(last updated 1/9/2010 10:48 pm)
replace item #13 Conficker virus info with Tune clear type settings link
item #12: OpenOffice
item #11: Antivirus 2009 (Malware) removal. Malwarebytes.org
item #10: Microsoft "UlitmateSteal"
item #9: add defragment hard drive
item #1: service pack 3 instead of service pack 2
item #2: AOL does not offer free McAfee any longer)
This is basic information that I've found to be helpful. Some of this may be obvious to you. However, it has been my experience (with friends and family) that not everyone knows these things. Please feel free to send me feedback if you find this information inaccurate or would like to add something. This page is meant to be a helpful guide based on my experiences. My experience is with Windows based PC's. I have not had much exposure to Vista, so any suggestions are based on what I've read and discussed with people I know.
1. Keep Windows Up to Date.
a. If you're running Windows XP, you should have SP3 (Service Pack 3).
b. If you don't, it may because Windows Update is not on. I recommend you follow the link and set your system up for automatic update.
2. Install antivirus software.
a. Depending on the review you read, or the website you visit, Norton is the best. Others prefer McAfee. Others Kaspersky or BitDefender or Trend Micro PC-cillin and there are so many more. CNET's review for 2008 can be found here. Each year the "best" seems to change. If you are surfing the web, particularly with an always on connection (CABLE or DSL for example), you need to get this protection. I've used McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky and Trend myself and they all work pretty well. Each has their pros and cons.
b. If you don't want to pay for the protection, there are a number of free programs that are available and are effective. You can try Avast or AVG or Avir. Most of them are not "full-featured", that is they may not include anti-spyware, anti-phishing or some other advanced features. However, if you currently don't have ANY protection, these are all good choices.
c. Set your virus software to run a weekly scan.
(Please note that COX provides McAfee free for their customers).
3. Install a firewall.
a. At a minimum, you should enable the windows firewall. (though it should be disabled if you're running another firewall).
b. Most of the packaged anti-virus software either include a firewall or have a version which does. Symantec, which publishes the Norton line of software has Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security.
c. There are free firewalls that you can download. One of the most popular and highly rated is ZoneAlarm
4. Install sufficient memory for your operating system.
a. I have found 1GB is great for XP Systems whereas I understand that Vista is happiest with 2GB. The more memory you have, the more things you can do simultaneously and the faster the system (in general), should be. Windows 7 should have at least 2GB, more if possible.
b. If you're not sure how much memory you have, or how much your system can handle, try Crucial's System Scanner. You can also get an idea of the cost of a memory upgrade.
c. Ebay, craigslist, etc. are also sources of compatible memory, though there the possibility that the memory will be defective. It is also harder to guarantee compatibility, though I personally have had good luck finding inexpensive memory this way.
d. Sometimes the big computer stores, Best Buy, etc. and online retailers like Newegg.com, TigerDirect.com have memory at good prices.
5. At least once a month, run an anitspyware program.
a. I like Lavasoft's Ad-Aware.
b. You may also want to run Spybot Search and Destroy. I find it's interface to be a little less user friendly.
c. Many "experts" recommend running both programs as each finds things the other does not.
6. If your computer is "hung" and won't shut down (either "blue screen of death" or "windows is shutting down"), depress the on/off switch for 10-15 seconds.
7. If you're running XP, try some of Microsoft's "Power Toys". I am particularly fond of the image resizer. Click here to see what is available. 8. If you don't have Office 2007, you can't even open an Office 2007 document (word, excel, etc.). Download and install the compatibility pack from Microsoft and you should be all set!
9. Periodically defragment your hard drive. From Start --> All Programs Choose Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter. 
10. Microsoft is offering Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 for $59.95 to current college students (follow this link for details). This offer expires December 31, 2010.
11. At least weekly run an anti-malware program. I've found malwarebytes anti-malware to be effective against this. The link is here. If you've been infected it may not let you get to malwarebytes website, so you may have to download it on a different computer. I have also found that the best way to install it on the infected machine is to boot into safe mode. Please contact me if you need help with this.
12. If you don't want to pay for Microsoft Office, there is an open source suite called OpenOffice. It lets you create (and edit) all your favorite documents as either Microsoft Office compatible or OpenOffice document types. Very nice. You can read about it and download it here.
13. If you use a laptop or lcd monitor, try turning on clear type settings for a better appearance. http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cleartype/tuner/step1.aspx This doesn't hurt non-LCD monitors either.
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