U MUST HAVE/USE Hard n Software

Hardware and Software U MUST HAVE/USE ! ! !
UPDATED 10/2005, 4,6 n 9/2007. 2, 4, 5 7, 12/2008 1/2009
10/25/2010 [minus numb. 6 - PC Pitstop] from Sir Karl
http://PG13_Funnys.tripod.com Computer Tips page.

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*1*
CHECK ! that You have n BOUGHT the Windows CD
for each of Your computers !
keep it with Your RESTORE software, in a safe known place !
It is usually an OPTION !
Have it WHEN U NEED it !
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*2*
BACK-UP YOUR Files ! at LEAST !
[ at MOST - Backup [w backup [Ghost?] software] Your perfect running system and ]
[after a failure, YOU reload BACK to Perfect in 1 hour = a GREAT thing TOO ]
Buy a min 500mb external USP Hard Drive !
[less then - $ 80. n SUPER EASY to install = Just PLUG-In]
Thats YOUR Insurance You will NOT loose Data, PICs, Music and Video -
WHEN YOUR COMPUTER DOES FAIL ! ! !
Put ALL Data, PICs, Music and Videos in its own folder IN the My Documents folder
[ data on DeskTop uses Ram memory and SLOWS DOWN your Computer !! ]
Its very easy to right click n Copy My DOCs Folder and paste into
the external Hard drive
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*3*
Antivirus ! [ n UPDATE it ! weekly !]
[ NEVER load 2 AVs on same computer - severe conflicts WILL occur ]
[ BUT - at least - use the Free Avast Antivirus ]
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*** Free ! [and from MS - OMG!] and GREAT ! reviews ! ***
Microsoft Security Essentials htm PG13Guy 10/08
provides real-time protection for your home PC !
that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Your Window version WILL be checked to be Genuine.
UNINSTALL any other AnitVirus program[s] before.
No Firewlaa included - USE Windows or free stand-alone Comodo Internet Security
or Agnitum Outpost Firewall
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Comcast gives MEMBERS - FREE ! !
McAffee ANTI-Virus ! Firewall ! n Anti-Spyware !
Good Possibility YOUR Internet Provider does TOO!
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AOL Dial-up ? STOP !
Get faster, cheaper and be able to use Your phone with AOL-DSL
plus You get McAfee AntiVirus FREE !

Verizon-Yahoo DSL ONLY gives You free anti Virus for 3 months - BOO ! ! !
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*4*
Get a Firewall !
see OUR firewall section link to
PG13_Funnys Internet Security / FireWalls
http://pg13_funnys.tripod.com/secur/index_s.html
NOT ? convinced ?
Test Your Vulnerbility - SHIELDS UP ! - at
http://www.GRC.COM/default.htm
I also recommend their -
UnPlug n Pray, Shoot the Messenger and Wizmo!
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*5*
get FREE Spyware removers ! [at least 2]
LavaSoft.com - AdAware FREE Edition
http://www.safer-networking.org - SpyBOT Search n Destroy // Free
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10/2010
*6*
Test/Fix YOUR computer and SECURITY at
~~www.PCPitStop.com !~~
NOW MAKES U pay for Fixes and Annoyingly TOO!
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*7*
EndItAll 1 - * CLOSEs * ALL programs !
*** Link IS a zip program to install ***
* AS demanded WHEN installing Programs/Software ! *
[This IS the Hard-to-find 1st basic version made for W98, it works for XP too]
[Power Users can search Internet for stronger EndItAll2 ]
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*8*
FREE Disk Defragger - Auslogics Disk Defrag 1.4.14.3
[ link and read about it on - Download.com ]
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*9*
The BEST Registry cleaner[s]
[Pay-For] - JV16 PowerTools 2010       or [FREE !] -       DownLoad.com - Easy Cleaner
[cluttered n unused registry entries WILL cause MAJOR computer problems !]
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Registry instructs YOUR computer to run what programs.
Removed programs - leave registry INFO and Slows or WILL mess up Your computer.
. You need to Clean them OUT !! BUT -
YOUR Registry is LIVE - any changes U make happens after enter is pressed
These programs are Better than U or I can EVER do it.
Use a system restore point B4 - for All Registry cleaners - IS recommended !!!
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*10*
YOU - decide what programs to Load at StartUp
- NOT THEM ! ! !
[ MORE StartUP programs ? - MORE problems and SLOWS DOWN computer ]
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Safest for ALL Window Users !
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TURN OFF non-essential programs ! thru windows !
UNCHECK Bogus programs like Real Media, Quick time, MS Office startUp and etc
leave ONLY essentials from Loading at BootUp
[i.e. Norton AV stuff, SystemTray, Explorer, Run StartUpMonitor and etc]
Use Windows * MSConfig *
[ Start/run/msconfig/ ... enter ... Select- Startup Tab ]
[ YOU ! Control What loads on * Your * Computer ! ]
Disable ! the CRAP ! programs !
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StartUp Monitor link from MLin.net
*OLDIE* Warns You, WHEN a program WANTs to be RUN at Power-Up !!
then You decide - OK or Deny
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for Expert Users
AutoRuns for Windows v9.21 WindowsSecrets.com / Window Tech Net
[ Helpful list of programs for AutoRuns ]
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*11*
Do NOT *Upgrade* ---> MAJOR Software past 2007 for W98 or XP!
Like MS Office or Adobe that ARE made for VISTA

Do Upgrade AntiVirus, AntiSpyware and media apps when Security needs it.

USE Secunia.com - Software Inspector
FREE Check for Your outdated software w info n links for new version[s]

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*12*
XP and ME Users !
Tame Your System restore ! !
- reduce SYSTEM RESTORE memory to use around 200 megs
Read the LangLists at Informationweek.com

Temp Turn OFF ! System Restore ... WHEN ! -
Killing a Virus
deleting lethal Spy/Ad/Mal-ware
Deleting non-essential Progrms
AFTERwards,
Power-down/up and then Turn system restore BACK ON
and insure only 200 megs used and enough backup and
Hopefully to SAVE your ASS when computer Fails !:

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*13*
ANOTHER worst space-hogs on your system is the Recycle Bin.

On its own, the Recycle Bin will take 10% of your hard drive space,
an INSANE waste of space on today's huge drives.

The Recycle Bin should be sized to hold either the largest files
you're likely to have on your system; or a typical day's worth of deletions;
or some other rational amount.

Start with the Bin sized at just 2%-3% of the hard drive total,
and adjust up or down from there after several day's operation,
You can adjust the Recycle Bin's size by right clicking on its icon,
and selecting Properties.

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