Fighting malware and spam

Anti-virus

Virus (and often malware in general) detection software

AV or anti-virus is software designed to detect viruses.

Originally, AV software simply scanned a system to spot viruses. Nowadays products may be much more complex, with on-access protection almost universal, updating of detection information generally automated, and detection for non-replicating malware such as trojans and spyware, and even unwanted software like adware, rolled in. More complex suites add firewalls and a range of other utilities, but simple anti-virus products offering only scanning remain available.