new computer, now what?

[Western]

HeeHaw, Click "start" then "run" in the window box type "msconfig" This will open another box, click "startup" , BUT be very careful what you disable. Make sure you know which program it is, if you aren't sure, type it n a Google search bar and you will get info on it.

A lot of programs have automatic update features I don't like, can drag a system down at times, so I disable all my "auto updates" and do them manually, I do have Microsoft auto update, but I have it set to "notify" before it gets installed.

One more thing, I know Best Buy "Geek sqaud" will remove "bloatware" on a PC for a fee, you might check where you bought yours as an option.

 

[jymbee]

Don't install or accept any reinstalled virus software or protection suite. The nortons' and mcaffe's of the world pay the pc maker to have their reinstalled crapware on your new computer. Don't buy it.. Don't let it install.

Install "Microsoft Security Essentials" it is free, works well and won't hound you to upgrade to the next best thing they have concocted.

Enjoy your new PC!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Couldn't agree more.
Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

In addition to the other good advice, you might want to consider-- after installing the main software programs you'll be using and everything is stable-- cloning the HD. Restore is a good idea, but if you have to go down that road in the event of a crash, it doesn't do you any good with applications.


System Restore uses restore points to return your system files and settings to an earlier point in time, without affecting personal files.

Cloning OTOH makes a bit-by-bit image of your HD. I usually by a computer with the minimum size HD, then after getting everything installed and running, clone that HD to a much larger HD and use that going forward. Always have the original to go back to in a few minutes if necessary. Also periodically re-clone, especially after something like installing multiple new apps.

 

[beppington]

I've also been using Microsoft Security Essentials on 3 computers for quite a while now, & it seems to work fine. Free & doesn't seem to slow the computer down.

 

[EagleTDL]

My wife is using MS Security Essentials and really likes it (I use Comodo, but I think I'm going to try the MS program)

I agree about Norton...was, at one time, a good program. Hasn't been good for many years though...

I think, Roy, that over the years, I've used most all of 'em. Windows Firewall, Zone Alarm, Comodo, McAffee, Norton, Kapersky, etc. The only time Essentials "nags" is when it needs to run a scan (always delay-able) and if it has updated itself. Otherwise, it just sits there and does its thing... Small footprint and since it's a MS product (I know, I know...) it's very well integrated into the OS and doesn't use a ton of resources.

So far, so good... When I'm on the road I'm always on the "public" networks (Airport, Hotels, Hotspots, etc) and so far I haven't picked up any nasties. Need another trip or two to really be comfortable, but from what I've seen so far it's doing OK... And of course, YMMV! :laughing:

 

[heehaw]

i assume it takes a special program to clone a hd??
heehaw

 

[RoyJackson]

i assume it takes a special program to clone a hd??
heehaw

Another term for "cloning" is "imaging" a hard drive.
Partition Magic had a nice imaging program, but I have read mixed reviews of their latest product.
Anyway, do a Google search for "Imaging a hard drive"....you'll be educated!

 

[jymbee]

i assume it takes a special program to clone a hd??
heehaw

What hee said. I use Acronis [Backup software and disaster recovery solutions for both Windows and Linux servers]
to clone HDs and run ongoing backups. This particular program isn't free but there are a number of disc cloning or imaging programs out there you can find by searching.

Depending on your comfort level with technical things, another option if you know someone who is a tech guru type is to have them setup things like cloning and backup by using sites like GoToMyPC [Remote Access | GoToMyPC] or Logmein [https://secure.logmein.com/products/pro/]. That way you can just sit back and watch while they take control and guide you through everything. We use these programs almost daily for various tasks and they work very well.

 

[massey990]

Speaking of having a new system, here is an app that will automatically download and install many of the most popular software applications.

Ninite - Install or Update Multiple Apps at Once

This will really save you time and trouble of installing apps one at a time...it will not install any "toolbars" that are commonly bundled.

 

[pilonidal]

MSE is great and free from MS so it works great on it's own OS. Also good for a 1-2 punch is Malwarebytes. MSE does miss some stuff. Malware is for malicious software that some how gets installed from some sites. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com Please check it out just dl it and install. The free version you manually scan the comp. I scan it once a month or if the comp is acting up, it's just a couple of mouse clicks. It also comes with updates as they come out. The paid version is real time protection. If you set up a guest account you can also scan the comp from there if your main account is screwed. It's very good check it out.

 

[yooper1]

Avast is free and works well (anti-virus)

found here:

avast! - Download Free Antivirus software or Internet Security

 

[heehaw]

i saved MS security to a cd, so i can install it on the new computer before i put
it on the internet: plus am going to pick up a copy of paragon to clone the hd:
then i will hook up to the internet:
you folks have had some really good suggestions, i have learned a lot..thanks
heehaw

 

[jymbee]

i saved MS security to a cd, so i can install it on the new computer before i put
it on the internet: plus am going to pick up a copy of paragon to clone the hd:
then i will hook up to the internet:
you folks have had some really good suggestions, i have learned a lot..thanks
heehaw

That's a great idea. I know a tech guru who refused to connect a new or new/used pc to the net until had all the security buttoned down. I suggested that perhaps he was over cautious but he claimed that even being connected for a few minutes with a vulnerable computer you could be compromised what with all the "sniffer" programs running out there looking to exploit.

 

[Pilot]

My guru had me install ccleaner, which is a cookie cleaner. Works great. Deletes all cookies except those you tell it to keep (go to "options" and select the cookies to keep). Takes less than a minute to run. It also comes with a registry cleaner, which really sped up my computer when I used it for the first time. I clean off the cookies every few days and to the registry cleanup about once a week. Even if you go to "tools" on your browser, then "options" (at least on Firefox) and have it not accept cookies, some slip thru.

Get it at CCleaner - Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download

ccleaner is free.

It is NOT an antivirus program.

 

[deepNdirt]

i saved MS security to a cd, so i can install it on the new computer before i put
it on the internet: plus am going to pick up a copy of paragon to clone the hd:
then i will hook up to the internet:
you folks have had some really good suggestions, i have learned a lot..thanks
heehaw

Most any new computers I have purchased came with a 12 month subscription of an anti-virus program, even the 4 year old Sony Vaio I restored to factory last week had reactivated the Norton anti-virus,
But usually when activated many of their other software ads will start showing up and can become aggravating, I know as much as you feel like some of your cost in the purchase of the computer was partly for it's software, You made a good choice using MSE, If you are going to install the MS Security Essentials be sure what ever Virus program it came with has not been activated, otherwise it will have you computer fighting like cats and dogs,

 

[RoyJackson]

But usually when activated many of their other software ads will start showing up and can become aggravating, If you are going to install the MS Security Essentials be sure what ever Virus program it came with has not been activated, otherwise it will have you computer fighting like cats and dogs,

MS Security Essentials will not install with a current anti-virus program installed (just loaded it on 3 computers). You'll get a warning screen if MS Security Essentials detects an existing anti-virus program.
I had Comodo (another good, free program) and had to uninstall that before loading the MS program.

 

[deepNdirt]

MS Security Essentials will not install with a current anti-virus program installed (just loaded it on 3 computers). You'll get a warning screen if MS Security Essentials detects an existing anti-virus program.
I had Comodo (another good, free program) and had to uninstall that before loading the MS program.

Yes Roy, you are right I remember this now from back when first trying to install MSE onto one last year, had to remove the current program first, also thinking I had to let update to SP-3 first as well,
I never have loaded MSE from a disc. always go to MS website to grab it, Do you think he'll have any issue loading from a disc?

Edit: I thought back when it was I discovered the clash between the 2 Ant-virus programs, is when I already have the MSE installed and then i installed another just to see if one would find something the other did not keep out, and actually my find was that they would clash, or in a better term slow down the computer,

 

[RoyJackson]

I never have loaded MSE from a disc. always go to MS website to grab it, Do you think he'll have any issue loading from a disc?

No, I don't think so...he'll find out when he tries it.

 

[heehaw]

what is the comodo program?? i am taking my time since i have this dell laptop to do email etc with..found out real quick, when you set up standard or guest accounts, the "favorites" list doesn't go to, so i am having to search a few places to get them into my standard account: i have two "new" seagate 250g portable hds i bought at wm two years ago, one is now the image of the new hp an will probably be the back up hd..i found the image software on windows 7: but i still have 2 old computers i would like to make images of, before i put them out to rest....just in case...anyone know of a good and free program??
heehaw

 

[RoyJackson]

what is the comodo program?? i am taking my time since i have this dell laptop to do email etc with..found out real quick, when you set up standard or guest accounts, the "favorites" list doesn't go to, so i am having to search a few places to get them into my standard account: i have two "new" seagate 250g portable hds i bought at wm two years ago, one is now the image of the new hp an will probably be the back up hd..i found the image software on windows 7: but i still have 2 old computers i would like to make images of, before i put them out to rest....just in case...anyone know of a good and free program??
heehaw

Comodo is a free (for home use) anti-virus program. It's highly unlikely it was bundled with your HP.

 

[heehaw]

any suggestions for the 10 year old dell that i am replacing? i took the dvd burner out that is less than a year old, probably won't fit the hp, but i could get an adapter if needed, i like having two dvd burners, makes it easier to copy my pictures etc for the kids: also took out a dell movie card..should i remove the lithium battery thats inside the dell?? i may take the hd out an store it separately?? i don't have room to keep it set up, but have plenty of room in the garage to store it..
loaded the MS security essentials on the new computer, an it immediately wanted to update, so i went ahead an plugged in the internet cable to let it do that...
heehaw