What is the function of an antivirus program?

• A. To enhance system performance
• B. To detect and remove malicious software
• C. To manage internet traffic
• D. To back up data automatically

Answer: (B)

An antivirus program primarily functions to detect and remove malicious software, often referred to as malware. This includes viruses, worms, trojans, and other harmful software that can compromise the security of a computer system. The program continuously scans the system for known threats, monitors for suspicious behavior, and updates its database with the latest virus definitions to stay effective against new threats. By identifying and eliminating these types of malware, the antivirus program helps protect user data and maintain the overall integrity of the system.

Other functions such as enhancing system performance, managing internet traffic, or backing up data are not the primary purpose of an antivirus program, which is specifically tailored to dealing with the threats posed by viruses and other malicious software. These additional functions are typically the roles of other software or tools, such as optimization programs, network management tools, or backup solutions respectively.