[Shotimes] RE Computer

[Bill Strobel]

You're going to get a lot of opinions because frankly there are a lot of solutions that work.  But the one thing that should be coming through is there is no one program that does it all.  You need a layered effect.  These solutions are all free and work.  They are on my system and they update automatically.  First off the Windows XP firewall is only incoming not outgoing. Second check Task Manager (right click in an empty space in the lower task bar by the system tray) click task manager. See what is using your resources. At rest your computer should be under 20%.  I run Excel, Word, Windows Explorer, and 3 Internet Explorer Windows open at all time and have 6% at rest.  See what is slowing you down.  Sounds like spyware on there somewhere.  There is also a windows update to SP2 that allows you to fully check the Manage Add-Ons even the ones that hide.  Get it and check them (Tools>Manage Add-Ons from IE).  Check MS Config and see what is starting with your computer.  Disable those
 that you do not recognize.    
 
Anti-virus: AVG updates every day and is free.  5 years no viruses.  It works.
 
Firewall Zone Alarm Free.  It works.  Asks permissions for outgoing info, hides the ports from outside access.  Updates automatically.  You can configure the programs you want to have access.  Seamless integration.
 
Anti-Spyware: MS Anti-Spy Beta. Yes it is beta but it works.  Free.  Download install run it and get rid of the mal-ware and spyware
Spybot:  Free.  It works picks up some stuff MS doesn't Free upgrades.
Ad Aware: Free.  Download, install, run delete the bad stuff.  Free upgrades.
Run the MS Malware tool monthly with the Windows updates.
Run the Yahoo toolbar and get popup blocker and antispy free.  Run the antispy daily and it picks up stuff.  It works and takes 30 sec to run.
Spyware Blaster.  Free this runs in the background and prevents you from visiting known spyware sites.  Good protection, free updates.
 
Trojans: Ewido Security Suite.  Free.  Checks the system for trojans.  You would be surprised what you find.  Download, install, run, delete the trojans.  Updates are free.
 
System cleaner CCleaner. Free  crap cleaner.  Cleans out everything keeps the registry from accumulating too much junk.  Good deal and it works and is customizable.  
 
That ought to do it.  You need a layered effect.  After downloading, and installing all of the programs, clean the system, do a disk scan and then defrag.  You should notice a speeded up system.  Hope this helps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Bill Strobel
Independent Towing
Fayetteville NC
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