Just figured I would post this...
[align=center]How to keep your computer fast, safe, and clean.[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align]
If you buy a new computer, it begins out fast and performs well, but when you get spyware it all turns to heck for a lack of a better word. Plus, it is easier to prevent anything slowing down your computer than have it attack it and try to chase it down and delete it. After finally fixing my old computer a few years ago of unbelieveable amounts of spyware and virus' (thats Ares and Napster!). For abut the past 2 years our computers have been trouble free.
[align=center][/align]To Do:
-Do NOT hook your brand spankin' new computer up to the net yet...I mean it. Donot plug it in.
-Make sure you do a system back up on cdr's or dvdr's. This is incase your system crashes you will have these IMPORTANT discs. Your computer should give you the option when starting it for the first time. It will save you if you ever destroy your computer or something happens to it.
-Get a flash drive/CDR and on an older computer download these following programs to it.
-Then install all of them before hooking up to the internet, then immediatly update each program (after connecting it to the net) and run a 'scan' if applicable.
-Remember that because some programs are free you have to open them up every time you start your computer, unless you buy it.

If you hate spyware, and are worried about protecting your computer here are a few great programs to download that are free and I have tried and HIGHLY recommend. Make sure you get the right program for your operating system though.

Disk Defragmenter/Disk Cleanup:
Windows comes with these two programs. Thse help keep your hard drive clean and organized. I recommend running each once a week. If you run it know, it will take about an hour or even more to scan and fix. But when you begin doing it on a weekly basis the time will decrease because the HD will be more organized. To get them, click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Defragmenter or cleanup.
That also is where you can find system restore and other various computer programs.

Firewall:
ZoneAlarmBest firewall EVER. Great user control. Once downloaded, it begins to learn your programs by having boxes that pop up asking "would you like ___ to access the internet" and choose yes or no, then click "Save" and it will never pop up for that program again. It also lets you know # ofintrusion attempts and has a "stop" button to stop all internet activity in case you are being in the process of being hacked or attacked by a virus.A must have. A firewall is like your front door, it can either allow programs in, or block them. This program allows you to see every program that goes through your computer.

Pre Anti-Spyware:
Spyware Blaster A lot of people download and never use this program because it does not do anything, when in fact it does. Every time you start your computer you need to open this program and its a good idea to see if updates are availbe. Instead of removing spyware like most other programs, this actually prevents a good amount before it affects your system. Remember, that it is doing something even though there is no picture in the system tray or what not. It protects Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox.

Anti-Spyware:
Spybot Search and Destroy One of the most famous spyware remover because it is so good and that its free. This destroyer is constantly updated to keep protecting you and also has a immunizatin feature much like Spyware Blaster, but it is only for Internet Explorer. A great tool. Also, I would recommend creating a backup point after downloading this (it gives you the option) just in case you are not computer savy and accidentally delete something important which is HIGHLY unlikely. The search time is average, and is fast at least on my computer.

Anti-Virus/Spyware:
Ad-Aware Another great search and destroy program. I like using it and Spybot SD because they find things that each other miss. They too always release updates. I would recommend doing the full scans, but scan time can be quite lengthy.

I really do hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions or need any other help. And of course, what is a write up without a disclaimer? I take no responsibility for any personal, or any other such damage to anything by using these programs or following my advice. But, they all are trusted and have worked flawlessly for me!

Also, may I request this to be stickied so it can help people out?

-19Accord97

 

Do a lot of you already have these programs?

 

Heck yeah. Been running search and destroy and ad aware for several years now. Those things are the r0x0rzs.