Program viruses specifically infect what type of files?

Program viruses specifically target executable or application files because these types of files are capable of running programs on a computer. When a user executes a compromised application, the virus code can run alongside or within the application, allowing it to replicate and spread to other files and systems through the execution process. This characteristic enables program viruses to disrupt operations, cause damage, or facilitate unauthorized access to the system.

In contrast, while document files, media files, and system files can be vulnerable to other types of malware or attacks, they are not designed to execute code in the same manner as executable files. Document files, for instance, may contain macro viruses, but they rely on user interaction to execute a harmful macro. Media files are typically associated with audio and video data, while system files are more about operating system functionality and may be vulnerable to threats but do not fit the definition of program viruses specifically. Thus, executable files are the primary targets for program viruses due to their inherent nature of executing code.