Please do your computer(s) a favor! (good stuff from a computer guy)

[Melissa_W]

I will definitely vouch for Firefox, Zone Alarm, and Ad-aware. I'm gonna try out some of the other programs you mentioned though. Thanks!

[Martoch]

You're welcome! Thanks for trying some of the others out as well.

Some info on Avast...this seems long, but it's helpful.
What I really like about Avast antivirus is the boot-time scan.

Originally Posted by Avast

A new option with this release is the boot-time scan (Windows NT/2000/XP/.NET only). This important feature allows a user to instigate scanning before a virus is activated, in the case that a virus is suspected to be active on your computer already.

When Avast is installed, it will prompt you with a "do you want to schedule a boot-time scan?" It's okay to answer yes, but before you reboot, it is important to perform an update so you're scanning with the latest virus signatures. Before you reboot, launch Avast and copy/paste the free registration code from your e-mail into the box and hit OK. Then cancel the memory scan (no point without the latest virus defs). Once the main Avast window opens, you'll see a window open with a numbered list of Avast features. Check the 'do not show me this again' box at the bottom and close that window. Click on the upper left button (up arrow with a line underneath) and select 'updating--program update' and let it run its course, but do not reboot if prompted. Hit that same button again and select 'settings', then click on 'sounds' and check the box to disable sounds (you don't have to, but the sounds are annoying to me)...then click on 'update (connections)', check the appropriate box, and hit OK. After rebooting, you'll see that Avast will perform the boot-time scan (assuming you selected 'yes' when it asked you during installation). Once it finishes and your system boots to Windows, you'll notice two new icons in your system tray (bottom right most likely unless you've moved the taskbar somewhere else)...two blue spheres...one with an 'i' in the middle and one with an 'a'. Right click on the 'i' and select 'merge with main Avast icon' (or something similar). If you hold the mouse over the main 'a' icon, you should see 'On-Access Scanner: 7 Provider(s) total, 6 running. That's because the 7th (e-mail scanner) won't begin until you launch your e-mail program. Now you're protected!

[DanL]

Puck, I have a similar job as you- 24/7 environment. Our team has about 2000 servers we manage, all divided up between us. That makes it cool because you have a definite list of boxes you are responsible for maintaining- if you don't, you get called at 2am when it crashes. Luckily, they allow us to work from home via VPN. The only time I have to go to the data center is when something crashes hard and needs a rebuild or other hardware work. I only have about 130 boxes myself, but some of them are the most important in the company- payroll and benefits stuff. I'm not responsible for any end user desktops, just servers, so my exposure to idiots is minimalized, though application developers can fit the idiot bill pretty well sometimes.

[Martoch]

9/10 people can't tell me what processor speed they have or how much memory is installed in their PCs, but would like to know more about their computer(s).

Here's a great program that will tell you just about everything you need to know about your computer...from hardware to software. Free and a snap to use.
Everest Home Edition

EVEREST Home Edition is a free system diagnostics, system information and benchmarking solution for home PC users

Enjoy!
Mike

[scob89]

Originally Posted by Martoch

You mean if you keep it running all of the time? I don't use spysweeper as realtime protection...I just use it as a one time scan to get rid of malware. As a matter of fact, the only realtime programs I have running are my antivirus, firewall, and popup stopper. If you're an IE user, Microsoft Antispyware Beta will catch a lot of spyware before it's able to embed itslef into your system. You'll see it pop up with a "XXX is trying to enter your startup registry" or whatever and you can decide whether or not to allow it. I'm a dedicated Firefox user, so no need for it here.

I never kept it running all the time just used it to scan the two drives once a week. But the whole time i had it the computer ran slow and yes I did make sure that it was not running. After I got rid of it this computer ran alot better.

[amymarley]

I am not a computer expert by any means, but what I do LOVE is Registry Mechanic. It costs about 25.00 per year and does a sweep every time you want or when you start up your computer. I had a brand new computer and after 4 months, I purchased it and found over 300 things wrong with my computer, and it fixed them within seconds.
I found this from my dad, who found a web site (which I love) called www.majorgeeks.com. They have a lot of free ware and some to buy... they have been great. But, I run my Reg. Mec. all the time.

[Martoch]

scob89...too bad you don't live closer, I would like to have checked out why your system would hang with SS installed.

I like Registry Mechanic as well...in fact, I just ran a scan yesterday. I also use majorgeeks from time to time. In fact, I'll use it right now.


RegScrubXP is a free registry cleaner...with a few added tweaks available when you click the 'misc' button in the upper right.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2048

[amymarley]

Thanks for the info Martoch...
Gotta question, are you familiar with Homestead? I have my website through them and created it myself...not a very good job, since I am web-site (creating) challanged... I am trying to add another page for a new-add-on business with my pet sitting business. Anyway, when I publish new changes, it sometimes takes a bit to show on line. I haven't touched the site for a long time and I hope it works out...
Anyway, was wondering if it doesn't "show up," I was wondering if you are familiar with Homestead.
Amy

[scob89]

Originally Posted by Martoch

scob89...too bad you don't live closer, I would like to have checked out why your system would hang with SS installed.

I knew what the problem was lol It was Spy Sweeper that was makeing the computer run slow, and that was the ONLY thing wrong was that program. After removeing it the computer ran like it was new.

[keyodie]

Wow, thanks! One important question though...how do I download crap cleaner? Sorry, I'm not very observant.

edit: Nevermind, thanks for your help anyway. I found it.