Which term refers to software that spreads to other computers in a network?

Which term refers to software that spreads to other computers in a network?

• A. Virus
• B. Trojan Horse
• C. Spyware
• D. Adware

Answer: (A)

Propagation of malware across machines relies on self-replication and delivery to others. A virus attaches to a host file or program and reproduces when that host runs, enabling it to move to other computers as infected files are shared or executed. Among common terms, this behavior fits the idea of software that spreads to other computers in a network, making virus the best fit given the options. A Trojan Horse disguises itself as something harmless but does not automatically spread on its own; spyware is about secretly collecting information, and adware mainly shows ads and may track data rather than spreading. Note that in strict terms, a worm is the term for autonomous network-wide spreading, but it’s not listed here, so the virus is the closest match.

Propagation of malware across machines relies on self-replication and delivery to others. A virus attaches to a host file or program and reproduces when that host runs, enabling it to move to other computers as infected files are shared or executed. Among common terms, this behavior fits the idea of software that spreads to other computers in a network, making virus the best fit given the options. A Trojan Horse disguises itself as something harmless but does not automatically spread on its own; spyware is about secretly collecting information, and adware mainly shows ads and may track data rather than spreading. Note that in strict terms, a worm is the term for autonomous network-wide spreading, but it’s not listed here, so the virus is the closest match.