Are you trying to find out the difference between what a computer virus is, vs say malware, or ransomware.
Well a computer virus is, a program small or large, that is designed to seek out executable files, word documents and other programs or software we use on a daily basis, to inject its code into, allowing itself to spread on its own without our intervention. It can travel by floppy, usb, cd, or any other means of data transfer.
Malware is software specifically designed to harm hijack, or otherwise cripple the functionality of your computer.
Ransomware is a new form of "infection" that pretends to be a legitimate looking anti-virus tool, and yet jacks up your system enough that it makes you feel compelled to buy it in order to remove the infections it is listing. Don't be filled this is not a computer virus. it is a hostile attempt to extort money from you. And often no matter if you pay or not it will continue to hound and pester you. Meanwhile draining your bank account!
