Automatic Windows Updates:
Stay current with
the latest updates available for your computer's operating system,
software, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer and
provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you. Set
it to download but ask before installing.
Spyware/Malware Remover:
MalwareBytes and Super Anti-Spyware
These tools can
detect serious spy activity like keyloggers, activity monitoring
software, web site loggers and also common Adware, web bugs, tracking
cookies and many other items that are frequently encountered on the
web. Many people consider them an invasion of their privacy, even
though they are mostly advertising related and usually limited to
anonymous tracking. Monthly or as system seems to slow down, run a
scan and see what it finds.
Anti-Virus: Microsoft Security
Essentials – FREE
This needs to not
only be loaded but activated and updated. Computers need to be on
when a scan is scheduled to run. You can pay $60 a year for these
programs (Norton, Syman tic and others) but they do not guarantee any
better protection. No security program can guarantee 100% protection.
Flash Update, Java and Adobe PDF
update. Watch for Check boxes
for additions that may be trying to download like Norton Scanner.
You don't need it.
You can load other
programs but be aware of what you re downloading. Many come with
additions that you do not need. Many will come with Adware that
slows down your computer and the only way to get rid of it is to
re-install the Operating System which is very EXPENSIVE! If you see
a program that tell you that you have hundred of infections and wants
your credit card payment to clean your system do not believe it.
Unless it is a program listed above that you know is legitimate and
that you installed do not pay for removing infections.
E-mail:
Do not open
attachments unless you are expecting them. Even if it is from someone
you know. Many infections will read an address book and send out
infection without the user knowing.
Programs and Sites to avoid:
Porn Sites
Gaming Sites
Weather Bug
Shopping Toolbars
Backups: Fbackup
This is a very
good backup program. It creates a compressed backup or a mirror
backup which means you do not need any special software to restore
the backup.
Once
setup they have to be monitored. If I setup the backup I do not
guarantee that the files will be available when the need arises. I
only set backup to collect data in the User data area and some other
common data storage areas. Quickbooks, Quicken, Outlook and other
programs sometime store data files outside the User area. You
are ultimately responsible to monitor and occasionally restore to
insure success. If there is data you cannot live without you should
have redundant backup.
QuickBooks or Quicken Backup: In
addition to the Fbackup you should utilize the internal backup
feature in QuickBooks. You should know where you data file is located
and insure it is getting backed up
Outlook Backup: In
addition to the Fbackup you should utilize another method to copy the
outlook.pst file to another drive.
Advice for Home Users 2012
