Staying Safe Online · Updates & Antivirus · Lesson 2 of 5

Built-in Protection Is Usually Enough

Your computer already has antivirus. Here is what it does for free.

Antivirus that comes with your computer

Malware is any harmful program. Viruses are one kind. Antivirus is a program that finds malware and stops it.

Windows already comes with antivirus. It is called Microsoft Defender. It lives inside an app called Windows Security. It is free, and it is turned on from the start.

Defender works quietly in the background. It checks files when you download or open them. It gets new information through Windows Update, so keeping updates on keeps Defender sharp.

To look at it, open the Start menu and type "Windows Security". Click Virus & threat protection. A green check mark means things look fine.

On a Mac, protection is built in too. You don't open it like an app. It just works:

• XProtect is the Mac's built-in malware checker. Apple updates it by itself.
• Gatekeeper checks apps you download from the internet. Is the app from an unknown maker? Then the Mac warns you before it opens.

For most people at home, this built-in protection plus updates is enough for basic safety. You don't need to pay for more.

Some people still choose to buy extra antivirus, and that is fine. If you do, get a well-known one from its official website. Only use one antivirus at a time. If you install another one, Windows turns Defender off on its own.

Say no to cleaners and boosters

Sometimes a pop-up says your computer is slow or full of junk. It offers a free app to clean it or speed it up. These are often called cleaner or booster apps.

Don't install them from a pop-up. Many are a trick. Some show fake problems so you will pay to fix them. Some are malware themselves. Some fill your screen with more ads.

Here are warning signs:

• It appeared by itself while you were on a website.
• It says it found hundreds of problems in seconds.
• It asks you to pay before it will fix anything.
• It is hard to close.

If you see one, don't click anything inside it. Close the tab or the window. If you already installed one, open Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps. Find it, click the three dots next to it and pick Uninstall. Then run a scan in Windows Security.

Your computer has its own safe tools. If it feels slow, try a restart first. Then make sure updates are done. You can also remove apps you don't use.

On a Mac, drag an unwanted app from the Applications folder to the Trash.

If you're unsure about any app, ask someone you trust before you install it.