Which type of malware is designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers?

The type of malware designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers is a virus. A virus attaches itself to legitimate programs or files and, when executed, can create copies of itself. It often spreads by user interaction, such as sharing infected files or programs. Once it infects a host system, it can perform various malicious activities, but the key characteristic is its ability to self-replicate and spread to other systems, often without the user's knowledge.

In contrast, options like a Trojan horse do not replicate but disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into installing them. Adware primarily focuses on displaying advertisements to users and may not have the self-replicating capabilities of a virus. Spyware, on the other hand, is designed to secretly monitor user activity and collect data, but it also lacks the self-replicating function inherent to viruses. Understanding these differences highlights the unique mechanisms of each type of malware.