What is the primary function of antivirus software?

The primary function of antivirus software is to detect and remove malicious software from a computer system. This includes various types of threats such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware that can harm computer systems or compromise sensitive data. Antivirus programs use a combination of techniques to identify malicious software, including signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior-based detection. Once identified, the software can quarantine or remove the malicious files, helping to ensure that the system remains secure and operational.

The other options, while related to common tasks associated with overall computer maintenance and security, do not specifically define the core purpose of antivirus software. For instance, speeding up computer performance is typically managed through optimization tools rather than antivirus functions. Managing network security involves a broader range of technologies and strategies, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and creating data backups is a separate function aimed at data redundancy and recovery, not directly linked to the role of antivirus software.