Antivirus software is a type of software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software or malware on a computer system. It works by scanning files and programs on a computer system and comparing them to a database of known malware signatures. If a match is found, the antivirus software takes action to neutralize the threat.
Here are some of the features of antivirus software:
Real-time protection: Antivirus software provides real-time protection by monitoring the computer system for any suspicious activity or behavior. This helps to detect and prevent malware before it can cause any harm.
Malware detection: Antivirus software scans the computer system for malware signatures and patterns to detect any malicious software. It can also use heuristic analysis to identify new and unknown malware.
Virus removal: Antivirus software can remove viruses and other malicious software from a computer system. It can also quarantine infected files to prevent them from spreading further.
Firewall protection: Some antivirus software includes a firewall that helps to protect the computer system from network-based attacks and block unauthorized access.
Automatic updates: Antivirus software automatically updates its database of malware signatures to stay up-to-date with the latest threats.
Scanning options: Antivirus software provides various scanning options such as quick scan, full scan, and custom scan to allow users to scan specific areas or files on the computer system.
Email protection: Some antivirus software provides email protection by scanning email attachments and links for malware.
In summary, antivirus software is an essential tool for protecting a computer system from malware and other security threats. It works by providing real-time protection, detecting malware, removing viruses, and providing firewall protection.