AVAST ANTIVIRUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Avast Antivirus is a widely used and highly regarded computer security software designed to protect electronic devices, particularly computers and mobile devices, from various online threats. It is categorized as an antivirus program due to its primary function of detecting, preventing, and removing malware, such as viruses, ransomware, spyware, and adware.
Avast Antivirus operates by scanning files and programs stored on a device's hard drive, email attachments, and websites visited, in order to detect any malicious code or suspicious activity. It employs a database of known malware signatures and heuristic analysis to identify and eliminate threats. Additionally, it offers real-time protection, continuously monitoring device activity to detect and block new and emerging threats in real-time.
Avast Antivirus provides several security features, including web protection that safeguards against harmful websites, phishing attacks, and malicious downloads. It also offers a firewall to monitor and block unauthorized network access and a spam filter to prevent unsolicited emails from reaching the user's inbox. Furthermore, it includes anti-tracking features to protect user privacy and secure web browsing.
With regular updates and the option for automatic scans and updates, Avast Antivirus aims to provide users with comprehensive security against online threats. It is available in both free and premium versions, with the premium version offering advanced features like secure DNS, sandbox testing, and a password manager. Overall, Avast Antivirus is a reliable and effective tool in safeguarding digital devices from malware and ensuring the safety of user data.
Etymology of AVAST ANTIVIRUS
The word "avast" has a nautical origin and is used as a command to bring a ship to a stop or cease the current action. It is derived from the Dutch word "houd vast", meaning "hold fast" or "stop". The term "avast antivirus" is likely a combination of this nautical command "avast" and "antivirus", which is a computer program designed to detect and eliminate viruses from computer systems.
