What is the primary purpose of antivirus software?

The primary purpose of antivirus software is to protect against malware and viruses. This type of software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software that can harm your computer or compromise your data. Antivirus programs work by scanning files and applications for known viruses, employing various techniques such as signature matching and heuristic analysis to identify potentially harmful threats. They often provide real-time protection by monitoring system activity and behavior, alerting users if any malicious activity is detected.

The functions of antivirus software are essential for maintaining the security and integrity of a computer system. By consistently updating their databases with the latest virus signatures and malware definitions, antivirus programs help ensure that users are protected against new and evolving threats. This makes them a critical component of any cybersecurity strategy, safeguarding against data breaches, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime.

In contrast, options related to compressing files, enhancing graphics performance, and optimizing system speed do not align with the functions of antivirus software. These tasks are typically handled by different types of software tools designed for specific purposes, such as file compression utilities, graphic enhancement applications, or system optimization programs.