What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is defined as a harmful program that can self-replicate and infect files. This means that a virus is designed to attach itself to legitimate files or applications, allowing it to spread from one system or file to another. Once a virus infects a system, it can cause various types of damage, such as corrupting files, stealing sensitive information, or rendering the system inoperable. The self-replication aspect is key, as it enables the virus to spread without user intervention, making it a significant threat to computer security and data integrity.

In contrast, other options present concepts that do not align with the definition of a computer virus. For example, a hardware malfunction affecting data storage refers to issues related to physical components of the computer, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, rather than software-related threats. A program designed to enhance system performance would focus on optimizing the operation of a computer, improving speed or efficiency, rather than causing harm. Lastly, software specifically created to protect against malware refers to antivirus or anti-malware programs, which are intended to defend against viruses and other malicious software, not to function as a virus itself.