keeping my computer running in tip top condition?

Question

hello every one...can you give me simple advice....i am new to computers....i understand i must take precautions...i am so confused with all the advice and advertising.....i have insalled../firewall/anti virus/ ad cleaner/windows security updates/windows defender and a registry cleaner....have i got all i need ?....how often should i run them ?.....it seems to me i could spend all day cleaning my computer and never have for fun....complicated answers are no good at the moment...i am an old woman who can follow instructions but am not technically minded and have so much to learn.....i hope all you whiz kids out there can help me....thank you.

Answer 1

Maintaining security on our systems is becoming more and more difficult - and more and more important - every day. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid and combat intruders, viruses and spyware on your PC. Nothing is 100%, but these will go a long way toward keeping your computing experience enjoyable.

Common Sense!!!!!!

Never open email attachments unless you know the sender, expected the attachment, and know what the attachment is before opening

Use a GOOD anti-virus program, have it active at all times, and keep the definitions up to date (if it has an auto-updater, use it)

Use a firewall (software or hardware - doesn't matter - just use one!) Even if you have a router use a good software firewall as well such as Sygate

If using a router be sure to change the defualt password, if using a wireless router you should also not allow remote logins to your router, enable WEP, disable SSID and enable MAC address cloning

Use AdAware and Spybot as scanning programs on a regular basis. You must use both - one will often miss items the other will catch. Neither is better than the other - just different.

Download and use both SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard from javacool. SB is a passive utility that will innoculate the registry and prevent spyware entries from being installed. SG is an active utility that sits in the system tray and prevents spyware from being installed. Again, they are complementary to one another - use both and keep definitions updated

Visit Windows Update regularly and be sure to install all Critical Security Patches

Common Sense!!!!!!!

Never go to web sites that are known for spyware

Allow First Party & Session Cookies, but block Third Party Cookies

Never post your email address or other personal information on a web site or forum

Do not allow others to surf the web on your computer - or be prepared for the consequences

Common Sense!!!!!!!!

Never reply to emails that request personal information, regardless of the apparent source of the request

Stay the heck out of chat rooms

Try an alternative web browser such as Mozilla, it is more secure and has a lot more customizable security settings

Did I mention Common Sense? lol!

Answer 2

Yes you have all the main things, although an ad blocker and/or popup blocker is useful too.

As for how often to run them, well I generally just leave all the automated updates to handle everything for me. I only really run the programs if I think there is a problem (such as slow loading or excessive popups(usually because of spyware)).

But most of the things you have installed are preventative so you probably don't need to do anything.

Once a month is probably often enough just for peace of mind. virus scan, scandisk, disk defrag.

and check for updates maybe once a week.

Answer 3

Dont mess up with every thing ,,,,

Install one Antivirus software which is well known in the market like MCaffee or NOrton... And a firewall this to is more than enough for ur systemmm...

Enable onaccess SCAN so tht wht ever u open first it scans and then it will open....

Install toolbars like GOOGLE TOOL BAR which blocks popups... coz popups are very dangeroues and it will download trojans and spywares from the back ground....

Answer 4

I would advise Mcafee virus scan, add to this the Mcafee firewall, and download the yahoo toolbar to block all pop ups, and you're well covered. Running a virusscan at least once a week is usually all thats needed to make sure your pc hasnt been infected with any nasty bugs.. Oh, and be careful what you download..

Answer 5

You have your bases covered...the antivirus program will do all the work now. About once a month visit microsoft for an online scan to make sure everything is working properly.

Happy Surfing

Answer 6

DO NOT FORMAT YOUR SYSTEM.

THIS WOULD DESTROY THE CONTENTS OF THE HARD DRIVE.

DEPENDING ON THE SOFTWARE PROVIDER(S) - IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO AUTOMATE ALL THE SECURITY SOFTWARE, SO THAT IT WILL DOWNLOAD UPDATES AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE. THEN YOU NEED DO NO MORE!

Incidentally I'm not shouting - I'm being easy to read!

YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED ONE OF THE DOWNFALLS OF THE INTERNET. IT'S ALL OUT THERE, BUT YOU DON'T KNOW IF IT'S TRUE!

IF YOU CLICK ON THE AVATAR OF THE ANSWERER, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW MANY OF THEIR ANSWERS WERE VOTED BEST (WHAT PERCENTAGE IS THE BETTER GUIDE) - BUT ITS STILL ONLY A GUIDE.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 7

If your data is not important then you don't need to bother with any anti-virus or such stuff. At the most you might have to format the system once a month. that would be faster.

Answer 8

my system seems tobe runnin without any problems
i have avg antiviryus
sygate personal firewall ( note that i need to disable windows firewall for it )
ccleaner.com to clean crap from my system
and it runs great

thanks
regards
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ps. dont 4get to vote for best answer

Answer 9

yeah the things you got i mean anti viruses and all its enough you dont need to scan it daily these programs will give you alerts automatically ... dont worry .... and enjoy and have fun when alerts come up then you just clean it .....

Answer 10

Have a look here for some good advice.