Antivirus software is a computer program designed to protect computers from malware such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other malicious software. Antivirus programs usually have features such as real-time protection against new threats, scanning of files downloaded from the Internet or copied from external drives, and scheduled system scans.
When a threat is detected, antivirus software takes action to prevent the malware from infecting your computer. Depending on the type of anti-virus product used, this can range from deleting the file or quarantining it in an isolated location on the hard drive, to alerting a remote server and automatically downloading a patch.
Antivirus products not only scan for malware, but also look for any suspicious behaviour that might indicate the presence of a virus or other types of malware. This includes monitoring system-wide activity and internet traffic, as well as keeping a close eye on the behaviour of programs running on your computer. If a program is behaving in a way that could be dangerous, the anti-virus software will take steps to stop the program and warn you.
Good antivirus protection is essential to protect your computer from malicious threats. Make sure you invest in an up-to-date antivirus program and check all your systems regularly. Taking proper care can help keep you and your data safe.