Protecting your computer for free (XP) and a general clean up.

[bornagain]

Firstly go to Start>>>>>>>>Control panel>>>>>>Security centre>>>>>>Virus protection if this is turned off, please tick the box " I have an anti virus program I will monitor my self". (this is for windows XP).

Secondly give your computer a good Defrag......go to Start>>>>>>>>>All programs>>>>>>>Accessories>>>>>>System tools>>>>>>Disk Defragment>>>>Select "Defragment" ( This will tidy up your hard drive and may take some time)

Thirdly a good thing to do is check you hard drive for errors, this can take a while. Start>>>>>>My computer>>>>Now right click your Hard drive(normally C drive)>>>>>>select "Properties">>>>>>>then the tools tab>>>>>>>>Where it says "Error checking" Select "check now">>>>>>>>then tick both boxes>>>>>>then start. A message may come up saying "will check next time computer starts" Press ok. Then restart computer at let it do it's Job, this also may take some time.
 
After all these things you computer will be feeling alot better and run smoother. 

Now for Computer security, there is some very good free software out there and I believe you should never "buy" it as I believe the free software is just as good or maybe even better.
This is a very good "free" anti virus software. >>>>>>>>>    http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5#avg-anti-spyware-free Go to about half way down the page and run this file (avg75free_432a904.exe) and then follow the simple instructions. By pressing "run" it will install itself, just with a little help from you.
Hope this helps..........if you computer is still running alittle slow, please PM me and we could meet in chat, and I could go through a few things with you to speed up your computer.......... 

Also this is a great piece of kit, it cleans out all unwanted rubbish from your system and is very safe, as long as you don't start messing with the ticked boxes
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/  then "run" from the top right (download latest version)

[Shae]

I also run AVG, as well as Spybot search and destroy for removing spyware and malware from the pc.  It is also free to use, and works very well.  Defrag once a week is also important especially if you're online a lot(like me...I did say I needed a 12-step program,lol) Also in the IE browser, under tools >>>internet option>>.advance>.. security>>>check the box marked empty temporary internet folders when browser is closed>>>apply. This will delete any clutter that will slow your pc down.  Good luck with your pc.

[bobinfaith]

Dear Bornagain;

Hey, bro, thanks for the tip!    I need to download grisoft.com antivirus for 2 other pcs.  I am setting up one of the pcs for the church along with filehippo, which has been running great on my pc!   

Paul, I am grateful that this antivirus service, grisoft.com, is free but how can they afford to give it away?  I was just curious.

I would think that any free antivirus is not going to stand up against Symantec which is what I pay for annually. 

Your brother in Christ Jesus.     b

 

[bornagain]

In my opinion all anti virus softwares should be free to the public, AVG do a pro version for businesses, which costs money. As I have stated before please don't pay for anti virus software because there is no need.
AVG is the best, you get daily updates and I have never had a virus on my computer.


All antivirus software you have to pay for is a con I believe, the companies make out you need theres and it's always finds viruses etc but why pay for something when you can get it for free. Also Mircosoft windows XP service pack 2 is very secure.

[Shae]

I agree Paul.  its just a way to make people think they need to buy their anti-virus and spyware software.  The AVG is free and updates itself all the time without us doing anything.

[bobinfaith]

Hey Paul and Shae;

Thanks for the discussion.  I know that we all like to read threads and make comments, which to me are all uplifting.  Having a discussion also is uplifting for me and allows us to bond more too.

Question, if AVG is so great why is it only average?  lol!    (Lets see if Smilebig can top that!) 

I'll check it out.  Do these freebies take up alot of memory on your pcs?

Your brother in Christ Jesus.     b

[bornagain]

AVG does run a number of processes in the background but you PC should be fine Bob, if anyone has problems with there computer running slow once they have installed this software I suggest it's time to upgrade lol!   

[bobinfaith]

Thank you very much! 

We are setting up the pc at church and appreciate this valuable information. 

Your servant in Christ Jesus.     b

[bobinfaith]

Dear Bornagain;

I have been using "CCCleaner" since you introduced it to me last year.  I also downloaded it on Mrs. Hazel's pc and its kept our pcs clean and running faster.  On another topic.

When we invest in new computers we are thinking of purchasing 17" laptops.  I'm tired of all the wiring and excess hardware. It would be alot easier to maintain and optmize more space on our desks.  Are we going to sacrifice memory space?  What is your opinion on this? 

Thanks.

Your brother in Christ Jesus.     b

["Born again"]

I actually prefer laptops now because before I also owned desktop computers and yes they do take up a lot of space. These days laptops are on par with desktops, you can easily get a laptop with an 80 gig hard drive no problems. Laptops are definately the way forward especially with windows vista.

P.s Best to go with one with a dual core/1 gig of ram as this helps when multi tasking. I find that dell on line produce very reliable laptops and service.
Hope this helps

[bobinfaith]

Thanks, brother.

I will keep that in mind.  Is 80gig more than adequate for home computing - MS Word (I write alot) MS Excel, GatherInHisName, email is our biggest use.  We don't really "surf" since we are not extravagant shoppers or researchers.  Or is that basic, meaning, we would have to upgrade as we grow with our laptop?

We are praying for the provisions and will probably get them by end of this year, God willing. 

Your brother in Christ Jesus.     b

["Born again"]

80 gig would hold around 50,000 bibles and 10,000,000 photo's and more lol!!!! 

You would never really have to upgrade for many years.......well probably never.

[bobinfaith]

I don't really like to sit in front of the computer and read alot.  I had to get a separate pair of "computer" glasses for my eyes.  I understand they have special screen covers - really good ones to help your eyes when working on the pc for a long time.

I may get a couple of those too. 

Also, a good chair is good for the back.  I am in pretty good shape for my age but need to get a second good chair for Mrs. Hazel. 

Your brother in Christ Jesus.     b

[ivy]

 

["Born again"]

I don't really like to sit in front of the computer and read alot.  I had to get a separate pair of "computer" glasses for my eyes.  I understand they have special screen covers - really good ones to help your eyes when working on the pc for a long time.

No need because laptop screens are LCD not CRT. The CRT monitors are the ones which hurt your eyes. 

P.s Remember with a laptop you can sit on a comfy sofa.