Difference Between Virus and Malware

Malware and Virus are mostly considered to be the same thing and people generally tend to interchange their meaning. Thus, it is important for one to know the difference between malware and virus as these two terms are technically different from each other.

Malware is a type of malicious software which intends to infect the host computer. Whereas, Virus is a type of malware itself. It infects files and then spreads through a device whenever the file or program is run. 

Further, we shall discuss the key points of difference between the two which shall be helpful from the perspective of the upcoming IAS Exam and other Government Exams. 

Difference Between Malware and Virus

Difference Between Virus and Malware PDF:-Download PDF Here

Key Differences – Malware vs Virus

Given below are the differences between malware and virus in a tabular format to easily and accurately understand the two terms:

Difference Between Malware and Virus
Malware

Virus
Definition: Malware is a software which is designed to get unauthorised access of a computer system, generally for a third party benefit. Definition: A virus is a code which attaches itself to various files and programs which get infected in a manner that they can disrupt and corrupt a device.
Types of Malware include:

  • Virus
  • Trojan
  • Worm
  • Ransomware
  • Spyware
  • Adware
 Types of Virus include: 

  • Boot sector
  • Multipartite
  • Spacefiller
  • Resident
  • Polymorphic
  • File infector
  • Direct Action
  • Macro
The full form of Malware is Malicious Software The full form of Virus is Vital Information Resource Under Seize
A computer system with a malware software can be repaired using an antimalware software Antivirus is used to remove viruses from a computer device
If a malware software affects your computer device, it may:

  • Try to retrieve personal information
  • Steal data like saved cards or payment details
  • Initiate mining for bitcoin
  • Overpower its presence and execute unwanted tasks
 A system attacked by a computer virus can be apprehended if:

  • The processing speed decreases
  • Too many pop-ups appear on the screen
  • Passwords are reset
  • Different programs begin to execute themselves
Examples of Anti-Malware software include:

  • Total AV
  • Bitdefender
  • Malwarebytes
  • Hitman Pro
 Examples of Antivirus software are:

  • McAfee
  • Norton
  • Avast
  • Kaspersky

Aspirants can also visit the Computer Virus page and learn in detail about what is a virus and what are its different types. 

Candidates can also check the following links to prepare themselves for the upcoming competitive exams:

To get more such Difference Between Articles for UPSC and other Government exam preparation, candidates can visit the linked article. 

Difference Between Virus and Malware PDF:-Download PDF Here

Frequently Asked Questions on Virus vs Malware

Q1

Q 1. What is the basic difference between Virus and Malware?

Ans. Malware is a type of malicious software which intends to infect the host computer. Whereas, Virus is a type of malware itself. It infects files and then spreads through a device whenever the file or program is run.
Q2

Q 2. Are malware and viruses the same thing?

Ans. No, malware and virus are not the same things. It is designed to get unauthorised access to a computer system, generally for a third party benefit. On the other hand, A virus is a code which attaches itself to various files and programs which get infected in a manner that they can disrupt and corrupt a device.
Q3

Q 3. Malware vs Virus: What is the full form?

Ans. The full form of Malware is Malicious Software, while that for Virus is Vital Information Resource Under Seize
Q4

Q 4. How to remove a virus from a computer device?

Ans. Antivirus can be used to remove a virus from a computer device.
Q5

Q 5. Can Antivirus remove malware?

Ans. Yes, an antivirus is designed to remove an infection from any device. It is not necessary for removing the virus only, but can also remove malware from a device.

For more study material related to Computer Knowledge, and exam preparation, refer to the following links:

Fundamentals of Computer Computer Knowledge
Computer Networks Introduction to Internet
GK Current Affairs Quiz UPSC MCQ on Science and Technology
IAS General Studies Notes Links
World Environment Day Plateau Meaning
Republic Meaning Kas
Kalinga War Princely States
Founder Of Jainism Khelo India
Sister Nivedita Fundamental Duties

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published.

*

*