A type of
computer virus that compromises a feature of
DOS that enables
software
with the same name, but different extensions, to operate with different
priorities. For example you may have
program.exe on your computer, and
the
virus may create a
file
called
program.com. When the computer
executes
program.exe, the virus runs
program.com before
program.exe
is executed. In many cases, the real program will run so users believe that the
system is operating normally and aren't aware that a virus was run on the
system.
See
The Difference Between a Virus, Worm and Trojan Horse in the
Did You Know? section
of Webopedia.
Also see
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Your PC in the
Did You Know? section
of Webopedia.
