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The most frequently asked
question by far runs something like this. My computer is slowing down,
has popup windows from somewhere or similar symptoms. "I think I
have a virus."
To run your computer safely including on the Internet you need the
following tools:
- Anti-Virus Software
The big 3 are McAffee, Norton and xxxx You should have a cd-rom
based copy of your anti-virus software incase you have to re-load the
software after re-formatting the hard disk. Check PC Magazine for
reviews on which Anti-Virus software is currently "the best."
- A Firewall
If your running XP home or XP pro Microsoft has included a competent but
incomplete firewall. You should use the help system to confirm
that your firewall is running.
Why is the XP firewall incomplete? Because it doesn't check on
programs sending out information/packets. If your computer is
infected this is one of the ways you can discover that. If an
unknown program is sending out stuff you may have a problem. A
free replacement Firewall is at
www.zonelabs.com You download it and install the free version.
Don't check the "Pro" version unless you want to pay for it
Question:
I don't have Windows XP. I have Windows 2000 Pro or Windows Millennium
or Windows 98se. Answer: Please install the zonelabs firewall at
once!.
- 2 or more Anti-Spyware Programs
I recommend two(2) long time anti-spyware programs. Ad aware from
www.lavasoft.com Make sure you
download the free individual use one. And
Spybot Search and
Destroy. These programs appear to have about a 30% overlap and
kill two different groups of spyware. Many of the anti-virus
programs are beginning to attack spyware.
- a replacement for Microsoft's Internet Explorer
I recommend replacing IE not because it is a bad product but because it
comes under attack so often. There are maybe as many as 5
replacement browsers (both free and shareware) out there that will do a
decent job. I have been pretty happy with Foxfire. You can
download it through
here If
your dead set on keeping IE please download the latest version (at this
writing ver 7). If you are running Yahoo's Messenger service you will
also want to upgrade to the latest IE for increased stability of that
service (according to Yahoo).
- So what do I do?
1) Do a complete scan of your hard disk with your anti-virus software.
2) Make sure you have a firewall up and running.
3) Install the spyware programs mentioned above and scan/fix all
problems.
4) Replace your IE with another browser.
My computer is STILL slow! What do I do?
- Uninstall any and all programs your not using frequently. If
you must leave a program installed make sure its absolutely necessary.
- Remove all programs you don't need to startup immediately from the
Startup folder and/or using XP's startup utility from the command line.
- Defragment/Re-Organize the Hard disk using the tools in the
Accessories/Systems tools menu.
- If your brave get a registry cleanup program and use the automatic
registry cleaner. I like both Norton's registry cleaner and Reg
seeker.
I did all of the above, its still slower than it used to be. What
do I do?
- Add more system memory
- OR backup all your data, re-format the hard disk and re-install the
OS and all applications you really need. Copy the data back onto
the computer.
- OR take two aspirin and call me in the morning to setup an
appointment for desk side support. My phone is: (785) 331-5956 a
local call from Lawrence, Lecompton and Eudora.
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