An antivirus software is a computer program that is designed to protect your computer system from malicious software, also known as malware. Antivirus software detects, prevents, and removes viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and other malicious software that can harm your computer and compromise your data.

Antivirus software typically uses a combination of signature-based and behavior-based detection methods to identify and neutralize malware. Signature-based detection involves identifying known malware by comparing its signature to a database of known malware signatures. Behavior-based detection involves identifying malware by analyzing its behavior and actions on the system.

Antivirus software can also provide additional security features such as firewalls, email filters, and spam blockers to protect against a wider range of threats. Some antivirus software may also include features such as system optimization tools and parental controls.

It's important to note that antivirus software is not foolproof and cannot guarantee complete protection against all types of malware. It's always important to practice safe browsing habits and to keep your software and operating system up to date with the latest security patches and updates.

When selecting an antivirus software, it's important to consider factors such as its effectiveness, ease of use, system performance impact, and cost. It's also important to ensure that the software is compatible with your operating system and other software installed on computer.