Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Configure network settings on Windows
  • Understand and set up IP addresses
  • Configure firewall settings
  • Install and configure antivirus software
  • Set up internet connections
  • Configure email clients

Understanding Computer Networks

A computer network is a group of interconnected computers that can share resources and communicate with each other.

Types of Networks

  1. LAN (Local Area Network): Network within a building or campus
  2. WAN (Wide Area Network): Network spanning large geographical areas
  3. WLAN (Wireless LAN): Wireless network using Wi-Fi
  4. Internet: Global network of networks

IP Address Configuration

What is an IP Address?

An IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each device on a network.

Format: Four numbers separated by dots (IPv4)

  • Example: 192.168.1.100
  • Each number ranges from 0 to 255

Types of IP Addresses

1. Static IP Address

  • Manually configured and doesn’t change
  • Used for servers, printers, and network devices
  • Advantages: Consistent address, easier for remote access
  • Disadvantages: Requires manual configuration, risk of conflicts

2. Dynamic IP Address

  • Automatically assigned by DHCP server
  • Changes periodically
  • Advantages: Easy setup, no conflicts
  • Disadvantages: Address may change

Viewing Your IP Address

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type cmd and press Enter
  3. Type ipconfig and press Enter
  4. Look for IPv4 Address

Method 2: Using Settings

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
  2. Go to Network & Internet
  3. Click on your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
  4. Scroll down to see IP address

Configuring IP Address (Static)

Step 1: Open Network Settings

  1. Right-click on network icon in system tray
  2. Select “Open Network & Internet settings”
  3. Click “Change adapter options”

Step 2: Access Adapter Properties

  1. Right-click on your network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
  2. Select “Properties”

Step 3: Configure IPv4

  1. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”
  2. Click “Properties”

Step 4: Enter IP Settings

  1. Select “Use the following IP address”
  2. Enter:
    • IP address: 192.168.1.100 (example)
    • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 (auto-fills usually)
    • Default gateway: 192.168.1.1 (your router’s IP)
  3. Enter DNS servers:
    • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
    • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
  4. Click “OK”

Step 5: Verify Connection

  1. Open Command Prompt
  2. Type ping google.com
  3. If you receive replies, connection is working

Configuring IP Address (DHCP/Automatic)

  1. Follow Steps 1-3 above
  2. Select “Obtain an IP address automatically”
  3. Select “Obtain DNS server address automatically”
  4. Click “OK”

Firewall Configuration

What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

Purpose:

  • Blocks unauthorized access
  • Prevents malware from spreading
  • Protects sensitive data

Windows Firewall Setup

Accessing Windows Firewall:

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Click “System and Security”
  3. Click “Windows Defender Firewall”

Turning Firewall On/Off

  1. Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” (left sidebar)
  2. Choose settings for:
    • Private network settings (home/work)
    • Public network settings (public Wi-Fi)
  3. Select “Turn on Windows Defender Firewall” (recommended)
  4. Click “OK”

Allowing Apps Through Firewall

Step 1: Access Allowed Apps

  1. In Windows Firewall, click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”

Step 2: Modify Settings

  1. Click “Change settings” (requires admin rights)
  2. Check the apps you want to allow
  3. Choose network types (Private/Public)
  4. Click “OK”

Step 3: Add New App

  1. Click “Allow another app”
  2. Click “Browse” to find the program
  3. Select the app and click “Add”

Creating Firewall Rules

Advanced Settings:

  1. Click “Advanced settings” in Windows Firewall
  2. Select “Inbound Rules” or “Outbound Rules”
  3. Click “New Rule” in right panel
  4. Follow the wizard to create custom rules

Antivirus Software Installation and Configuration

Importance of Antivirus

Antivirus software protects your computer from:

  • Viruses: Malicious programs that replicate
  • Malware: Software designed to harm
  • Spyware: Software that collects information secretly
  • Ransomware: Software that encrypts files and demands payment
  • Trojans: Malware disguised as legitimate software

Free Options:

  • Windows Defender (built into Windows 10/11)
  • Avast Free Antivirus
  • AVG Antivirus Free
  • Malwarebytes Free

Paid Options:

  • Norton 360
  • McAfee Total Protection
  • Kaspersky Internet Security
  • Bitdefender Total Security

Installing Windows Defender (Built-in)

Windows Defender comes pre-installed on Windows 10/11.

Activating Windows Defender:

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
  2. Go to “Update & Security” > “Windows Security”
  3. Click “Virus & threat protection”
  4. Ensure “Real-time protection” is ON

Installing Third-Party Antivirus (Example: Avast)

Step 1: Download Installer

  1. Visit official website: avast.com
  2. Click “Free Download”
  3. Save the installer

Step 2: Run Installer

  1. Double-click the downloaded file
  2. Click “Yes” on User Account Control
  3. Click “Install”

Step 3: Complete Installation

  1. Wait for installation to complete
  2. Click “Continue” to start setup
  3. Follow the initial setup wizard

Step 4: Run First Scan

  1. Click “Run Smart Scan”
  2. Wait for scan to complete
  3. Review and fix any issues found

Configuring Antivirus Settings

Update Virus Definitions:

  1. Open your antivirus program
  2. Look for “Update” option
  3. Click to download latest virus definitions

Schedule Scans:

  1. Go to Settings or Preferences
  2. Find “Scheduled Scans”
  3. Set frequency (daily, weekly)
  4. Choose scan time (when computer is idle)

Configure Real-Time Protection:

  1. Ensure real-time protection is enabled
  2. Configure what to scan (files, emails, web traffic)
  3. Set action for detected threats (quarantine, delete)

Internet Connection Setup

Connecting to Wi-Fi

Step 1: View Available Networks

  1. Click network icon in system tray
  2. View list of available Wi-Fi networks

Step 2: Connect to Network

  1. Click on your network name
  2. Check “Connect automatically” (optional)
  3. Click “Connect”

Step 3: Enter Password

  1. Enter the Wi-Fi password (network security key)
  2. Click “Next”

Step 4: Choose Network Type

  1. Select “Yes” for home/work networks
  2. Select “No” for public networks

Connecting via Ethernet

  1. Plug Ethernet cable into computer’s network port
  2. Plug other end into router/modem
  3. Windows will automatically configure connection
  4. Check network icon for connection status

Troubleshooting Internet Connection

Problem: No Internet Access

Solution 1: Restart Router

  1. Unplug router power cable
  2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. Plug back in and wait for full restart

Solution 2: Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi

  1. Click network icon
  2. Click “Network & Internet settings”
  3. Click “Wi-Fi” > “Manage known networks”
  4. Select your network and click “Forget”
  5. Reconnect with password

Solution 3: Reset Network Settings

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet
  2. Click “Status”
  3. Scroll down and click “Network reset”
  4. Click “Reset now”
  5. Restart computer

Solution 4: Update Network Drivers

  1. Right-click Start and select “Device Manager”
  2. Expand “Network adapters”
  3. Right-click your adapter
  4. Select “Update driver”

Email Configuration

Setting Up Email in Microsoft Outlook

Step 1: Open Outlook

  1. Launch Microsoft Outlook
  2. If first time, setup wizard will start automatically

Step 2: Add Account

  1. Click “File” > “Add Account”
  2. Enter your email address
  3. Click “Connect”

Step 3: Enter Password

  1. Enter your email password
  2. Click “Connect”

Step 4: Complete Setup

  1. Outlook will automatically configure settings
  2. Click “Done” when finished

Manual Email Configuration

If automatic setup fails:

Step 1: Choose Manual Setup

  1. In Add Account wizard, click “Advanced options”
  2. Check “Let me set up my account manually”
  3. Click “Connect”

Step 2: Choose Account Type

  • IMAP: Recommended (syncs across devices)
  • POP3: Downloads emails to one device

Step 3: Enter Server Settings

For Gmail (IMAP):

  • Incoming mail server: imap.gmail.com
  • Port: 993
  • Encryption: SSL/TLS
  • Outgoing mail server: smtp.gmail.com
  • Port: 587
  • Encryption: STARTTLS

For Outlook.com:

  • Incoming: outlook.office365.com (Port 993, SSL)
  • Outgoing: smtp.office365.com (Port 587, STARTTLS)

Step 4: Test Settings

  1. Click “Next”
  2. Outlook will test the connection
  3. Click “Done” if successful

Using Web-Based Email

Gmail:

  1. Visit gmail.com
  2. Sign in with Google account
  3. Access email from any browser

Outlook.com:

  1. Visit outlook.com
  2. Sign in with Microsoft account
  3. Access email from any browser

Network Security Best Practices

  1. Use strong Wi-Fi passwords (at least 12 characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols)
  2. Enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption on your router
  3. Keep firewall enabled at all times
  4. Update antivirus regularly and run scheduled scans
  5. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions (banking, shopping)
  6. Use VPN on public networks for added security
  7. Enable two-factor authentication for email accounts
  8. Regularly update Windows for security patches
  9. Be cautious with email attachments from unknown senders
  10. Use different passwords for different accounts

Key Takeaways

  • IP addresses uniquely identify devices on a network (can be static or dynamic)
  • Firewalls protect your computer by controlling network traffic
  • Antivirus software is essential for protecting against malware and viruses
  • Windows Defender provides built-in protection on Windows 10/11
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet are common methods to connect to the internet
  • Email clients like Outlook can be configured with IMAP or POP3 protocols
  • Network security requires multiple layers: firewall, antivirus, strong passwords, and updates

Next Steps

Now that you’ve completed Unit 1, you should be able to:

  • Identify different types of software
  • Install software on your computer
  • Configure network settings and connect to the internet
  • Protect your computer with firewall and antivirus

📚 Continue to Unit 2: MS Word - Font and Paragraph Formatting

✏️ Practice: Unit 1 Practical Assignment