Antivirus software role – UGC NET Question

Antivirus programs scan files, memory and incoming data for known signatures or suspicious behaviour linked to malware. They can block or quarantine harmful code, preventing it from executing and damaging the system. Many tools also provide real-time protection to stop threats as they arise. Thus, their main purpose is to defend against malicious software.

Option A:
This option accurately summarises that antivirus software’s main role is to detect malicious code, prevent it from running and remove it when possible. That is why institutions install antivirus tools on lab and office machines.

Option B:
Increasing disk size requires adding or replacing hardware such as hard drives or SSDs. Antivirus software is purely a security program and cannot change the physical storage capacity of the computer.

Option C:
Creating presentations and spreadsheets is done using productivity software like office suites, not antivirus tools. Antivirus runs mainly in the background to protect systems, not to design teaching materials.

Option D:
Internet connectivity is provided by network infrastructure and service providers, not by antivirus software. While security tools may inspect web traffic, they do not themselves create or speed up the connection.