Anti Virus original pen and ink and watercolour illustration by Rosie Brooks

An antivirus software, commonly known as an "anti-virus," is a program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) from a computer system. Malware includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, and other types of malicious code that can damage or compromise the security of a computer or network.

Antivirus software works by scanning files and programs on a computer for patterns or signatures of known malware. If a match is found, the antivirus software will quarantine or delete the infected file or program. Some antivirus programs also use behavioral analysis to detect previously unknown malware by looking for suspicious behavior or activity on a computer system.

Antivirus software can be used for personal or business purposes, and can be installed on a single computer or a network of computers. It is an essential tool for protecting against cyber threats and keeping computer systems secure. However, it is important to keep antivirus software updated with the latest virus definitions and patches in order to stay protected against new and emerging threats.