Computer Security Software & Quick Fix Guide
Computer security is certainly an area of concern for computer users. Knowledge in this area is very poor to be honest. Prevention is most certainly better than cure and to help kick this off is by educating people.
I am fixing (curing, perhaps) one to two laptops a week with viral issues and I see the same issues all the time. The anti-virus software is out of date and has never been used to scan and there is no other protection on top of that. In some instances there was two out-of-date anti-virus programs. The operating system is never updated and in some cases the firewall had been turned off. Have a look at the full post to see what free programs are recommended.
I have compiled a Quick Fix Guide to removing viruses, spyware and malware and which recommended free software you can download and use. As usual, by using this free guide you are agreeing that I’m not accountable in any way if you encounter any problems – you can always ask me for help though, always use caution if you are not sure or contact someone you know who’s somewhat computer literate.
Click read more to view the full recommended free software available for immediate download and my quick fix guide.
The Quick Fix
This is the quick step process I use to fix/keep a computer in top condition.
- All software featured here is 100% free.
- On your Windows computer:
- Go into Control Panel then into Add/remove programs
- Look for any of the following programs and uninstall them if they are out-of-date: Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky.
(These are paid anti-virus programs but the free programs can be more efficient, faster and are of course FREE!) - Go into Control Panel and then into Security and make sure your firewall is turned on.
- Download Avira.
- Install Avira.
- Download the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
- Install Malwarebytes.
- Open up Avira and update the program. When it has been update start a full system scan (This can take anywhere from 1-4 hours).
Remove any infections it finds. - When finished with Avira open up Malwarebytes and update that program.
Then run a full system scan (This can take anywhere from 1-4 hours) and when it finishes remove any infections it finds. - You should be basically clean at this stage. If you want to make sure with more in-depth scanning for infections then please contact me for more info.
- If you use Internet Explorer 6 there are possible security issues so try to use internet browsers such as Internet Explorer 7/8, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Opera.
- There are more in-depth techniques and software to use such as Windows Safe Mode and Hijack This but are not recommended to beginners. Contact me for more details.
To future protect the computer:
- Practice safe surfing and stay away from Limewire, websites with keygens, screensavers etc.
- If you want to fileshare/download music/movies learn how to use torrents ( Not endorsing file-sharing, just educating!).
- Download updates for your operating system (ie. Windows Vista).
- Keep your new software updated and run scans every other week. Just small scans needed.
- If your computer is still slow look into other programs such as CCleaner and Auslogics Disk Defrag.
Recommended Software:
Note: If you’re here because your computer is slow then read this great article first as this may explain and fix a few things for you.
**************************************** Anti-Virus Software ****************************************
You can only have one anti-virus program running on your computer. I recommend uninstalling your Norton and McAfee anti-virus software as they can consume large amounts of your computer’s memory and may slow your computer down. Recent Norton and McAfee anti-virus software has improved immensely but still require a yearly subscription. The software listed below are 100% free and do the exact same job. So install just one of these. Update it (and update regularly) and run a full preliminary scan.
I recommend using Avira.
**************************************** Anti-Spyware Software ****************************************
You can have multiple anti-spyware programs running on your computer. But if you ensure safe surfing and update and scan your PC often then there will only need to be two anti-spyware programs on your computer, one scanner and one real-time protection. It’s not recommended to have more than one anti-spyware real-time protection programs on your computer as they can interfere with each other. Update and scan often.
I recommend using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Spyware Blaster.
**************************************** Firewall Software ****************************************
You can only have one firewall on your computer. Multiple firewalls can lead to cross-interference.
If you have Windows Vista or Windows 7; the built-in firewall is adequate. Just make sure it’s turned on. 
I recommend using ZoneAlarm if you use Windows XP or 2000 but if you are using Windows 7 or Vista you can use the built in firewall – Turn it on!.
**************************************** Internet Browsers ****************************************
An internet browser is the program you use to access and view internet pages. Generally speaking, all internet browsers are okay for browsing but some are more secure than others. It is recommended that you change your internet browser if you still use Internet Explorer 6 as it is the most used and the most security exploited browser.
I recommend using Mozilla Firefox.
**************************************** Browser Add-Ons ****************************************
You can use the McAfee Site-Advisor on both Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. This handy tool enables you to see what websites are safe on your internet searches.
**************************************** Cleaning your system ****************************************
Sometimes you’re computer being slow can be attributed to a general clogging up. Loads of files that are hanging around on your computer can be deleted. For example, files in your recycle bin and temporary internet files can be deleted. The disk defrag program will free up space on your hard drive and speed access times up.
I recommend using CCleaner and Auslogics Disk Defrag.
**************************************** Updating your operating system ****************************************
Security vulnerabilities are becoming more and more frequent and the only way to ensure your operating system isn’t the weakest link in your security system is to update it regularly.
**************************************** Online Scanners ****************************************
If you are having trouble with scanning your computer for whatever reason, these free online scanners can be extremely helpful.
If this quick guide helps at least one person then it was worth the time writing it. 
If you feel you’d add or remove something to this guide, want to talk about it or need help, please feel free to contact me at james@jmcdermott.ie
I don’t mind people linking to this page but please don’t steal the content without prior permission and appropriate referencing.
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