Posted by Burton Georgia Loan Closers.com on 1/12/08 7:33am
Msg #230352

Computer Maintenance

I use AVG for virus protection and have been very pleased with the protection.

With that said, I also use Ad-Aware and the two programs together work better than either program alone. Your virus protection probably does not remove the ads, so use of both programs is important for my practice.

I try to remove the ads often, preferably DAILY. Failure to remove the ad ware is like leaving your date of birth, Social Security number and mother's maiden name on the Internet.

I defrag my computer monthly, and I prefer to defrag weekly. Sometimes I forget! Thus, I employ the services of a computer technician to remote in and then inspect and update my computers monthly, or more often as needed.

Up-to-date and frequently used virus protection and ad-ware programs together will help keep you up and running.

Burton F.

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 1/12/08 10:48am
Msg #230359

I used to use Norton Anti-Virus but have come to realize that it's really not needed. I now use the free Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic.

I also use the free Yahoo Anti-Spy that comes with their toolbar.

My brother is a computer technician and he admits that most of the services he provides to his customers are simple tasks that can be easily done by the customer.

It's now been three months and I haven't had any problems with my main computer. I recently purchased a laptop and installed the aforementioned free software and I still haven't had any problems.

Reply by Lora/FL on 1/12/08 10:55am
Msg #230360

"My brother is a computer technician and he admits that most of the services he provides to his customers are simple tasks that can be easily done by the customer."

Any hints on maintenance that can/should be done on a regular basis? In addition to defragmentation like Burton mentioned, things like disc clean-up, etc.? what do you suggest? I just got a new lap top and will soon retire the old one. I'd like to start a regularly scheduled "maintenance" on the new one.

Reply by Burton Georgia Loan Closers.com on 1/12/08 11:51am
Msg #230361

Computer Maintenance and Off-Site Backup Protection

The Accessories Section of your Programs has Disc Cleanup to remove trash files that accumulate in your computer system. Defragmentation speeds the computer and checks for weaknesses on your hard drive.

I hire my computer expert to manage all computers from off site for assurance that my staff is doing what they should be doing. For some reason, the person with the financial outlay is more highly motivated to oversee these important tasks. ;o)

Software updates are installed monthly, usually to close backdoor issues with Windows so a virus does not sneak past my virus protection. Virus protection must be kept updated regularly. Some folks think, erroneously, that you can install virus protection and never update it. Updates can be set for automatic, but I check and run scans almost daily anyway.

Another topic that cannot be stressed enough is to have a good backup system. Typically, we scan documents after a closing. We have dual hard drives and both onsite and offsite backups of our data.

If you recall the terrible fires in California and folks were rushing from their homes. They grabbed children and family, then pets, and what were their next priorities...photographs and computers.

Since I have scanned or taken many 1000s of photographs that are stored both on my computer, CD, and back up systems, I am protected from either a computer meltdown, fire or theft. Those using laptops are aware that these are frequently stolen.

Offsite backups will give you peace of mind that you are protected in case you drive up to your home or office and the fire trucks are outside and only charred embers remain. A stich in time...

Burton F.
Covering all of Georgia, all the time!
www.CallOurLawyers.com
www.GeorgiaLoanClosers.com
www.GeorgiaSigningAgents.com

Reply by MichiganAl on 1/12/08 1:23pm
Msg #230364

I just wrote an article about this that I was getting ready to post on my site. I run Ad-Aware, AVG, and Spybot Search & Destroy. I also run the free Windows One Care Scan (it cleans the registry, runs a disk clean, checks open ports, runs a disk frag scan). Also, you've got have a firewall. I love Zone Alarm.

All the above is free.

Reply by Burton Georgia Loan Closers.com on 1/12/08 1:28pm
Msg #230366

I just wrote an article about this that I was getting ready to post on my site. I run Ad-Aware, AVG, and Spybot Search & Destroy. I also run the free Windows One Care Scan (it cleans the registry, runs a disk clean, checks open ports, runs a disk frag scan). Also, you've got have a firewall. I love Zone Alarm.

All the above is free.

>>>>>>>Al, excellent points. I also use Ad-Aware, AVG and Spybot Search & Destroy. You just reminded me to run Spybot. Also, you are right on about the importance of a firewall. You are playing with fire to not have and use these tools. Good points. Thanks.

Burton F.

Reply by Lora/FL on 1/12/08 6:24pm
Msg #230378

Thanks to all for the helpful hints. Better to be safe than.....cryin"! lol

Reply by Linda Juenger on 1/12/08 11:59pm
Msg #230390

MichiganAL I installed that Zone Alarm

I had to uninstall it. It did so many weird things to my computer including getting on NR. When logged on and I scrolled down to see othe posts, the entire page got HUGE. Strange. I like to play backgammon online and it would not let me chat and the pieces moved so slow or jumped up and down. Do you or did you experience any funny things? Thanks

Reply by Gerry_VT on 1/13/08 12:24am
Msg #230391

Re: MichiganAL I installed that Zone Alarm

Up until about 6 months ago I used to use Zone Alarm Security Suite (firewall, anti-virus, and more). I found that it took an exceptionally long time for my system to boot, and if I left it on for more than about 20 hours or so, it became unstable and had to be rebooted. I uninstalled ZA Security and replaced it with the Microsoft firewall and Avast! anti-virus. They boot much faster and seem perfectly stable.

Reply by MichiganAl on 1/13/08 1:34am
Msg #230395

Zone Alarm did that?

I've never heard of that. Zone Alarm's been nothing but fantastic for me.

Maximum PC just rated Zone Alarm as one of the 100 greatest PC Innovations of all time.

If you want to see all 100, here's the page:

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/the_100_greatest_tech_innovations_of_all_time

Reply by Linda Juenger on 1/13/08 11:43am
Msg #230407

Yes and more

Even after Uninstalling it, it still has things changed. Here on NR, the font size of the posts have changed. How do I change that back? The font is very small now.

Reply by MichiganAl on 1/13/08 1:49pm
Msg #230419

I don't think Z.A. would change font size, but try this:

In your browser, go to View, then Text Size, then pick a larger size. Mine is set at Medium.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 1/13/08 2:19pm
Msg #230423

That fixed it. Thx. Weird that Zone changed that. n/m

Reply by desktopfull on 1/13/08 2:12am
Msg #230396

Me too, had to dump it, nothing but problems n/m

Reply by John_NorCal on 1/13/08 8:56am
Msg #230400

I had Zone Alarm for years, when they "upgraded" last year, it was nothing but a PITA for me. Took forever to load, kept interfering with programs. I uninstalled it and went with McAfee which is provided free of charge to subscribers by Comcast.