How to Turn on Virus Protection

If you use Windows, you need virus protection. Viruses and other forms of malware can, without the proper protection, quickly and easily infect Windows computers without the user even realizing it. If your computer is regularly connected to the Internet and you don't have anti-virus protection, or aren't sure if you have anti-virus protection, you should look into it. Not doing so will often mean your computer is far slower than it should be.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Make sure you don't already have virus protection. Open the Control Panel by pressing "Start," then "Control Panel." Open the "Security Panel." This window has three main boxes of information: the Firewall, Automatic Updates and Virus Protection. If you have virus protection that is up to date and working, it will say "On" in green letters in this box. If this is the case, your current anti-virus is working fine.

   If the box says "Off" in red letters, it's time to get some anti-virus software.

2. Get Microsoft Security Essentials (free download, see Resources), the free anti-virus software from Microsoft. This software is a free download from Microsoft and comes with free updates perpetually.

   Make sure to download the version intended for your version of Windows. If you're unsure which version of Windows you're using, right-click "My Computer" and click "Properties." This window will tell you which version of Windows you're using.

3. Install Microsoft Security Essentials. The software will verify your version of Windows is legal before installing the software, updating virus definitions and running a quick scan.

Tips & Warnings

• This guide assumes you use Windows XP or higher.

References

• Microsoft.com: Manage Your Computer's Security

Resources

• Download Microsoft Security Essentials