What is the primary function of anti-virus software on a workstation?

The primary function of anti-virus software on a workstation is to detect and remove malware. This software is specifically designed to monitor the system for malicious programs such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and other forms of malware. By scanning files and programs on the computer, anti-virus software identifies known threats based on a database of signatures as well as employing heuristic analyses to uncover new, unknown threats. Once malware is detected, the software can take action by quarantining the infected files or removing them altogether, thereby protecting the system and preserving the integrity and confidentiality of data. This is a critical component of cybersecurity for any workstation, ensuring that users' data and systems remain safe from harm.

In contrast, enhancing internet speed, managing hardware resources, and providing user support and training are not functions of anti-virus software. These are roles that could be fulfilled by other types of software or methods, such as optimization tools for internet speed or system resource management applications, but they do not relate to the core purpose of anti-virus software.