A computer worm is a self$-$replicating computer program similar to a virus, with the following exception$($s$)$:

A virus requires a human to do something $($run a program, open a file, etc.$)$ to replicate itself, whereas a worm does not and actively seeks to send copies of itself to other network devices.

Worms harm networks $($if only by consuming bandwidth$),$ whereas viruses infect or corrupt files or data on a targeted computer.

A virus is a segment of code hidden in or attached to a host program or executable file, whereas a worm is a stand$-$alone program.

All of the above are exceptions.