Why are there so many d amn software programs needed to make your computer run normal?

Question

I mean you have got
1. A virus scan
2. A spyware scan
3. A disc defragmenter
4. A registry cleaner
5. ??? (Am I missing anything!? My God!!)

And do you have to scan with all of these every day??!

Answer 1

you would not need any of that if....

there were not malicious hackers out there
IE was not full of security holes
windows was efficient as writing files back and forth to the hard drive
programmers knew how to make clean and simple programs with limited registry entries that would self uninstall fully when you want to unistall them and leave no traces behind in the registry

but we live in reality
so all of the above is needed

better yet a set up like below

install in SAFE mode with networking ( hit F-8 at boot time ), run them all in SAFE mode
with networking as you'll need it for the updates all the programs below will need.
Turn off RESTORE and the RECYLE BIN temporarily as virii can regenerate / reinfect even if you delete
them with both services on. After all the scanning and cleaning after a 2nd reboot and one last
scan do you turn both of them back on.

ANTI VIRAL

AVG (free) http://free.grisoft.com/


FIREWALL

ZoneAlarm http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

WEB BROWSER - http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox

EMAIL use thunderbird. It has a good built in spam filter and learns when you teach it. http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird

SPYWARE

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html


and if you have a wireless router follow these tips,


1. Use WPA encryption (WPA-PSK) it's less crackable then WEP.

2. Make a passphrase that is upper & lower case and has some numbers thrown in there as well, again harder to crack.
some like mAkE1t5eCurE0rel53 and as long as possible.

3. Use MAC access control so only you or authorized PC's can connect (even if you do have encryption turned on)

4. Turn off DHCP use static addresses.

5. Turn off SSID (and change it) unless your card really needs it (some do)

6. Change username/password of access unit front end

7. Ensure you have the usual firewall enabled on your PC.

8. Paranoia rules, turn WLAN off if your not using it :)


one last tip
control panel---administrator tools--services--messenger

right clik on it
stop the service
then disable it
save changes

Answer 2

Hi Dan T

5. A firewall (laughs..but not at you)

Actually, except for Disk Defragmenter (which comes pre-installed with the Windows OS from 98 and up), I don't have any of those applications running on my computer and 6 years later, I'm not doing too bad at all.

I just make an effort to pay a little more attention to what I download.

Now if I said I never had an issue or two in the past six years, I'd be lying, but just like a person doesn't have to go to a doctor every day, I hardly ever need most of those applications. Instead, I prefer to use applications that allow me to *do* things, like playing cd/dvds, writing papers or drawing pictures; that other stuff is mostly based in fear.

Most of those applications you mention regard online usage; a person completely disconnected from the internet would generally have no worry of viruses, spyware, adware, registry manipulation, browser hijacking or the like. And a person being a little mindful of what they download usually doesn't have to worry so much.

What do I mean by "mindful"? How about downloading from reputed sources, big-name companies like Apple, Microsoft, Adobe (for Flash)? These companies have numerous tools, utilities, resources and fun stuff to download that is completely safe. How about not downloading any and every attachment that ever reaches your email box? Friends and family that want to forward "cute" jokes and videos may (unintentionally, of course) also spread viruses. I'll read the messages, but the attachments remain unviewed.

Computers are excellent tools (or more often than not, excellent procrastinators) we should be able to enjoy rather freely; after a home and car, they tend to be one of our most expensive single-item purchases. Any investment is worth protecting, but a computer isn't a 'stock'; it becomes a part of our productivity, entertainment: part of our lives. We use it sensibly, we'll reap rewards.

Answer 3

Ah, the plight of the common man and the personal computer. It does seem to be an uphill struggle sometimes.

I'll answer your last question first: No, you DON'T have to scan with all of those tools every day. Those tools would, however, be be wise to run daily on a computer that:

-Is constantly on a non-protected network.
-Shares multiple network connections with various devices.
-Has multiple users.
-Frequently deletes/adds file structures.
-Frequently transfers files from outside sources.

The virus scanner and spyware scanner are more for networked and heavy traffic systems. Most salespersons of home computers package these tools as a 'saftey' measure: They don't know WHAT Joe/Jane Average is going to to with their pre-packaged home computer, so they tell them to use these devices frequently...even if the computer in question is never networked or has little to no file transfers to removable storage devices.

The defragmenter and registery cleaner are another story. Its akin to brushing your teeth and flossing. Yes, your dentist will scowl and waggle his finger if you're missing a few sessions. But as long as you're not adding/removing a large volume of files, you'll be fine for not using these programs often...but you SHOULD use them.

Because your computer needs personal care just like you, from time to time, inorder to get the most of it. Most of those programs (assuming you're not getting the shaft from some scam artist, but plenty of good websites can lead you right for sniffing out what is/isn't needed) are there to help make sure your computer is running top-notch when you need it.

I'd suggest learning MORE about your Personal Computers care and needs, so you'll understand and not be so fustrated over all of these tools. Check my source link to get started.

And don't forget to floss. :)

Answer 4

on a disk defragmenter you can analyze it and it will tell you if you have to defragment the volume, a virus scan I personally do every day

Answer 5

I have Mechanic 6 Professional for all my worries. Still getting screen of death because of trouble on the Broadband line. What can i Say.. politely?! Money making industry

Answer 6

Because they all want your money. And the more stuff people buy off of them the more they make.
Call me a paranid conspricy theorist, but I think half of these 'problems' that computers experience are created by the companies themselves so that you have to buy their crap.
Down with technology!

Answer 7

i run my scans once a week and the reason you need them all is to stop people pinching little bits of info from your computer and to stop virus's getting in and killing your computer

Answer 8

Don't forget the Hacker.I know what your saying though.Problem
being.There are to many clever people out there and even more
less clever on here.

Answer 9

its because you're using windows... try linux xp2007.. its free, and it works... straight off the CD...