Sunday June 25 2006 at 23:02 GMT
Dell have some ridiculous deals online particularly at the Outlet and the eBay store, so it's tempting to pick up a box.
Whether it'sa Dell or not, here's what I do to get everything up to spec and running nicely:
- connect computer to Internet
- remove AOL, Tiscali and Wanadoo (etc etc) junk, restarting as advised
- download a version of AVG, for example the Free Edition if you're new, or else a paid edition
- disconnect computer from Internet
- remove Macafee
- install AVG, reconnect to Internet, update it and run a full system scan
- install all the necessary Windows updates
- install Firefox and Thunderbirde
The two omissions from the steps above are a firewall and some kind of anti-spyware. For Windows, I go with the built-in firewall; your mileage may vary. Anti-spyware, I rely on Firefox and Thunderbird. Risky, possibly a little. Add your preferred software.
Comments
great tips
Good work. I will chip in with downloading Startup Monitor and Startup Control Panel from Mike Lin, http://www.mlin.net
These are really excellent little programs that let you see what programs are set to load when you start your PC and gives you a warning before an installation decides it wants to do this.
I would also have to recommend (for windows) to set a system restore point, regularly. It is a very under used feature of Windows and can get you out of all sorts of problems.
These are really excellent little programs that let you see what programs are set to load when you start your PC and gives you a warning before an installation decides it wants to do this.
I would also have to recommend (for windows) to set a system restore point, regularly. It is a very under used feature of Windows and can get you out of all sorts of problems.
Spot on Martin. I got mine via a work scheme which meant that it was a BT Home Computing Dell - so all I had to do was steadfastly refuse to put the install disc in, and got pretty much a vanilla XP - to which I quickly added Thunderbird/Firefox and - difference here - Avast! anti-virus.
My recommendation would be WinRAR for all your packaging needs.
My recommendation would be WinRAR for all your packaging needs.
You forgot to include getting all your choicest porn sites into your favourites.
When I lived in Windows, I always used NOD32 for anti-virus purposes - it's great.
Many programms include spyware modules. Use anti-spyware for protect your privacy.
As for me, I like professional anti-spy software like PrivacyKeyboard by Raytown Corporation LLC.
You can download it here: here (~4MB)
As for me, I like professional anti-spy software like PrivacyKeyboard by Raytown Corporation LLC.
You can download it here: here (~4MB)
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