Define Antivirus 

Antivirus software is a type of program designed and developed to protect computers from malware like viruses, computer worms, spyware, botnets, rootkits, keyloggers and such. Antivirus programs function to scan, detect and remove viruses from your computer. There are many versions and types of anti-virus programs that are on  the market. However, the prime objective of any antivirus program is to protect computers and remove viruses once detected.

Most antivirus programs incorporate both automated and manual filtering abilities. The instant scanning option may check files - downloaded from the Internet, discs that are embedded into the PC, and files that are made by software installers. The programmed scanning process may likewise check the entire hard drive on a day-to-day basis. The manual scanning system enables you to check single documents or even to scan the complete network at whatever point you feel it is necessary.

Since new infections are always being made by PC programmers, antivirus programs must keep an updated database of the most recent malware codes. This database incorporates a list of "malware definitions" that the antivirus software implements when filtering records. Since new infections evolve every day  , it is essential to keep your product's infection database up and coming. Luckily, most antivirus programs naturally refresh the infection database all the time.

While antivirus software is basically intended to ensure complete protection for PCs against virus infections, numerous antivirus programs now secure against different sorts of malware — for example, spyware, adware, and rootkits as well. Antivirus software may likewise include firewall features, which anticipate unapproved access to your PC. Utilities that incorporate both antivirus and firewall abilities are commonly called  "Internet Security Suite".

While antivirus programs are accessible for Windows, Macintosh, and Unix platforms, most antivirus software is  compatible with Windows operating system. This is on account of the fact that most infections are focused towards Windows PCs and subsequently virus protection is particularly imperative for Windows clients. If you are a Windows user, it is important  to install a third party , feature-packed, robust antivirus program on your PC. Comodo Antivirus has been the best and compelling solution to outsmart even the zero-day and unknown threats with efficient features and technologies like default-deny protection, Host Intrusion Prevention, Auto sandboxing solutions and Containment technology.

Features of an Effective Antivirus

The following features of any antivirus are to be looked for when you decide on installing one

Proactive scanning for malwares, and deleting once detected

Default-Deny Protection – Default-Deny protection that is implemented to prevent the entry of suspicious files by default.

Auto Sandbox Technology – A virtual environment where suspicious and unknown files are secluded and run to check for any malicious activity  without interfering with the normal operations.

Containment Technology – Validates and authorizes the programs that are executable and ensures that the processes are run without effecting  the regular operations  of the system.

Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS) – This feature works on a protocol-based intrusion prevention system, that oversees all the application and program activities that aare processed in the system. The HIPS terminates any malicious activities once found. This prevents the malware from infecting the operating system, registry keys or personal data or system memory.

Antiviruses are also of different types based on the OS compatibility
Antivirus for Windows OS
Antivirus for Linux OS
Antivirus for Android OS
Antivirus for MAC OS