An antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software or malware from a computer system. It operates by scanning files and programs for known patterns of malicious code or suspicious behavior. Here are some of the key features of an antivirus:

Real-time protection: This feature scans files and programs as they are accessed or downloaded to prevent malware from infecting the system.

Scanning and detection: Antivirus software scans the system regularly to detect any malware that may have slipped through real-time protection.

Quarantine: If a file or program is suspected of being infected, the antivirus software will quarantine it to prevent it from causing harm to the system.

Removal and cleanup: Once a virus has been detected, the antivirus software will attempt to remove it from the system and clean up any damage it may have caused.

Automatic updates: Antivirus software regularly updates its virus definitions and software to stay up-to-date with the latest threats and protect against them.

Customizable settings: Users can customize the settings of their antivirus software to suit their needs and preferences.

Overall, antivirus software is an essential tool in protecting computer systems from malware and keeping them running smoothly.