[Shotimes] Re: RE Computer

[Al & Angela]

Bill is right on the money.

I use AVG and Ad Aware. My system is very fast for PIII and I have never had
a virus problem w/ the AVG.
Not sure if anyone mentioned but you need to do back ups too.

If you have just a few gigabytes of data to backup use a dvdrom recorder.

If you have under a gigabyte of data use a usb jump drive.

If you have several gigabytes buy one of those slim usb/firewire drives (I
would do this before buying a dvdrom just for bckups).

You can store your backups in a firesafe box.

For a program that helps make backups easy try.

http://www.2brightsparks.com/downloads.html

I am using the freeware and works great.
Actually I use the program to do more synchronizations than anything.

I backup my financials onto USB a couple of times per week.

I backup all my data once per month onto my extra drive and then store it in
a fire safe box.
I run syncback so that only changes or new files are copied to my backup
drive.  This saves a lot of time.

I hope I was able to help.

Take care

Al
94 SHO ATX w/ 125K mls
www.saenzartworks.com

***ORIG Msg from Bill***
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.  Disab!
 le 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

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.11.12 - Release Date: 5/17/2005