What is one of the primary functions of antivirus software?

Antivirus software plays a crucial role in maintaining the security of a computer system by focusing on the detection and removal of malware. Malware encompasses a range of malicious software types, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. The primary function of antivirus software is to scan files and programs for known malware signatures, monitor system behavior for unusual activity, and provide real-time protection against potential threats.

By performing these tasks, antivirus software helps to prevent malware from infecting the system, thereby safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the proper functioning of the computer. This protective measure is essential for maintaining data integrity and system reliability, as malware can lead to data loss, theft, or system failure.

While antivirus software can indirectly contribute to improved computer speed by removing malware that may slow down the system, its main function remains the detection and removal of harmful software. Similarly, although some antivirus solutions may include spam filtering features, this is not their primary purpose. The option to erase all files on the computer is highly destructive and not characteristic of any reputable antivirus software, which instead focuses on enhancing security, not destroying data.