Ask most people what the latest version of McAfee or Norton installed on their home computer actually does, and they will probably tell you that it protects them from computer viruses. While that is true, it is too simple an answer. Today’s best antivirus software has many features designed to protect users from a variety of online threats (viruses, spyware, Trojans, and worms, for example) and optimize computer performance. These are the most common:

Incoming File Scans: Are you trying to open a file that someone sent you? Are you visiting a website that contains a hidden virus? Many antivirus programs will prevent these files from entering your system. Often times, you will receive a notification that a Trojan is trying to enter your system. When detected at this stage, it can be easily blocked.

Computer scan: Sometimes, the detection tools do not detect viruses and other malicious programs, no matter how careful. You can perform a system scan with most antivirus programs. In the end, you will be informed about any potential threats that were found and how these threats were resolved.

Computer Cleaning Tools: Probably the most common complaint among users is that computers seem to slow down after a while. This can be due to a variety of things, and antivirus software often has features to clean computers and make them run faster.

Spam Prevention Tools: Your antivirus software probably has a feature designed to help you reduce the amount of spam you receive. All you have to do is “train” the system to recognize spam messages, a small investment of time that pays off in the long run. Imagine if you could prevent most of those spam emails from reaching your inbox in the first place.