Here is my guide to basic PC Security for Windows XP and Windows 7.Updated and links checked April 2014.If you are setting up a new computer, here are the essential free programs you should install.
Create a new folder in My Documents called "PC Security".
Download and save all the following FREE programs.
I use all these myself and recommend them myself.
Start with CCleaner from here …Download from "File Hippo" where a lot of goodies are stored.
It’s free and easy to use. Two buttons. “Analyze” and “Run Cleaner”.
This removes all the junk from your computer and keeps it clean.
Make sure you SAVE the file in that new "PC Security" folder.
It should look like this “ccsetup412.exe”
Double click on it to install.
Two buttons. “Analyze” and “Run Cleaner”.
Learn to use it. Clean up once a week.
Use this first to clean out as much rubbish as possible before you start big virus scans.
Links checked April 2014. Latest version CCleaner 4.12
Anti virus program from FileHippo once again...That's the free AVG 32 bit edition for Windows XP
http://www.filehippo.com/download_avg_antivirus_32/
Or the free AVG 64 bit for Windows 7
http://www.filehippo.com/download_avg_antivirus_64/
Or for that matter, any free anti-virus from FileHippo...
http://www.filehippo.com/search?q=anti+virus
BitDefender has a good reputation...
http://www.filehippo.com/download_bitdefender_antivirus/
Make sure you SAVE the file in that new "PC Security" folder.
It should look like this “avg_free_x86_all_2014_4569a7320.exe” or this "Antivirus_Free_Edition.exe"
Double click on it to install.
(A lot of viruses will stop most anti virus programs from starting or running properly).
Do a FULL scan straight away.
Obtain any updates and scan again.
Let the program delete or quarantine any viruses.
Download and install all the Microsoft updates from here …http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate - redundant now - it's built in - but get all the latest updates.
** Support for Windows XP ends April 8, 2014
Allow to install. Reboot. Go back and look for more. Reboot and keep repeating until you have ALL security updates. You will have to use Internet Explorer for this, not some other web browser like Firefox.
Free Firewall from FileHippo …http://www.filehippo.com/search?q=firewall
Try ZoneAlarm...
http://www.filehippo.com/download_zonealarm_free/
Or try Comodo...
http://www.filehippo.com/download_comodo/
http://www.filehippo.com/download_comodo/
Make sure you SAVE the file in that new "PC Security" folder.
It should look like this “zafwSetup_130_208_000.exe” or “cispremium_installer.exe”
Double click on it to install.
You will have to learn how to use its pop-ups to allow good programs access to the internet.
It should look like this “zafwSetup_130_208_000.exe” or “cispremium_installer.exe”
Double click on it to install.
You will have to learn how to use its pop-ups to allow good programs access to the internet.
Chrome web browser from here...https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/
Google Chrome is a very secure web browser program.
You can import you bookmarks or favorites from Internet Explorer.
Incidentally, don't be afraid to use more than one web browser. They will all import bookmarks from each other.
I use 'Internet Explorer' for it's Citrix abilities.
I use 'Opera' for some website editing and just for a change.
http://www.opera.com/
Thunderbird email program from here … http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/
Thunderbird is free from the Mozilla Foundation and is a secure email program.
Make sure you SAVE the file in that new "PC Security" folder.
It should look like this “Thunderbird Setup 24.4.0.exe”
Double click on it to install.
You can “Import” all you email and address book from Outlook or Outlook Express.
FileHippo.com update checker from here …http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/
The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to FileHippo.com to see if there are any newer releases. These are then neatly displayed in your browser for you to download.
Also check here for all free software downloads.
http://www.filehippo.com/
Subscribe to the free newsletter “Ask Leo”.http://askleo.com/
You will find a lot of extremely useful advice here.
There is a lot of good advice on his archives, so have a good read.
Like this …
http://ask-leo.com/internet_safety_how_do_i_keep_my_computer_safe_on_the_internet.html
http://ask-leo.com/how_should_i_set_up_my_computer_part_i.html
I hope this all helps.
Cheers. Si
Checked April 2014 for link and relevance. Still very valid for Windows XP and Windows 7
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