Which type of malware is designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers?

The correct answer is the type of malware known as a worm. Worms are specifically designed to replicate themselves and propagate across networks or onto other computers without needing user intervention. They exploit vulnerabilities in software or systems and can spread rapidly, often consuming network resources and potentially causing significant damage to systems and data as they proliferate.

Unlike worms, adware primarily focuses on delivering advertisements to users, and it does not replicate itself or spread independently. Trojans, on the other hand, disguise themselves as legitimate software but do not have the self-replicating capability of a worm; they often require user action to be installed on a system. Spyware is designed to monitor and gather information about users without their consent, but it also lacks self-replication features. This clarity on the distinct functions and characteristics of different types of malware underscores why worms are classified separately as self-replicating and spreading entities.