Cleaning?

[Ldy AlliDu]

I am back on the net
Everything crashed it seems so I am now using Comcast, this has been a long month,
I think one desktop needs to be cleaned and organized, I have removed cookies before and I remember my "history" will be removed,
I can also do a refrag, my question is, what do I need to do, or
is there anything I should NOT do?

I feel somewhat frazzled so any help is appreciated

[gigag04]

Your best bet is to back up your data in triplicate and then completely re-install windows, with a clean reformat.

Or buy a mac.

[pbwalker]

buy a mac

[Ldy AlliDu]

You think I'm rich or something
I got some things straightened out.

[bigmaico]

Log on to http://www.cnet.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; & then look for the downloads.
Find Malwarebytes & install it, it's in the free downloads section.
Update it & run it once a week & you should be fine.
if you have any other problems shoot me a e-mail at penton250mx at Gmail.com

[dcphoto]

Or buy a mac.

+27,985,826

[OldCannon]

Microsoft Security Essentials is free. Malware, Spyware, AntiVirus -- one free package that does an awesome job.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There's a newer version coming out that does some more advanced home network security -- you can get a beta version here (https://connect.microsoft.com/securityessentials" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), but there's nothing wrong with the current version.

And for those of you bragging on Apple, you probably don't want to read this: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13846_3-20011403-62.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(For the record, I own a Macbook Pro myself)

[Ldy AlliDu]

Thanks, is the Norton antivirus enough?

[Insanoflex]

Thanks, is the Norton antivirus enough?

No, Norton is awful and will do much more harm than good to your system. AVG, Avira,or even Avast! are much better, free solutions. I personally use Avira and find it to be more than adequate to keep me out of harm's way (on the 'net anyways ). Also consider downloading CCleaner and running it every so often. It clears all your browsers' histories, cookies, caches, etc, in addition to emptying your recycle bin and freeing up more space in general. Mozilla Firefox is a fast, safe browser I would strongly recommend using as opposed to Internet Explorer, if you don't already.

[CaptWoodrow10]

I second (or third... or forth) the Firefox and Mac recommendations.

[Liberty]

Most of the advice given here is pretty good, (well except for the expensive (impractical Mac solution)
I do think that Internet Explorer and Outlook can provide a convenient portal to trojans and virri, Use a real email reader to fetch and manage your email. reading email through your browser exposes one to the spammers and their dirty tricks. Thunderbird or Forte Agent work well, People tell me that newer versions of Outlook is improved, maybe but I've seen the damage it has done and think avoiding it all together is the safest thing to do. Mozilla Firefox is resistant, when you activate pop-up protection and adblock. I recently started using chrome. and it is pretty good at blocking garbage from coming in also,

[Ldy AlliDu]

Some really good information, since I pretty much had to go with Comcast,
I got the Norton for free,
the funny thing is that I have only bought a virusprogram twice in my life, I always use the explorer mail because I like it,
I have never had a problem, I have been very lucky and delete e-mails that I don't feel comfortable with, my luck will run out some day, I know,
when I feel my computer is full to the brink, I go and buy a new one, they are not supposed to last forever
I guess I am somewhat of a packrat with my "stuff", I love my history and use it often,
Thanks so much, I have been wondering what I am supposed to do and you helped a lot,

[terryg]

is there anything I should NOT do?

... buy a mac.

Asked and answered

j/k

[Ldy AlliDu]

I think my network card went out, it has been trying, I replaced it a few years ago,
so I just bought another one (PC)for $320, free shipping, it should last me several years,
I think I have 10% memory left
But I know what to do now and what I need, thanks again.

[FL450]

Google BELARC advisor, download and run on your old computer
This will give you all your key licenses for all your software that requires one incase you don't have them all handy and army familure with finding them in your programs. It also gives you a lot of other usfull information about your computer.