What is the purpose of anti-virus software?

The purpose of anti-virus software is to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, which includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other forms of malware. This software acts as a safeguard for computers, servers, and networks by scanning files and programs for known threats, blocking potentially harmful activities, and providing real-time protection against new and emerging threats.

By efficiently identifying malicious code and isolating or deleting it, anti-virus software helps maintain the integrity and security of the system, ensuring that the user's data and sensitive information remain protected from cyber threats. This protection is essential for both personal devices and corporate environments, as the impact of malware can lead to significant data loss, compromised personal information, or system failures.

While optimizing computer performance, enhancing internet browsing speed, and managing system updates are important aspects of overall computing experience, they do not fall under the primary function of anti-virus software, which is centrally focused on maintaining security against malware.