downloading from untrusted websites, since these are common ways malware spreads.
4. Scan pen drives and other external devices before using them, as infected removable media spread viruses easily. …

Do not confuse a virus with a worm: a virus attaches to a file and needs the user to run it, while a worm spreads across a network on its own. When listing protections, give practical …