What is the primary function of an anti-virus program?

The primary function of an anti-virus program is to detect, prevent, and remove malware from a computer. Anti-virus software is specifically designed to identify malicious software, such as viruses, worms, spyware, and trojans, which can threaten system security and user data.

When installed on a computer, the program continuously scans files and applications for known malware signatures and suspicious behavior. In real-time, it monitors system activity to prevent infections and, after detection, takes appropriate action to remove or quarantine the infected files, ensuring the integrity and safety of the system. This protective capability is essential in maintaining the overall security of a computer network and safeguarding sensitive information from potential harm.

The other options pertain to functions that are either unrelated to security or part of different system management aspects. Enhancing system boot speed, optimizing software performance, and managing user files and data access are not within the primary responsibilities of anti-virus programs.