UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Antivirus software scans files and system areas for signatures or behaviours associated with malware such as viruses, worms and Trojans. It can quarantine or delete infected components and often provides real-time protection against new threats. Regular updates keep its detection capabilities current. Therefore the software described in the stem is best identified as antivirus software.

Option A:
Option A, graphics, is concerned with image creation and manipulation and has no function in detecting malicious code. It is unrelated to system protection.

Option B:
Option B, utility, is a broader category that includes maintenance and optimisation tools; although antivirus is a kind of utility, the stem points to a more specific label. Using the general term would not be as precise as naming antivirus.

Option C:
Option C, spreadsheet, is used for numerical calculations and data analysis, not for protecting systems from malware infections.

Option D:
Option D is correct because antivirus programs explicitly target malicious software and are marketed for security purposes, matching the intent described in the question.