What are viruses commonly classified as?

Viruses are commonly classified as harmful programs that execute destructive activities on a computer. They are specifically designed to replicate themselves and spread to other computers, often causing damage to files, compromising data integrity, or disrupting system operations. This classification highlights the malicious intent behind viruses, distinguishing them clearly from beneficial software that is intended to improve performance, enhance security, or manage network connections effectively. Understanding the nature of viruses as harmful entities is critical for recognizing their potential impact on computer systems and for the implementation of effective security measures to protect against them.