What do small software programs designed to spread from one computer to another and interfere with operations called?

The correct term for small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another, while also interfering with the operations of those computers, is viruses. A virus is a type of malicious software (malware) that attaches itself to legitimate programs or files. When these infected programs are executed or files opened, the virus replicates and spreads to other software and systems. This action can lead to various harmful effects such as data loss, system damage, or unauthorized access to sensitive information, and is specifically designed for self-replication.

In contrast, adware typically focuses on generating revenue for its creator by displaying unwanted advertisements, while spyware is designed to gather personal information without the user’s consent. Trojan horses, on the other hand, masquerade as legitimate software or files to trick users into installing them, but they do not self-replicate in the way that viruses do. Therefore, viruses are indeed the correct classification for software that has the defined characteristics of spreading and interfering with computer operations.