General maintenance.

[woz1]

Hi guys.

Being very new to computers could anyone offer any advice on the things i should be doing to keep it running well?

[Dalo Harkin]

There isnt much you can do really, beyond basics.

Watch what websites you go on.

Use a good AV and Firewall or suite.

Be very careful about what programs you install if you dont know what they do.

Other than that not much to do :)

[RandyL]

Dalo sums it up well. If you don't have a suite like he said make sure you have antispyware along side your AV.

 

The point is if you keep the nasties out to start with then scanning for them is redundant.

 

Maybe a shot or two of compressed air from an upright position once in a while to keep things clear of dust and such to avoid overheating issues.

 

You will get different opinions these days about defrag but I haven't seen the need since 95/98/ME was retired. Unless you have been moving massive files around maybe.

 

But like Dalo said just keep it clean to start with.

[BeeCeeBee]

You may want to take a look here, woz.

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

[Tootech]

I'd say the following as routine maintenance.

 

1) Clear out temporary internet files

2) Empty Windows temp/ user temp folders.

3) Defrag your hard drive.

4) Keep an eye on what programs are added to your startup list (MSCONFIG)

 

It does depend on your system XP/Vista, and how you view the need to defrag.

 

Defrag maybe every six months, clean up internet files maybe once a month ( there is a setting somewhere to empty internet files each time Internet Explorer closes), clean Windows temp files prior to a defrag.

 

Its just my view based on working on systems that are 2/3 years old and seeing what happens to them.

[Plastic Nev]

All good advice so far. To recap on security software, you need a trusted firewall, and a trusted anti-virus. Some come together as a suite, the Eset Nod 32 paid for version is a good example of this, and also at least two anti-spy type programs, for example Malwarebyte, and Superantispyware, I also use SpywareBlaster, which is an always on and working tool.

Remember to update all regularly, especially if update is not automatic, as it isn't on most (but not all) free ware types.

Then, depending on your internet use, and websites visited, use the scanning tools of them all. I do so once a week.

Also always allow the windows updates, especially those regarded as security updates.

Next thing to do is have a look round our site, especially the rules, you will find we do not support any type of peer to peer sharing networks, they are notorious for being the source of some very nasty stuff that you certainly don't want on your computer.

Next bit of advice is to be at least cautious regarding E Mail and any attachments, even if it seems to be from someone you know, the attachment may not be, and a big can of worms instead. Always check back to whoever sent it if you are not expecting any attachments. Never open an attachment until you are sure it is safe.

Hope that is of some help.

Nev.

[Tony D]

Another topic up for debate is whether or not to turn your computer off when it's not in use. I turn mine off, others leave their machines on. My philosophy is that if the machine is off, the hard drive and fans (mechanical devices suspical to mechanical wear) will last longer. Additionally, you're not bringing in air from the environment which may be full of dust. The dust will coat your components causing them to fail prematurely.

 

The other side of the argument is that there are stresses imposed on the electronics every time your computer is booted.

 

So, if you're not using your computer all the time, why not turn it off like you do any other applicance. However, if you use your computer all the time, keep it powered. But why not just turn it off at night?

[Match]

But why not just turn it off at night?

 

Its a matter of personal choice but if I leave my pc on over night then the chances are that it is set to defrag, av scan, spyware scan and update on that night.

[woz1]

Thanks guys.

The only thing i'm still unsure on is security. I am using Norton internet security. It is fully up to date and all the settings are at default. are there any settings that should be set differently from the default, or might a different av provider be more secure?

[woz1]

Thanks guys.

The only thing i'm still unsure on is security. I am using Norton internet security. It is fully up to date and all the settings are at default. are there any settings that should be set differently from the default, or might a different av provider be more secure?

Just realised this might be in the wrong thread. SORRY.

[RandyL]

The post is fine where it is woz. Look at post 4 in this thread by BeeCeeBee for some other options.

 

By default Norton will have every security feature enabled.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Woz, as Randy said, no problem, it is also relevant to all I said earlier. Which version of Norton is it though, and did it come free with the computer for a trial period, or have you paid for it? If it is 2009 there have been some reasonably good reviews of it. It seems Norton may finally have taken some notice of all the previous criticism of it and improved it.

[woz1]

My norton is 2007, i used this pc purely for my photography hobby for a good while. AS soon as it went on broad band i updated it to protect from the latest threats. Does this effectivly make it Norton 2009 or is this too hopefull. this version was not pre installed on pc.

This has got me thinking now that i might have a security gap?. are these latest threats just the very latest or are they every threat since 2007 was designed.

[Plastic Nev]

Ah, I see, I am afraid you are still lumbered, probably with the old Norton and provided its subscription is still in date, it will just be all the backups and updates from 2007, yes, all updates will have been included.

 

However, earlier versions of Norton are not well liked here, or most anywhere else actually. We feel it is over bloated with extra's that are virtually useless, and not only that, has been proven to be a poor performer against other ant-virus software. We would recommend you remove it, especially if near the end of its subscription, and then install something better.

 

Have a look here for the software we recommend-

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

 

If you have any more questions regarding which to install or how many, do ask, we can but try to help.

If you decide to remove Norton we will point you in the right place for the removal tool. It is difficult to remove otherwise.

Edited March 14, 2009 by Plastic Nev