What is the purpose of anti-virus software?

• A. To enhance the speed of a computer
• B. To protect the system from malicious software
• C. To automatically update applications
• D. To manage the computer's memory allocation

Answer: (B)

Anti-virus software is specifically designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) from a computer or network. This includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. The primary purpose of this software is to safeguard the system from potential threats that can compromise its integrity, functionality, and data security. By identifying suspicious activities and files, anti-virus software plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the system.

While it may be beneficial to enhance a computer's speed, manage memory allocation, or update applications, these functions are not the primary focus of anti-virus software. Instead, its main mission is to provide a protective barrier against harmful programs that can lead to data loss, identity theft, and other significant security issues.