i am confused?

Question

there are so many things out there for my computer. spyware, adware, virus protection. AAAAAAHHHHH. What is really necessary. i was on vacation for a month and now my computer is so slow. what should i do?

Answer 1

Try the browser FirefoxMozilla instead of Internet Explorer.

That IE uses ActiveX and that can slow down a computer somewhat. However, I think it is your Internet supplier that is having problems.

If you check the "slowing down" time for spyware, the average person cannot even detect it. Much made about nothing. Sure, I dont like people snooping either, but to download a bunch of programs to eliminate any snooping simply has NO PAYOFF.
In fact, most commericial websites like Yahoo, MSN, Google, and others REQUIRE cookies to operate, and Yes, they require the typical "tracking" cookie. That is how they survive and make $$$ to even be in existance.

Now, Virus and trogans an all together different problem, those things get into your computer using WindowsInternetExplore's ActiveX and change programs, alter your files and so on. So use an AntiVirus for sure. Get that free AVG one, Your Mcaffee is probably expired.

Answer 2

There are several things that you can do. First and foremost just reboot it. If you've been gone for a month chances are it needs to be restarted. Also has anyone else been on your computer? As far as any-virus and spyware I would suggest getting programs like Norton and Xoftspy. There are many free ones out there however they also tend to come with little files that attatch themselves to your computer. As a network admin for my local D.A.s office I would suggest doing the following:

1) Restart your computer.
2) If anyone has been on your computer check to see if they've installed anything you don't want. Then get rid of it via Control Panel / Add or Remove Programs.
3) If it's still running slow get a program to look for the spyware.
4) Another option is to defrag your drive.

Answer 3

Try this one:
http://www.symantec.com/region/reg_eu/techsupp/home_homeoffice/index_virus.html

Symantec, a well-known producer of anti-virus software, has an online scan service.

Simply click on RUN SCAN and follow the instructions. If there's a virus/troian..., it will most likely find it and tell you how to remove it.

Hope i could help you

Answer 4

if you have a anti viral type software program, run it.

then follow instructions that it gives you.

Then have a offline tool to run a check on the computer when it is not hooked up to the Net.

Then follow instructions on what to do.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Your computer has not come back from vacation yet.