Laptop programs?

[Prometheus]

I just unlocked my laptop and Im indtalling all the updates now. What software should I download on it or purchase to make sure everything runs smoothly?

[ktkendall]

Other than Antivirus there is nothing you really need other than to keep it defragged and keep all unnecessary services and programs out of the startup. You want windows to boot with just the essentials and to keep it that way. The number 1 problem I see on peoples PC's is all the crap they have loading at startup that is always running in the backround, and they think they need it to, then it leaves so little resources left to run apps and they just can't understand why their new PC runs like a 486 PC..

[Prometheus]

What about spyware or anything?

[ktkendall]

Oh yes, sorry I was really zeroing in on programs that U would have running all the time, and aside from virus software, which I personally don't use but I know its a good idea, and maybe a software firewall, depending on how U access the net I was just saying keep what you have running all the time in the backround to bare minimum and that PC will run just fine..

[Prometheus]

I never actually set up a fire wall so how do I do that? Is there some program I can download to make one or something? And is Morphues good for winXP because I had it on 98 and at first it was fine then it startred freezing,etc. Should I put it on XP, is there a btter program?

[ghost2003]

morphues is full of spyware. Just download a firewall like kerio or sygate and install it. Every time a program wants to connect to the internet it will ask you if you want to allow it or not. There will always be a checkbox to remember what you clicked for that program so it will creat rules and you will almost never see it in no time.

[raftero]

i just use the built in xp firewall and AVG anti-virus, to activate xp firewall if it isn't go to control panel,network connections right click,click properties,click advanced and check internet firewall . all i have on startup is AVG .

[Prometheus]

when i right click nothing comes up

[ghost2003]

you can also left click on the icno and on the sidebar click on "change settings for this connection"

[raftero]

maybe i wasn't clear,(after i re-read what i said) in control panel double click(left) network connections,when the connection come up then right click the connection etc.

[Spartan]

First thing I would do is go to Microsoft to make sure you have the latest updates then install a software firewall if you are not going to use a hardware firewall. Then I would load up your Anti Virus of choice followed by Spybot and Adaware. I would then go and look for any driver updates you might want.

-Spartan

[Lobos]

I would just use the xp firewall just to get online long enough to get one of the firewalls Ghost has mentioned

Xp fire wall will only block what is comming in but if you get a virus that wants to phone home it will not block that

The first disadvantage is that it does not restrict outgoing traffic from your computer or restrict applications from using your Internet connection. This means that if have a virus , ICF will allow your applications to send data to the Internet without your permission.

The second disadvantage, which will be addressed in Windows XP Service Pack 2, is that when you boot your computer, Windows will enable your Internet connection before it enables the built-in firewall. This means that if someone attempts to hack your computer or portscan you while your computer is booting, your computer will be available on the Internet before the firewall starts up. This creates a limited opportunity for your computer to be hacked. Though this risk is mitigated by the short length of time between your Internet connection being active and the firewall starting, it is still a risk to take into consideration.


As far as more protection

Also try spyware guard and spyware blaster (www.javacoolsoftware.com)
spyware blaster will block spyware from comming in when you surf the net(compatible with IE, mozilla and firefox) and spyware guard is a resident scanner



The IE hosts (http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm) file blocks ads, banners, cookies, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the Server that supplies these little gems.


IE-SPYAD (http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm#IESPYAD) puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.

IE-SPYAD is a Registry file (IE-ADS.REG) that adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers, marketers, and crapware pushers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer. Once this list of sites and domains is "merged" into your Registry, most marketers, advertisers, and crapware pushers on the Net will not be able to use cookies, ActiveX controls, Java applets, or scripting to compromise your privacy or your PC while you surf the Net. Nor will they be able to use your browser to push unwanted pop-ups, cookies, or auto-installing programs on you.



Lobos