Final answer:
Antivirus software scans disks and programs to find and eliminate malicious software that threatens computer systems. It uses signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and offers real-time protection, often alongside other security features like firewalls.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for software that scans disks and programs for the purpose of eliminating software designed to harm computer systems is known as antivirus software. This type of software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware, which includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs that could potentially damage a computer system or compromise user data.
Antivirus software operates by scanning files and applications for patterns or signatures that match known malware. Additionally, many antivirus programs include heuristic analysis capabilities, which allows them to detect previously unknown viruses or new variants of known viruses by examining code behavior and properties. Furthermore, antivirus tools typically offer real-time protection and may come with additional features such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
It is crucial for computer users to keep antivirus software up-to-date to ensure that it can recognize and neutralize the latest threats. With cyber threats continually evolving, having a strong antivirus solution is a key component in maintaining computer security.