Post by cyclone on Sept 18, 2015 12:14:40 GMT -6
As an IT guy, I come across a lot of different issues with peoples computers, so over time, I've compiled my own little list of programs and tips for a better computing experience.
Anti-Virus:
Free
AVG Free - Simple interface, not too bad on resources, not too intrusive
Avast - Probably one of the best out there for low resource usage, can be a little intrusive (pop ups and what not) if you don't have the settings right. (Just keep an eye on it, I used to use it and it installed an update that ultimately bricked my computer)
Paid
Bitdefender
Kaspersky
Sophos
Do not recommend
Norton
McAfee
Anti-Spyware/Anti-Malware Tools:
Malwarebytes - Hands down one of the best (if not the best) security programs out there. Just make sure when you install it to uncheck the box that says "Install trial of Premium version", or else your gonna be getting a lot of popups when it expires.
JRT (Junkware Removal Tool) - A great little tool that can catch some of stuff some of the bigger programs pass over
ADWCleaner - A wonderful adware/malware cleaner that is very powerful (requires restart when finished)
System Specs:
Speccy - A comprehensive tool that will show you everything you need to know about the components of your computer. (Recommend the portable version so you don't have to fully install it)
As for browsing the internet, I hope everybody is using either Firefox or Chrome (or some other open-source browser like Chromium or Opera) as the speed and security over Internet Explorer are tenfold. I also recommend some plug-ins/add-ons for Firefox and Chrome to enhance the speed and security:
UBlock Origin - A great adblocker than runs lighter and smoother than AdBlockPlus and other adblockers.
HTTPS Everywhere - Forces the website to go to its HTTPS version to ensure a secure connection.
Have you ever thought, "Wouldn't be nice if my computer just couldn't connect to any bad sites"? Well by editing your hosts file, you can essentially do that. With a correctly setup hosts file, it essentially tricks your computer to think that those sites are dead links or dont exist and to skip over them. To read about it and download a great, comprehensive HOSTS file visit winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
Let me know if you have any questions or anything. If I think of more, I'll add to it.
Anti-Virus:
Free
AVG Free - Simple interface, not too bad on resources, not too intrusive
Avast - Probably one of the best out there for low resource usage, can be a little intrusive (pop ups and what not) if you don't have the settings right. (Just keep an eye on it, I used to use it and it installed an update that ultimately bricked my computer)
Paid
Bitdefender
Kaspersky
Sophos
Do not recommend
Norton
McAfee
Anti-Spyware/Anti-Malware Tools:
Malwarebytes - Hands down one of the best (if not the best) security programs out there. Just make sure when you install it to uncheck the box that says "Install trial of Premium version", or else your gonna be getting a lot of popups when it expires.
JRT (Junkware Removal Tool) - A great little tool that can catch some of stuff some of the bigger programs pass over
ADWCleaner - A wonderful adware/malware cleaner that is very powerful (requires restart when finished)
System Specs:
Speccy - A comprehensive tool that will show you everything you need to know about the components of your computer. (Recommend the portable version so you don't have to fully install it)
As for browsing the internet, I hope everybody is using either Firefox or Chrome (or some other open-source browser like Chromium or Opera) as the speed and security over Internet Explorer are tenfold. I also recommend some plug-ins/add-ons for Firefox and Chrome to enhance the speed and security:
UBlock Origin - A great adblocker than runs lighter and smoother than AdBlockPlus and other adblockers.
HTTPS Everywhere - Forces the website to go to its HTTPS version to ensure a secure connection.
Have you ever thought, "Wouldn't be nice if my computer just couldn't connect to any bad sites"? Well by editing your hosts file, you can essentially do that. With a correctly setup hosts file, it essentially tricks your computer to think that those sites are dead links or dont exist and to skip over them. To read about it and download a great, comprehensive HOSTS file visit winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
Let me know if you have any questions or anything. If I think of more, I'll add to it.
Hello Friends
