Science Reference

Computer worm

A computer worm is a self-replicating computer program.

It uses a network to send copies of itself to other nodes (computer terminals on the network) and it may do so without any user intervention.

Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program.

Worms always harm the network (if only by consuming bandwidth), whereas viruses always infect or corrupt files on a targeted computer.

Worms mainly spread by exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems, or by tricking users to assist them.

Anti-virus and anti-spyware software are helpful, but must be kept up-to-date with new pattern files at least every few days..

For more information about the topic Computer worm, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:

Note: This page refers to an article that is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the article Computer worm at Wikipedia.org. See the Wikipedia copyright page for more details.

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