How to Protect a Computer From Viruses

Series Summary

Computers are complex machines built upon very simple principles. They perform arithmetical operations millions of times over to transform digital information moving at lightning speed into usable human data. A personal computer's job is to help a user create, manipulate, deliver, receive or delete media content. This is a simple, sterile definition that sounds uninteresting on the surface. Nevertheless, these fundamental functions mimic human ability in some surprising ways. Therefore, the computer is increasingly becoming an engine of the imagination, a platform for the digital life. In this free video series, a software developer provides advice for using computers and software. Discover how to protect a computer from viruses, how to troubleshoot a crashing computer and how to program a computer. Learn about making a table in Microsoft Word, using Microsoft Excel and using external hard drives. Maximize a computer's potential with these IT tips.

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Dave Andrews. Today I'm going to show you how to protect a computer from viruses. First thing we're going to check on our computer is check to make sure the Windows firewall is turned on. To do so, open up your control panel, I have a shortcut on my desktop but you can find it typically under your start menu. Let's go to the classic view in control panel. And scroll down until you can find a security center. And there it is. Now, my firewall is already on. If yours was off it would say off. And have a little red symbol here. To turn it on if it's off, click over here on the left, say Windows firewall, and say turn Windows firewall on or off. And you have to be an administrator, it's going to ask for your permission, just click continue, and mine is checked to be on, but if you can - as you can see, yours might be checked off. If so, just click on on and then down here at the bottom click okay. And that'll turn on your Windows firewall, it will start viruses on the internet from connecting to your computer but it won't help you if you browse to a website or run a program that has a virus. For that you're going to need an antivirus program. And I suggest to use a free program for home use called Avast. Just go to Avast.com in your web browser. And your basically just going to look on here for their home version, it's under the download. Click on programs. And what we what to find is Avast Four, home, you'll just download and install that from their website and that will protect you from viruses. My name is Dave Andrews and I've just showed you how to protect a computer from viruses."