Anti-Virus Software

Definition - What does Anti-Virus Software mean?

Anti-virus software is a software utility that detects, prevents, and removes viruses, worms, and other malware from a computer.

Most anti-virus programs include an auto-update feature that permits the program to download profiles f new viruses, enabling the system to check for new threats. Antivirus programs are essential utilities for any computer but the choice of which one is very important. One AV program might find a certain virus or worm while another cannot, or vice-versa.

Also known as an anti-virus program.

Techopedia explains Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software searches the hard drive and external media attached to a computer for any potential viruses or worms. Broadly speaking, the two main approaches to virus detection are:

  • Dictionary Approach: In a dictionary approach, the anti-virus software checks a file and automatically refers to a dictionary of known viruses. If ther eis a match, the file is deleted, quarantined or repaired.
  • Suspicious Behavior Approach: In such an approach, the anti-virus software monitors the behavior of all programs and flags any suspicious behavior. For example, a program might be flagged if it tries to change settings to the operating system or write to a certain directory.

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