Simplify your laptop buying
Community Newsletter: Q&A: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer
- 9/21/07 10:37 AM
beep
by welrdelr - 9/9/07 6:45 AM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First: Windows is an operating system. Microsoft doesn't produce hardware.
Second: Limit the processes that are running in the operating system.
Third: Never run the system as administrator.
New ToVista ?
by john_a_d - 9/9/07 8:46 AM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I Reccomend the "speed up Vista online course from Cnet.com It helps get you familiarised easily . Hope this helps ?
Maintaining a healthy system
by ucphenom82 - 9/9/07 9:50 AM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Congratulations on finally getting rid of the headache that was Windows ME. Vista is a big improvement for you. Let me preface my message by saying that I am fresh out of college, so my advice caters best to the frugal-minded.
The most important thing hardware-wise is a surge protector. A lightning storm could fry most of the hardware inside your computer, and often you have to buy a whole new one. How much you spend on this depends on how paranoid you are about losing your brand new computer. I'd say you'll be perfectly fine taking $10 into Radio Shack and getting the best one you can for that amount of money. My computer has lasted through many a power surge with one of these simple power strips. The only other item I can think to recommend is a can of compressed air so you can keep your air circulation at a maximum and components as free of dust as possible. You'll want to move the computer outside for that, of course.
Now, there is plenty to say about software. First of all, did your Dell come with all the pre-installed software that usually comes with new computers? Dell has given its customers the option to not have all that trial software installed, but if you don't specifically select that option, your computer is probably far more bloated and slow than it needs to be. When I bought my laptop, the first thing I did was just completely reinstall Vista. It may be a bit extreme to some, but it was the quickest way for me to get rid of all the free trial software computer manufacturers so graciously infest new systems with (and to create extra partitions for Linux). If it's also too extreme for you, go to "Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features" and start ridding yourself of every piece of trial software you have, because you don't need it.
Now lets go over specific software:
Internet browsers:
There is one thing for which Internet Explorer should be used. Just one, single thing. And that is going to http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/. In the latest PC Mag, there was an interview with some infamous hacker who hacked into the Pentagon when he was 15. Near the end of the article, he was asked what the most common security hole he's seen. His last sentence? "Oh - and don't use Internet Explorer." Aside from just being safer, there are tons of add-ons that make Firefox a better browser. Some people swear by Opera as well, so it is also worth mentioning.
Email:
On a related note, if you are using Outlook Express...stop! Using it is even worse than using Internet Explorer. Mozilla Thunderbird is a good free email client, which I use to fetch my email from my ancient AOL email account. The only reason I use it is because AOL has a horribly slow and annoying webmail interface. There are plenty of choices for webmail that are better in that regard and have ample online storage. Google's Gmail is, in my opinion, the best webmail around. It is really good at identifying spam and notifying you exactly why they think it is spam. I also have a Yahoo webmail account and a Windows Live Hotmail account which are both pretty good.
Security software:
In this very newsletter a few months back there was a Q&A about free security software, where it was shown that the old saying, "you get what you pay for," doesn't always apply. There is little need to spend any money, but people still do simply because it makes them feel more comfortable. Anyway, the point is, I'm going to focus on free software, and you can find everything I mention at www.filehippo.com or here at CNET.
Anti-virus - You mentioned that you've already got anti-virus, which is a great first step. But for completeness, I'll still go through the options. In the paid subscription world, I can only recommend NOD32. If you are going to spend any money at all, then go for the best, and this is repeatedly proven to have among the highest detection and cleansing performance around. On the free side, the choices with real-time protection (always running, making sure you don't download any viruses) are AVG Free Edition (my personal choice), Avast! Home Edition, and AntiVir Personal. Avast requires (free) registration and AntiVir shows you an ad for its paid edition each time you use it, so I mainly use AVG, but I've used all three before and they work well. You may even want an additional on-demand only (NOT real-time) virus scanner, like BitDefender Free Edition, but I found that I hardly used it, and when I did, it found nothing.
Anti-Spyware - Windows Defender is a surprisingly good piece of software (Microsoft bought a company that made the software and renamed it), So that should be your first line of defense. Combine it with an on-demand scanner like Ad-aware for best results. Ad-aware often flags things that aren't really all that harmful, so don't be too alarmed if it finds a ton of "infections." It catches the ones that count, so that's all that matters.
Firewall - The default Windows Firewall in Vista is supposedly better than the one in XP, which was pretty much entirely useless. Unfortunately, my preferred third-party firewall, Comodo, has not yet made a Vista-compatible version. ZoneAlarm doesn't give you as much control, but they have a version for Windows Vista. You have to go to their site to get it though. As is typical for these security software providers, they like to hide the fact that they have a free version. Here is a link, but if you go to it, make sure you click on "I only want basic ZoneAlarm protection" at the bottom. Personally I don't use my Vista install all too much, so I'm still using Windows Firewall while I wait for Comodo's Vista version. Note that I also have a router, which if you have broadband internet, you should too. It can act as a hardware firewall if you take the time to set it up right. Using both a hardware and software firewall is the best combination here.
Maintenance Utilities:
One of my favorite pieces of software to recommend to Windows users is CCleaner. It removes unused and "temporary" files that just eat up your hard drive space. Make sure you pay attention if you install though, because by default it includes Yahoo Toolbar and several unnecessary options, like adding it to context menus (the right-click menus) and running on start-up. As long as it's got a start-up menu folder, that's all you need. But aside from just cleaning your file system, you can use it to uninstall programs and clean up your registry as well.
Another program I usually recommend keeping handy is HijackThis. It logs all the changes to particularly vulnerable locations on your computer. Run it whenever you think something is wrong, and then post the log on any computer support forum so an expert can take a look and recommend a course of action.
Office software:
I'm only going over this because it relates to the pre-installed software I mentioned before. Did you get Microsoft Works 8 with your computer? Get rid of it, because it's slow and featureless, and you can get much better software for the same amount of money. OpenOffice.org is free, open source, and very good if you need an entire suite - including word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Abiword is an excellent Microsoft Word replacement as well. They can both save documents in Microsoft's proprietary formats if needed. Microsoft Office should only be purchased as a last resort.
That's about all I've got software-wise. Other than that, just some general advice - only download stuff from sources you trust, whether it be software I mentioned or a picture in an email. FileHippo is a great site to keep up with the latest free software; you may want to browse it a bit and look for software you might like. The selection is much sparser than it is here, but it's all safe; I've seen my share of problems with some of the more obscure choices available here. And I'm sure you know, but I'll reiterate that you should be careful with email. Aside from viruses taking over your friend's computers and sending you emails and instant messages with disguised copies of itself, the spammers and scammers are getting ever more clever in their schemes. Keep a "junk" webmail account, where, whenever you sign up for or buy anything online, use that email address. That way, unless you're waiting for a receipt or confirmation number from an online order, you can delete everything in there without worrying you are missing something.
And lastly, once you've got a setup that you like, be sure to use the backup utilities occasionally, or whenever you about to make a major change in either hardware or software. Especially with your personal data. While re-installing everything from scratch can be a daunting task, it is possible. Losing your only copy of personal data like pictures from your digital camera, however, can be irreversible and heart-breaking.
Worrying about security and maintenance can be a major headache, but do it right the first time and you should be okay for a long time. I hope I helped somewhat, and I hope you enjoy your new purchase.
Zone Alarm Crashed My Vista OS
by bradmich - 9/20/07 8:49 AM In reply to: Maintaining a healthy system by ucphenom82After reading your recommendations Zone Alarm crashed Vista OS twice after two attempts to load it....DOESN'T WORK FOR ME!
firewall replacement
by randysvh - 9/20/07 2:48 PM In reply to: Zone Alarm Crashed My Vista OS by bradmichMay i suggest one of the two following choices as excellent replacements for ZoneAlarm:
Comodo firewall
Filseclab firewall
These are both good and may work perfectly for you.
randy
Vista Firewall Incompatibilities
by bradmich - 9/20/07 4:18 PM In reply to: firewall replacement by randysvhDoes anyone test their recommendations?? All 3 firewall recommendations (Zone Alarm, Comodo and filesclab) are NOT compatable with Vista when I tried to load them....Please don't give out useless information!!
firewall
by dave32264 - 9/20/07 4:35 PM In reply to: Vista Firewall Incompatibilities by bradmichI seriously doubt you will find anything out there right now that will be fully compatible with VisDuh. The internal firewall is a joke and M$ won't hand over the code needed for developers to put something out thats stable. After SP1 is released (look for it late in 2008) and they fix that (remember SP1 and SP2 in XP haha), then maybe they will work. In the mean time, AVG is a good anti-virus so you may want to try their firewall. This is one more reason IMHO to either stick with XP until it runs end of life or find viable alternatives like Linux or Mac
alternate firewalls
by randysvh - 9/21/07 3:17 AM In reply to: Vista Firewall Incompatibilities by bradmichZonealarm has a version for Vista, and GesWall are both free and work with Vista. Filseclab shows it works with all versions of windows, but i wonder if it has been updated to reflect Vista.
randy
Comodo works with Vista
by randysvh - 2/17/08 11:30 AM In reply to: alternate firewalls by randysvhThe latest version of Comodo firewall does work with Vista and it is quite a firewall and i think it is one of the best.
randy
Zone Alarm for Vista causes BSOD's
by dratner - 2/13/08 12:55 PM In reply to: firewall replacement by randysvhI finally unininstalled ZA Pro and my Vista PC is again stable.
Going from Win ME to Vista successfully
by scottamclellan - 9/9/07 1:05 PM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Maria,
You made a good move going from Windows ME to Vista. I think you will enjoy the new features and stability that Vista has to offer.
You asked how to take care of this new computer as you most likely want to get the same amount or more use out of this one than your ME.
One of the most basic things I would look at is where your old computer was located. Was it on shelf with good air movement or was it filed on a bookshelf with books stacked around it. Air movement is very important to keeping your new computer cool which in the long run will make things last longer. Also, look at the back of your old computer, or better yet, take off the side panel by removing the larger thumb screws on the back panel. Are the vents and fan clogged with dust? Does the motherboard and the heat sink on the CPU look restricted? This is inevitable with computer use, but it is something that is possible to minimize. I used to keep my computer on the floor which was carpeted. I tried placing my computer off the floor on a hard surface and have noticed considerably less dust buildup. Again, the thing you are trying to avoid for keeping the hardware in top condition is HEAT.
As for the filing side of things, I think now is the time to really start clean. You most likely have a lot of photos, documents, and music on your old computer. If you are at all like me, sometimes the organization of all of these files is a little lacking. However you choose to transfer them to your new computer, try placing them in a folder on the desktop instead of just pasting them all in the new MyDocuments/MyPics/My Music, ect. It is a big task to do all at once but each time you think of it, try opening that folder on your desktop and organizing one particular folder before placing it in its new home. Knock off one at a time and you will get the hang of keeping things organized.
It sounds like you are on the right track with your software situation by installing some security software. Vista has a lot of new security features built in that will help with security as well. I like the new feature that confirms your intent when opening .exe files (software setup programs). Try to limit the downloading of free trial version software programs as they often congest your list of start up programs if you are not careful. Be sure to keep your windows up to date as well. I am sure that Windows people are going to be coming up with a lot of updates since it is such a new operating system. Also consider using Windows based photo organizing instead of installing software that came with your digital camera if you have one. Often times, these photo transfer programs can really be a burden and slow everything down.
One last thing you might consider if you are already not in the habit, is putting your computer on standby if you are going to be away for more than, say one hour. It is usually just the push of a button and your computer will "take a nap." This stops the hard drive and fans which means you are actually saving a lot of energy as well. I think it is also best to shut down your computer over night for some of the same reasons. It needs to restart every once in a while.
Good luck!
Keeping your PC running for a long time free of issues...
by .mark - 9/9/07 8:55 PM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This may sound counter-intuitive and it may be too late to take this approach if you have already sunk a lot of money into your new PC. My recommendation is to buy the least expensive, best supported PC that will meet the requirements for the programs you run. Then when your extended support runs out (three years probably), get a new PC using the same approach.
Whenever I have tried to push PC's for extended lifespan (twice - both for 5 years), I have found that problems with the operating system and with some applications slowly accumulate. Eventually I am faced with the problem of either wiping the drive and reloading the OS from scratch and then reinstalling the apps OR getting a new computer and reinstalling the apps. Seems to me the latter is the only option that is worth the time taken to reinstall everything -- just better to have a new machine if you are going to all that trouble.
I also try to buy a PC about a year after the newest OS release has come out and then stick with that OS until I get rid of the computer. This is what works for me.
Certainly, I also run Anti-spyware and Anti-virus software and a firewall; those will help, but I have not seen that they have given me a problem-free PC. That being said, at five years, my PC is running fairly well, but it's time for a new one.
Best of luck with your Vista machine! -Mark
RE:
by matty128 - 9/9/07 10:11 PM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
As well as Anti-Virus, you need to have an AntiSpyware program. A good one that I use is called Webroot Spy Sweeper. I have used it for two years so far and it has not missed a thing.
You should also probably have a good firewall. The best free utility, and some will argue the best overall, is ZoneAlarm from CheckPoint.
A system Optimizer is also in order. A free program called CCleaner will take care just about eveything you need to do.
Defrag, Defrag and Defrag! Believe it or not, your computer does get sloppy! Imagine a room the size of three large Wal-Mart's filled with filing cabinets. Then, imagine all those filing cabinets tipped over with all their files lying everywhere. That is a fragmented hard drive. Windows Vista should do this automatically though, so you should be covered for that.
Some Sugestions
by waltv79 - 9/10/07 12:58 AM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First not only haveing the antivirus you should also get a whole security sweet. One good sugestion for that would be Panda Internet Security 2008. It will help protect you from a myrid of intrusions on you PC. with built in antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall, indentity protection, e-mail Spam filtering, Optimization of you PC, and several other features it's a good thing to get. when doing hardware upgrades first check the manufactures website to make sure they have drivers for Vista, otherwise all you wind up with is a spare part for computers not running Vista. when it comes to the add-ons for vista you can get off the internet I would sugest only getting the ones from microsoft. Some may make your Vista unstable. And on all programs you head out to the store to purchase check the system requirements on the box. If it doesn't say Microsoft vista on it take not of the maker of the software and check out their website to see if their software is indeed compatable with Vista, some may put it on the box and some that are compatable may not have it posted there.
Good luck with your new computer and I hope some of this helps.
A Clean Start on a new computer
by Lazarusuk - 9/10/07 1:36 AM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Maria
When I set up a new computer or install a new hard drive the first thing I do is do not let it connect to the internet till I have installed all the security programs I wish to.
I always install and update Avast Antivirus followed by Spybot search & destroy,Ad-Aware and SywareBlaster,All free programs.
Then (and only then)I let it connect to the internet and download oll the microsoft patches and updates it needs.
I then do the painfull bit and part with some money and purchase and install Tuneup Utilities 2007 which is about $39.99 in your money check it out free from Download.com.
Which you can use for weekly maintenance of your new PC and pick and choose which part to run or for an easy life just press the one Click maintenance button.
The one part I run every week is the registrey Defrag option.
I make sure all these programs are updated every week if they need it and I have no problems with my setup on any of the computers I own or look after (I am the family Geek who fixes things for free 24/7 or so they think).
Hope this is of help
Patrick McDonald
(In England)
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