NOTE AND OPINION: Before anything, this article is something I've wanted to do for years. Besides working, nerding out, and going to UBalt, I typically keep up to date in all things tech. I love technology. I love computers. I like shiny things. I've been dealing with the lovely Windows operating system for well over a decade now, and as you already know, it isn't perfect. Recently, a lot of people have gone Mac. While that's great, going Mac is typically something a person does when they are sick of PCs. Why are they sick of PCs? Well, some have valid reasons such using a Mac for media purposes, such as for music or video editing. Hey, that's great, I'm proud of these guys. If I spent well over 1k on a computer, I damn well better be using it for something cool. But as for the majority of the people that became prey to viruses and other PC related issues, I have little sympathy for you. If you still are using a PC, then this list is for you! If not then go back your Mac (or Linux if you're cool) and enjoy your day.
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For several years, I've been clearing out issues on computers for my friends and family. Being computer illiterate in 2012 is a very dangerous thing and is like driving a car without a license. You would be amazed on how many of the simplest issues that I've seen most people do throughout the years that made them vulnerable to viruses and several other computer related issues. So after doing this, I thought to myself: Why not make a top 5 list of the things that kill PCs the most? So I did, and here we are! ;)
Keep in mind; this is not aimed towards any person. Don't be ashamed if you done any of the things I've listed below. I give suggestions on what to do and what to use on if you have been guilty on any of these issues. Think of this as more of a guide for preventing and fixing this issues, rather than a top 5 list that is making fun of computer illiterate people (because it isn't).
5. Don't be stupid.
Before handing over your computer to a tech savy person, the easiest way to solve a problem is tell them what you were doing to get the virus. For most males the cause of most issues is either porn or pirated media. For women, it's usually an online advertisement or installing software such as screen savers or secret squirrel software that lets them know who is viewing their Facebook profile (it doesn't exist).
I recommend/suggest:
1. Stream it, don't download it. This goes for any music or video you stream from "shady" sites. If you absolutely have to keep on using these sites, streaming media is less likely to harm your computer. Also if these sites ever ask you to download a codec or anything at all, don't do it.
2. Get a job or a Netflix/Gamefly subscription. If you like to pirate music, you might as well suck it up and either start using something like Spotify or if you like to keep your music, use iTunes. If you still are using P2P software, please uninstall it now.
You can download all of the software I mentioned below:
Netflix: http://www.netflix.com
Gamefly: http://www.gamefly.com
Spotifty: http://www.spotify.com/
iTunes: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
(Yes, people will pirate and be virus free, but this guide is not promoting piracy)
3. If it's too good to be true, use common sense and ignore it (this includes phlishing scams claiming that an alien has abducted your account(s)).
4. Don't let software get outdated
Every day, hackers are finding loopholes within Windows, Internet Explorer, Flash, Java, etc. Not updating your computer with Windows updates or disabling updates is the equivalent of saying "come at me bro" to a horde of zombies. You just don't do it.
I recommend:
1. Turning on automatic updates within Windows Update. If you turned this off for whatever reason, turn it back on ASAP. It nags you for a reason. Not sure how to do this? Follow this guide: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
2. Install Filehippo.com's Update Checker (http://filehippo.com/updatechecker/) - You won't regret it and it checks for updates on software when you start up Windows.
3. If Filehippo isn't your thing, most problems typically have a "Check for updates" option. Make sure this is ALWAYS checked off in the preferences of the software and most programs will usually inform you after you start it up that an update is available. Don't ignore them! Install them ASAP!!
3. Do not buy/use Antivirus software if you don't plan on renewing the subscription (but still use one).
Did you ever wonder why most people typically get viruses after about 6 months (or a year) after they get a PC? It's because they ignore Norton or whatever crap program a computer manufacturer installed on their PC and as soon as the trial runs out. While some of these programs are great, most of them usually require a pricey renewal fee which will likely be ignored by the user. This usually results in the software turning off or disabling updates. You're saying come at me bro to the crazed infected people from Resident Evil 4 (if you never played it, use your imagination), along with the insane chainsaw guy from that game. Again, YOU JUST DON'T DO IT.
I recommend:
Microsoft Security Essentials (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/security-essentials-all-versions) - It's free and it works. No nagging either, so it's great.
AVG Anti Virus (http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage) - AVG likes to nag you a bit, but still works well to this day.
Avast! Anti Virus Software (http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download) - It oddly requires a yearly free subscription for no reason, and it will scare the crap out of you with its creepy robotic voice when it updates or if something is up. I recommend turning the sound off, but other than that, it works.
My friend, Dave has recommended Comodo Security. I haven't tried it, but I'm sure it works great. It's also free. You can get it here: http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php
2. Clean your computer hardware.
If you manage to do everything that I've listed above, you may be one of the many who like to let their computer collect dust. Computers are typically put up against walls and usually collect dust at an alarming rate. Learn how to open up your PC (it's like opening a car hood, it's too easy) and clean out your computer with a can of compressed air every 3-6 months. This ensures your computer's fans will not get clogged up with dust and will not overheat or "die". Some of you are probably afraid to do this, but man up, and do it already. Your computer will thank you.
I suggest:
1 can of compressed air (easily obtainable at Wal Mart and other retail stores)
1. Scan for viruses weekly and defrag your computer.
This is far by the thing that almost nobody does until a problem hits. Just as a protip, some tricky viruses have a habit of blocking antivirus programs from removing it. You know why? It's probably because you didn't follow #4. You didn't update it. And with that said, the version you are using will become completely useless once an actual virus rolls in. The advantage of scanning a PC weekly for viruses is that you will likely catch smaller things such as trojans before they have the opportunity to start more trouble. As for defragging, almost nobody does this due to taking a very long time to complete. But let me ask you this: Do you have a job? Do you sleep? Do you go to school/college? If you answered yes to any of these, then you can defrag your computer when you are doing any of these. You have no excuse besides laziness.
I recommend:
If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials, you can use that for scanning for viruses. I also suggest:
Malwarebytes Anti Malware (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) - Is updated daily and it gets rid of some of the nastiest viruses I've ever seen (rouge anti-viruses are the worst). It's free and it works!
My friend, Dave has also recommended another Comodo product, Comodo Anti Virus which is also free and has worked great for him. You can get it here: http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/antivirus.php
Defraggler (http://www.piriform.com/defraggler) - This is a small step up from Microsoft's defragging software. Sure, it takes a while to work, but it gets the job done. If you don't like it, the Microsoft version works too; you can find it on computer by using the search bar (Windows Vista/7/8). If you do not have the search bar on Windows XP, follow this guide: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner) - While this really doesn't go under anti virus or defragging, it's a great tool to use to clean out unneeded temporary files that slowly accumulate as the years go by. I'd suggest using this every other week.
PROTIPS:
1. Have a software issue, or does something seem "off"? Use System Restore!
Windows XP: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084
Windows Vista/7: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/system-restore
2. Use the same password for everything? Don't! Make your passwords at least 12 characters long and hard to guess. Using one capital letter or a symbol within it also helps. Using the same password for everything is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the internet.
3. Not using your computer? Shut it down! Unless you are leaving the computer on to do something (like downloading stuff), then turn it off. Also, only use the hibernate or sleep options only if you coming back to the computer in that same day. Do not use it constantly.
4. Not sure what you're doing? Google it! Seriously, it solves nearly everything you can think of!
http://www.google.com
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