In the field of computer, VIRUS stands for
- (a)Very Intelligent Result Until Source
- (b)Vital Information Resource Under Siege
- (c)Viral Important Record User Searched
- (d)Very Interchanged Resource Under Search
Correct — B, 'Vital Information Resource Under Siege.' This is the popular backronym used for VIRUS in computer-awareness questions. A computer virus is malicious code that attaches itself to a legitimate program or file and replicates whenever that host is executed — the phrase captures the idea that a system's vital information resources are put 'under siege.' The other three options are invented, meaningless word-strings.
- (a)Very Intelligent Result Until Source — Not a recognised expansion — a made-up string of words with no accepted meaning.
- (c)Viral Important Record User Searched — A meaningless coinage; no such definition of VIRUS exists.
- (d)Very Interchanged Resource Under Search — Invented — not an accepted full-form of VIRUS.
A computer virus is self-replicating malicious software (malware) that inserts its code into other programs or files and activates when the infected host is run. The 'full form' Vital Information Resource Under Siege is a mnemonic/backronym — the term 'virus' was itself borrowed from biology because the program spreads by infecting hosts, much like an infectious agent.
Computer-awareness sections routinely test these popular full-forms. Only one option here forms a meaningful, widely-quoted phrase; the other three are random word-strings, so elimination is straightforward once you recall the standard expansion.
- VIRUS backronym: Vital Information Resource Under Siege
- A virus needs a host program/file and user action to spread — unlike a worm, which self-propagates across networks
- Virus, worm, Trojan, ransomware and spyware are all categories of malware
- The word 'virus' is borrowed from biology, by analogy to an infectious agent
Only option B forms the standard, widely-quoted backronym for VIRUS.
- Picking a good-sounding option without checking that it forms a meaningful phrase
- Confusing a virus (needs a host and user action) with a worm (spreads on its own)
MPPSC and other state PCS exams ask either for the full-form of VIRUS or to identify/define a category of malware; lock the pair VIRUS = Vital Information Resource Under Siege.
A malware, that looks like a legitimate software and once it tricks a user into installing it, acts pretty much like a virus or worm, is known as :
- (a) Keylogger
- (b) Ransomware
- (c) Trojan
- (d) Spyware
Answer(c) Trojan
Same computer-malware theme — this later MPPSC question turns on distinguishing a virus/worm from a disguised Trojan.
- practice — not a real PYQ
A self-replicating program that attaches itself to other files or programs to spread is called a:
- (a)Compiler
- (b)Virus
- (c)Firewall
- (d)Cookie
Answer(b) Virus — malicious code that copies itself into host files and runs when they are executed.
- practice — not a real PYQ
Which type of malware differs from a virus by spreading across networks on its own, without attaching to a host file?
- (a)Worm
- (b)Boot-sector virus
- (c)Macro virus
- (d)Logic bomb
Answer(a) Worm — it self-propagates over a network, whereas a virus needs a host file and user action.