Episode #19: What is Windows Defender?
If you have a Windows PC and you're not sure what exactly Windows Defender does or if it is even protecting your computer properly, this is the article for you!
Episode #19: What is Windows Defender?
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program for Windows computers. It is designed to protect your computer from malicious software, such as viruses, malware, and spyware. Windows Defender automatically scans your computer and alerts you if it finds anything harmful. It also provides real-time protection, which means it runs in the background and monitors your computer for potential threats as you use it. It is a good first line of defence against cyber threats, but it's important to keep all software and operating systems up to date and to also use additional security measures, such as firewalls and strong passwords, to further protect your information and device.
How do I know if I have Windows Defender on my computer?
If you're using a Windows operating system, such as Windows 10, 8.1, or 7, you most likely have Windows Defender installed on your computer. You can easily check if Windows Defender is on your device by following these steps:
Press the Windows key
In the search bar, type "Windows Security"
If Windows Defender is installed on your computer, you will be able to access the Windows Defender Security Center and see its status.
If it's not installed, you will receive an error message indicating that it can't be found on your device. Note that Windows Defender is only available for Windows operating systems, and if you're using a different operating system, such as macOS or Linux, you'll need to use a different antivirus program to protect your device.
How often should I scan my computer for viruses and threats using Windows Defender?
It's recommended to regularly scan your computer for viruses and other threats to ensure its security. The frequency of scanning depends on how you use your computer and how often you download or exchange files with other devices. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how often you should scan your computer:
Weekly scanning: If you frequently download files, visit websites, or exchange files with other devices, it's a good idea to run a scan at least once a week. This will help you catch any potential threats early on.
Monthly scanning: If you use your computer mostly for basic tasks, such as browsing the web, reading emails, and working with documents, a monthly scan should suffice.
Real-time protection: In addition to regularly running scans, it's also a good idea to turn on real-time protection in Windows Defender. Real-time protection will continuously monitor your computer for potential threats and alert you if it finds anything suspicious.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and you may need to adjust the frequency of scanning based on your individual needs. Running a scan after installing new software or after visiting an unfamiliar website is also a good practice. The most important thing is to regularly check your computer for potential threats to ensure its security.
What should I do if Windows Defender is asking me to take some sort of action?
If Windows Defender is asking you to take some sort of action, it means that it has detected a potential threat on your computer. The specific action you need to take will depend on the type of threat that has been detected, but here are some common steps you can follow:
Review the alert: Windows Defender will provide a description of the threat and the action it recommends you take. Read the alert carefully and make sure you understand what it's saying.
Quarantine the threat: Windows Defender may recommend that you quarantine the threat. Quarantining a threat means moving it to a secure location so that it can no longer harm your computer. To do this, simply follow the steps indicated in the alert.
Remove the threat: If the threat is particularly dangerous, Windows Defender may recommend that you remove it completely from your computer. To do this, follow the steps indicated in the alert.
Keep your software up to date: It's important to keep your operating system and all other software on your computer up to date. This includes Windows Defender itself, as well as your web browser, flash player, and any other software you have installed.
Run a full scan: After you have taken action to remove or quarantine the threat, it's a good idea to run a full scan of your computer to make sure there are no other threats on your device. You can do this by using the Windows Defender Security Center.
Remember, it's important to take action when Windows Defender alerts you to a potential threat, as this will help protect your computer and your personal information from being compromised.
Can I set my computer up to automatically update?
Automatic updates help ensure that your operating system and other software is up to date with the latest security fixes and features. Here's how to turn on automatic updates in Windows 10:
Click on the Start button, and then click on the "Settings" icon (it looks like a gear).
Click on "Update & Security".
In the "Windows Update" section, click on "Check for updates". Windows will automatically check for any available updates and install them.
To turn on automatic updates, click on "Advanced options".
Under "Automatic Updates," turn on the toggle switch for "Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows."
With automatic updates turned on, Windows will automatically download and install updates in the background, so you don't have to worry about manually checking for updates. This helps ensure that your device is protected against the latest security threats. Note that automatic updates may restart your computer, so it's a good idea to save your work and close any open applications before updates are installed.
Imagine you are a cute puppy that can only communicate with 'woofs'. In your native tongue, can you explain what a computer virus is?
As a cute puppy who can only communicate with 'woofs', I'll explain what a computer virus is in the only language I know:
Woof woof! Woof woof woof! Woof woof woof woof!
This basically means: A computer virus is like a bad dog who likes to cause trouble. It sneaks into your computer and starts causing problems, just like a bad dog might chew on your favorite toy or dig holes in the yard. These problems can make your computer act funny or not work at all, just like when a bad dog does something bad and makes your human upset.
Woof woof woof! Woof woof woof woof!
This means: To protect your computer from viruses, it's important to be careful about what you download and what websites you visit, just like it's important to be careful about what you play with or what you eat to stay healthy. That way, your computer will stay happy and healthy, and you won't have to worry about any bad dogs causing trouble.