Viruses and other diseases are successful because they have evolved alongside larger lifeforms on this planet over billions of years. During that time they have learned how to manipulate the systems of these lifeforms. Today we see diseases that were once conquered coming back, resistant to the medicines that once held them in check. This is a great example of how viruses function. A virus from Mars would have no idea how to manipulate life on Earth, or vice-versa.
Computer viruses are no different.
They have to understand how the system works in order to take advantage of it. Jeff Goldblum may have been a brilliant computer guru, but I'm not sure that even Scotty could have figured that one out so quickly. Yes, I know that what Hollywood puts out is entertainment and not meant to be an exact mirror of reality. I've gained the ability to pick out some of the absurdities that hit the screen. The purpose of this four-part article hasn't been to rake Hollywood over the coals for failing to adhere to Mother Nature's rules.