What type of software is described as malicious and aimed at damaging a computer?

The correct answer is malware, which refers to any type of malicious software specifically designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a computer system. This category encompasses various harmful software types, such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware, all of which can disrupt normal operations, steal sensitive information, or damage system components.

Malware is created either to achieve specific malicious goals, such as financial gain through theft of personal data, or simply to cause chaos and destruction within a system. It generally spreads through infected files, deceptive links, or vulnerabilities in software, making it a significant threat to computer security.

In contrast, antivirus software, utility software, and system software serve protective, supportive, and foundational functions. Antivirus software is designed specifically to detect, prevent, and remove malware from computer systems. Utility software helps manage, maintain, and control computer resources, while system software includes operating systems that provide a platform for hardware and applications to function. Each of these alternatives plays a protective or supportive role rather than being inherently malicious like malware.