Malware vs Virus
"Virus" is used casually for anything bad on a PC. The categories actually differ in how they spread, which is what determines how you clean them up.
The categories
| Type | How it spreads | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Virus | Attaches to files or programs | Corrupts or infects other files |
| Worm | Copies itself across networks | Spreads without user action |
| Trojan | Disguised as legitimate software | Opens access or steals data |
| Ransomware | Email, exploits, remote access | Encrypts files and demands payment |
| Spyware | Bundled or dropped | Records activity and credentials |
| Adware | Software bundles | Injects ads and redirects searches |
| Rootkit | Post-compromise install | Hides other malware from the system |
Why the distinction matters
A worm implies other machines on the network may be affected. A trojan implies credentials may be gone. A rootkit implies the visible cleanup may be incomplete. Each conclusion changes what you do after the scan finishes.
Frequently asked questions
Does anti-malware software remove viruses?
Yes. Viruses are one of the categories covered by the same engines.
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