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SECURITY:

It is absolutely essential to have a good anti-virus software installed on your computer, especially if you are surfing the internet. Contrary to popular belief DO NOT have two different AV programs on your machine at the same time as they will become ineffective. There are many AV programs to choose from and a good few of them are free to download, if you have an AV program on your machine that has expired be sure to uninstall it (if you are not renewing the yearly subscription) before installing a new one.

You can download a good Anti-Virus free at the following link
Download it here http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2

It is also advisable to install a good anti-spyware program as well as an Anti-Virus. Spyware can be as malicous as viruses but not all AV programs will detect and deal with spyware. Again there are a lot of AS programs around and a few can be downloaded for free. Microsoft will allow you to download their AS MICROSOFT DEFENDER program for free (you must have a genuine copy of Windows as validation is required).

Download it here www.microsoft.com

Another good Anti-Spyware program that can be downloaded for free is Lavasoft Adaware, unlike the Microsoft program which gives real time protection (running in the background) the Adaware has to be purchased for this feature to work. But if you are prepared to do your own maintenance ie. periodically run the Adaware it is a very good spyware killer (run it daily for good protection).

Download it here www.lavasoft.de

Installing Windows updates is another good way of helping to keep your computer safer, many Microsoft updates are to resolve security issues and therefore should be applied. You can configure your computer to recieve these updates automatically by going into Control Panel then open Automatic Updates and ensure that Automatic Updates radio button is selected.


MAINTENANCE:

To keep your machine running smoothly it is essential to carry out some basic tasks:

  • (1). Defrag your hard drive(s) often - at least once a week, you can use the defragmentation tool which is supplied with your operating system (Start - Programs - Accessories - System tools). Or even better get a third party software that is designed specifically to do that job. An excellent program is Perfect Disk and you can download a trial version at this site: www.raxco.co.uk/
  • (2). Maintenance includes running your Anti_Spyware and Anti-Virus programs regularly.
  • (3). Delete any old programs or files that are no longer being used - a good rule of thumb is that if you have a program that you have no idea what it is used for then the chances are, you dont use it.
  • (4). These are just a few very basic tasks, but you would be surprised at the difference they can make when regularly carried out!