What is antivirus software?
Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
Find concise answers to common questions about antivirus software, malware, ransomware, phishing, Windows security, and safe computing.
Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
Malware is the general term for malicious software. Viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware are examples of malware.
No security product can guarantee detection of every possible threat. Security is stronger when antivirus is combined with updates, safe computing practices, account security, and backups.
Antivirus can block many malicious files and behaviors, but it cannot prevent every attack technique. Multiple security layers are important.
Reputable free antivirus products can provide basic protection. Feature coverage varies between free and paid products.
Modern security software is designed to minimize performance impact, although scans can temporarily use additional system resources.
Real-time protection provides continuous monitoring, while scheduled or manual scans can provide additional checks. Scan external or downloaded files when appropriate.
A false positive is when security software incorrectly identifies a safe file or application as malicious.
Use layered security, keep software updated, maintain protected backups, and avoid untrusted links, attachments, and downloads.
Verify senders and URLs, be cautious with urgent requests, avoid unexpected attachments, and use web or phishing protection where available.
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