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

The type of malware that is designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers is a virus. A virus attaches itself to legitimate programs or files and can propagate when those programs are executed or files are shared, allowing it to infect other systems. This self-replicating characteristic is what distinguishes viruses from other types of malware.

When a virus is executed, it can alter or damage the host system, usually without the user's consent or awareness. A virus can spread through various means, such as through infected USB drives, email attachments, or even network connections, making it a significant threat to computer security.

In terms of understanding the other options, a Trojan is misleading software that appears to be legitimate or beneficial but actually performs harmful actions once executed. Spyware is designed to gather information about a user without their knowledge, often tracking their activities or stealing sensitive information. Adware typically displays unwanted advertisements and can sometimes come bundled with other software, but it does not replicate itself or spread in the manner that viruses do. Thus, the replication and spreading nature of a virus is its defining feature.