ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Guard (computing)

A guard in computing is a special program that watches over your computer and makes sure that only the right people or programs are allowed to use it. It's like having a really strong and responsible babysitter for your computer!

Imagine that your computer is like a castle, and the guard is like a gatekeeper. When someone wants to enter the castle, they have to first go through the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper will ask them questions, like who they are and what they want to do inside the castle. If they are allowed to enter, the gatekeeper will open the gate and let them in.

Similarly, a guard program on your computer acts as a gatekeeper that controls who gets in and what they are allowed to do. It can block unauthorized access and prevent hackers or viruses from causing harm to your computer.

For example, let's say you download a program to your computer. Without a guard in place, that program might be able to do whatever it wants on your computer, even if it's harmful or malicious. But with a guard program running, it will check to make sure that the program is safe and won't cause any damage before allowing it to run.

Overall, having a guard program on your computer is a great way to keep it safe and secure from any potential threats. Just like how a castle needs a guard to protect it from invaders, your computer needs a guard to protect it from cyber threats.