Virus:
Imagine a virus like a sneaky bug in your computer. It's a type of software that can make your computer sick. Just like how you catch a cold from someone sneezing nearby, your computer can "catch" a virus if you download infected files or visit certain websites. Once inside your computer, a virus can make copies of itself, mess up your files, slow down your computer, or even steal your personal information.
Antivirus:
An antivirus is like a superhero that protects your computer from viruses. It's a special kind of software you install on your computer. When you run an antivirus scan, it checks your computer for any viruses or other harmful programs. If it finds any, it works to remove them and keep your computer safe. Antivirus programs also have features to help prevent future infections by blocking suspicious websites and files.
Malware:
Malware is a broad term that includes all sorts of bad stuff that can infect your computer. It stands for "malicious software." Besides viruses, malware can also include things like spyware (which spies on what you do online), adware (which bombards you with annoying ads), and ransomware (which locks up your files until you pay a ransom). Basically, anything that's meant to harm your computer or steal your information falls under the category of malware. That's why it's important to have good antivirus software to protect yourself!