Here are some basic computer tips to keep you help keep you secure while using the internet and a smooth running PC. I'l include some links to some free software solutions for each category.
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Make sure you have a good firewall
A firewall is simply a barrier between you, and the internet. It allows in only what you want it to, and also allows out going connections from your computer that you permit. Its very important to use a firewall to help keep out unwanted intruders. If you have a 3rd party internet security package eg two popular ones are Norton and McAfee then that should include both a firewall and anti-virus. If you don't, then Windows includes a very basic firewall which could be used. However, I would seriously recommend anybody to use something better than the firewall built into Windows.
For a
very good free firewall I recommend Comodo Firewall Pro to be found here:
http://www.comodo.com/
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Ensure you have up to date anti virus software
Speaks for itself really, everyone knows the importance of having anti virus software installed on their PC, however many anti virus solutions are not free and will need a payment to renew subscription to updates. Why do you need to update your anti virus software? Because new viruses are coming out all the time, anti virus can only protect you against viruses that it knows of in its data base. Therfore regular updates are extremely important. I recommend AVG Free Anti virus. Its free for
personal home use and updates regularly at no charge. It even includes spyware protection now also.
http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download?prd=afe
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Scan your PC regularly for adware/spyware
A small definition from wiki:
Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.
While the term spyware suggests software that secretly monitors the user's behavior, the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habit, sites that have been visited, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways.
Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software.
AVG gives some protection from spyware, but there are some other handy
free programs that are very effective at scanning and removing ad/spyware from your PC.
Spybot Search & Destroy: I have used this for years and in my experiance it works very well and I'v had no problems at all.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
AdAware SE Personal: Another program I have used for a long time.
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-200...dlPid=10844457
SUPERAntiSpyware: Another free scan only software:
http://www.superantispyware.com/down...NTISPYWAREFREE
Spyware Doctor: In its full version this is not a free program but a scan and remove version can be found for
free in the google pack:
http://pack.google.com/intl/en/pack_...ml?hl=en&gl=us
KEEP THE ABOVE PROGRAMS UP TO DATE WITH THEIR LATEST SPY/ADWARE DEFINTIONS.
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Keep Windows up to date
Every so often Microsoft release updates for their XP and Vista operating systems. Its important to use these. I'm sure you must have seen the pop up balloon notification appear sometimes telling you that "updates are ready for your computer" Simply install these updates to keep your version of Windows up to date and protected by Microsoft. You can manualy scan for updates too. In XP click START > All Programs > Scroll up to "Windows Updates" It'l take you straight there.
5/
Two excellent free PC cleaners
The registry is a data base used by windows where many important settings are kept. Over time as you work at your computer, installing/uninstalling etc... The registry can end up containing many old and invalid entries. There are many registry cleaners on the market but here is a very good
free registry cleaner
http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_...ry_cleaner.htm
Another
free piece of software that will scan many files on your computer and clean out the junk is a nice little program called Crap Cleaner, other wise known as CCleaner
http://www.ccleaner.com/
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Defragment your hard drive regularly
Over time files on your computer get disorganized causing it to have to work harder to find what it needs. Windows XP and Vista both include a free disk deframenting program. Use regularly to help keep the files on your hard drive organized.
Finally one very important word of advice:
DO NOT USE MORE THAN ONE ANTI VIRUS AND FIREWALL AT ANY ONE TIME!
Don't think that using two firewalls or anti virus will give you double protection, it doesn't work like that. All they will do is compete to use similar resources on your computer and clash. Just use one at any given time. So if using any 3rd party firewall, disable the built in one within Windows.
If over time the links in this thread become out dated, PM me and I'l reply with the current link.
I know of MANY more free applications for various uses so ask away!
Hope this has been usefull!
Please feel free to question or add etc etc...
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