A virus is a small infectious agent that can only replicate the cells of another organism. They are found in various shape and sizes.
Viruses consists two or three parts. All virus have genes made from either DNA or RNA. They also have a protein coat that protects these genes. Some even have envelope of fat that surrounds them when they are outside a cell.
All virus have genes, they do not have a cellular structure, which is often seen as the basic unit of life.
We are taught how to differentiate living things from non living things by the eight characteristics of life.
Movement: Virus do not move. When a virus is being swallowed or inhaled, it rides along whatever it is until it contacts the receptor on a cell that it likes.
Reproduction: Viruses do not reproduce on their own. Viruses do not have their own metabolism and requires a host cell to make new products. Therefore, they cannot naturally reproduce outside a host cell.
Growth: Viruses do not grow. They only grow and develop in their cells of their specific hosts.
Respiration and Nutrition: Viruses depends on their hosts for respiration and nutrition.
Hence, I can conclude that viruses are non-living things.