What is the main purpose of antivirus software?

The primary function of antivirus software is to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, commonly referred to as malware. This includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and other harmful code that can compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of systems and data.

Antivirus programs work by scanning files and applications for known signatures of malware, analyzing suspicious behavior in real time, and preventing harmful code from executing. They also provide tools for users to remove any infections that are found on their systems. This protective layer is essential for maintaining the overall security health of a computer, ensuring safe internet usage, and protecting valuable data from cyber threats.

Maintaining a focus on this core purpose is crucial for users who want to ensure their personal or organizational information does not get compromised, and systems remain functional. While antivirus software can have secondary effects on performance, it is not designed to optimize speed, ensure compatibility, or manage backups, which are functions typically associated with other types of software.