An intentionally disruptive software that spreads from computer to computer is known as

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Correct — D, virus. A computer virus is malicious software written deliberately to disrupt, damage or interfere with a system, and it copies itself so as to spread from one computer to another. Of the four options, only a virus is malware; the other three are ordinary, useful tools. (Strictly, malware that spreads automatically across a network on its own is called a 'worm'; a virus usually attaches to a file and needs the file to be run — but among these choices 'virus' is the intended malicious-software answer.)

Why the other options are wrong — (a) A search engine (e.g. Google) is a helpful tool that finds information on the web — not disruptive software.  (b) Chat/messaging software (e.g. WhatsApp) is a legitimate communication tool, not malware.  (c) E-mail is a normal communication service; although it can carry an infected attachment, e-mail itself is not disruptive software.

Concept: Malware is software written to harm or disrupt. Its main types differ by how they spread: a virus attaches to a host file and activates when that file is run; a worm is self-replicating and spreads across networks by itself; a trojan hides inside apparently useful software to trick the user into installing it. The question's phrase 'spreads from computer to computer' loosely fits both viruses and worms, and 'virus' is the umbrella word most people use.

State PCS 2018 Q77 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2018 Q77 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer