Don’t forget the number rule of computing:  Read!

Warning:  Some of the software I’m recommending has pre-checked acceptance of search engine tool bars or other features that you may not want!  You do not have to install those tool bars to get the software to work (just uncheck the boxes and click next). 

So follow the instructions–especially you power users who think you’ve seen it all.  What follows is a list of software we use to keep everything running smoothly:

1. Comodo (firewall and antivirus)

Install this to help keep out the bad guys (eg viruses etc.)

2. Malwarebytes

Install this to hunt down bad guys that may have slipped in (eg malware).

3. Glary Utilities

Run this after you run Malwarebytes.  It will help keep your system running fast.

4. Macrium Reflect

Use this to back up your entire drive–use it once every 3 months if you have room on an external drive.  External drives are cheaper than a 100 pack of dvd’s.  Backing up is a very good habit to have and now it’s easy.

5. WinUtilities

Like Glary, this has tools to keep your system running fast. 

6.  Free Ram XP Pro

This automatically frees up ram (memory) in your PC.  Use it along with your task manager to see what’s using up all your memory.

7.  Advanced-SystemCare-Free

If for some reason you don’t like Glary, you can use this (you probably don’t need both).

Most, if not all of the above also work with Vista or Windows 7.   Most of our clients are still using XP.

- John