How do antivirus programs function to protect systems?

Antivirus programs function primarily by detecting, quarantining, and removing malware from computer systems. They achieve this through a variety of techniques, including signature-based detection, where the software identifies known malware by comparing files against a database of virus signatures. Additionally, heuristic analysis is used to detect previously unknown viruses by examining the behaviors and characteristics of files, which helps in identifying potential threats even if their signatures are not yet in the database.

Upon detecting malware, the antivirus program can quarantine the affected files, isolating them from the rest of the system to prevent spread or execution. This action allows users to safely analyze or delete suspicious files without compromising system integrity. If confirmed as malware, the program can then remove these files, thus maintaining the health of the operating system and protecting against further damage or data loss.

Other options, while touching on aspects related to system protection, do not accurately describe the core functions of antivirus software. Monitoring internet usage for data theft is more aligned with firewall activities or specialized security software. Enhancing system speed and performance is not a primary purpose of antivirus programs, and while some antivirus applications may offer optimization features, it is not their main function. Lastly, automatically updating all software applications typically falls under the category of system maintenance tools and not