malicious computer software</strong></a> that infects a desktop or mobile device, often without the knowledge of the victim. Depending on the type, viruses may steal data stored on the computer, corrupt its processes, or <strong>destroy the system from the inside</strong>.</p>\n<p>Computer viruses can act similarly to human viruses by infecting the &ldquo;body&rdquo; of the computer and causing issues with its functionality. Hence, the term &ldquo;virus&rdquo; was coined in 1983 by computer scientist Fred Cohen.</p>\n<p>Viruses are typically contained in computer files. Users may download and open suspicious files without knowing that they&rsquo;re actually viruses and trigger the infection process. Some viruses are able to self-replicate and spread throughout the entire computer network.</p>\n<p>Viruses can also be transferred on external devices such as <strong>CDs</strong> or USB flash drives. External tools help spread the virus further and infect as many devices as possible. While some viruses strike as soon as they are triggered, others remain idle and are hard to detect as they do not appear to directly interfere with the system functions.</p>\n<p>It is highly recommended to ensure that the computer software is up-to-date, as some stealthy viruses can take advantage of older system vulnerabilities and infect the device without getting caught. Some viruses are programmed to force shut down the <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-antivirus/">antivirus software in the task manager.</p>","level":"easy","meta_title":"What is Virus? Definition & Meaning | Crypto Wiki","meta_description":"Virus meaning: Virus - malicious software program that infects a computer to spy on, corrupt, or destroy the system.","meta_keywords":null,"language":"en","created_at":"2022-04-11T08:08:38.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-13T14:32:24.000000Z","preview_url":"https://www.bitdegree.org/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-virus"},"prevSection":{"id":919,"original_id":null,"author_id":41,"translator_id":null,"title":"What is Validator?","slug":"what-is-validator","section":"V","keyword":"Validator","status":"published","definition":"a member of a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain network, responsible for validating new blocks.","content":"<p>A <strong>validator</strong> is a participant of a <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-proof-of-stake-pos/">Proof-of-Stake (PoS)</strong></a> blockchain network. As part of the PoS consensus mechanism, validators are responsible for verifying new <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-block/">blocks and adding them to the chain to earn <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-block-reward/">rewards.

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Most blockchains are designed to be decentralized. This means that there is <strong>no single centralized authority</strong> that the blockchain answers to. Instead, all processes are handled by a network of decentralized <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-node/">nodes scattered across the globe. The nodes contain data that needs to be validated by the network.</p>\n<p>There are numerous validation methods, known as <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-consensus/">consensus mechanisms</strong></a>, throughout the different blockchain systems. However, the two most popular methods are <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-proof-of-work-pow/">Proof-of-Work (PoW)</strong></a> and <strong>Proof-of-Stake (PoS)</strong>. Consensus mechanisms are used to verify incoming transactions to ensure that <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-double-spending/">double-spending doesn&rsquo;t occur, and the data is accurate.</p>\n<p>The validators have one of the key roles in the blockchain network. They confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the transaction records. If the information they analyze is correct, the transaction is deemed completed, and its data is added to the blockchain.</p>\n<h2>Proof-of-Work vs. Proof-of-Stake</h2>\n<p>The Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism is the process of verifying cryptocurrency transactions via <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-mining/">mining. <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"https://www.bitdegree.org/crypto/buy-bitcoin-btc/">Bitcoin (BTC)</strong></a>, the first cryptocurrency in the world, utilizes the PoW mechanism to create new blocks. Miners use special computers to solve complicated mathematical problems known as <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-hash/">hashes.

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If a miner successfully solves a hash, the <strong>information is forwarded</strong> to the rest of the mining network to confirm it. If the information is deemed correct, a new block is created and added to the blockchain, and the miner <strong>receives cryptocurrency rewards</strong>. Miners essentially play the role of validators on PoW systems.</p>\n<p>However, the PoW mechanism is highly flawed as it requires the miners to possess specific hardware to work optimally. Furthermore, the energy consumption required to solve hashes is really high, leading to increased electricity bills and heat emissions.</p>\n<p>The <strong>Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm</strong> does not require validators to have specific hardware. Instead, the participants stake their coins in a <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-staking-pool/">shared pool</strong></a>. The validators analyze the blocks based on certain rules set by the blockchain. They receive rewards in the form of transaction or network fees for verified transactions.</p>\n<p>While the Proof-of-Work mechanism is more widely spread, newer blockchains pot for the <strong>safer and more efficient Proof-of-Stake</strong> mechanism. The <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"https://www.bitdegree.org/crypto/buy-ethereum-eth/">Ethereum (ETH)</strong></a> blockchain aims to switch from the PoW system to PoS in the near future.</p>","level":"medium","meta_title":"What is Validator? Definition & Meaning | Crypto Wiki","meta_description":"Validator meaning: Validator - a member of a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain network, responsible for validating new blocks.","meta_keywords":null,"language":"en","created_at":"2022-04-11T08:01:57.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-13T14:32:24.000000Z","preview_url":"https://www.bitdegree.org/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-validator"},"currentChapter":"V","currentSection":"what-is-virtual-reality-vr","chapterTitle":"V","readingLevel":"easy"},"url":"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-virtual-reality-vr","version":"cdd198d50cbe5c9c21c9329d7c096ffc"}" class="container-fluid d-flex crypto-book p-0">

Handbook Cover Page
Crypto Terms: Letter V

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Virtual Reality (VR) MEANING:
Virtual Reality (VR) - digital technology used to create an immersive simulation of a real or fictional world.
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Let's find out Virtual Reality (VR) meaning, definition in crypto, what is Virtual Reality (VR), and all other detailed facts.

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that creates a simulation of an immersive world. Some VR worlds may simulate reality, while others introduce new, unrealistic elements that can only be experienced in the virtual space. Although VR is primarily associated with digital games, it also has other use cases, such as educational simulations and training.

Virtual reality requires a number of tools to be experienced. The main devices required to engage in a VR simulation are the headset and a handheld controller. Globally renowned tech companies such as Sony and HTC offer their own devices to make the VR experience accessible to a wider audience.

VR also requires special cameras or sensors that track the movements of the person engaging with the immersion. The display between both eyes is split. This creates a special 3D effect, while the stereo sound builds on the audiovisual experience.

Some VR devices are able to connect to a mobile phone and broadcast the immersion using special apps. However, more sophisticated VR headsets may require a separate computer to run more intensive VR simulations.
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