Is a computer virus alive?
 

At a basic level, a computer virus is a self-replicating group of particles. Isn't that essentially our definition of a life form?

Re: Is a computer virus alive?
 

No.

Re: Is a computer virus alive?
 

How would you distinguish it from a biological virus, which I assume everyone will agree is alive?

Re: Is a computer virus alive?
 

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biological virus, which I assume everyone will agree is alive?

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This also isnt true.

Viruses have this sort of nebulous definition that fits in between the living and the non-living worlds.

Re: Is a computer virus alive?
 

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At a basic level, a computer virus is a self-replicating group of particles. Isn't that essentially our definition of a life form?

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i reckon any definition of life is arbitrary, and hence this is just a simple definition question

tell me you're definition of life and i'll give you your answer

Re: Is a computer virus alive?
 

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biological virus, which I assume everyone will agree is alive?

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This also isnt true.

Viruses have this sort of nebulous definition that fits in between the living and the non-living worlds.

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I just did some searching, and it appears that many scientists do in fact resist classifying biological viruses as life forms. Here is what I am using as a definition of life:
A being is alive if it can (1) reproduce, (2) consume energy, and (3) stop consuming energy(i.e., die). I was under the impression that this was a generally accepted definition of life. Using this definition, both a computer virus and a biological virus seem to qualify. Is my definition somehow lacking?

Re: Is a computer virus alive?
 

How does a computer virus consume energy?


Also, how does a regular virus consume energy? They dont eat. (its the host cell that does all the work for them)

Re: Is a computer virus alive?
 

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A being is alive if it can (1) reproduce, (2) consume energy, and (3) stop consuming energy(i.e., die). I was under the impression that this was a generally accepted definition of life

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Fire fits this definition, but it is not alive. Fire is a chemical reaction. I have seen a definition list that has your criteria plus half a dozen more and fire still qualified. From what I remember from basic bio classes, as mentioned, even a biological virus is in the shady area. This is due to a virus' incomplete DNA (RNA?) structure...it needs a host to become "alive".

Re: Is a computer virus alive?
 

A computer virus fits my definition and idea of life. As would randomly generating code.

Re: Is a computer virus alive?
 

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A computer virus fits my definition and idea of life. As would randomly generating code.

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What's your definition?