This Month's Presentation will be
By Art Fuller
Agenda for May 16 Meeting print out The Agenda Items and bring with you
1. Tuning a computer for maximum efficiency
A. AntiVirus software: Free = AVG 9.0 Paid = Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 (59 to 79 for 3 computers).
B. Disk Cleanup & Ccleaner
C. Startup Menu (do not use msconfig) Free software = NirSoft's "WhatInStartup" replacement for STRUN
D. Minimize items in system tray - remove from startup or exit program in system tray after reboot.
E. Uninstall "all" toolbars = msn, yahoo, google, windows live & any others in the installed programs list.
F. Uninstall all old java versions from add & remove program lists. Restart / reboot and update to newest version.
G. Uninstall all programs you do not need any longer, restart & remove their folders in Program Files.
H. Move large amounts of Music, Photos or Videos to an external USB hard drive.
I. Keep hard drive less than 1/2 full or increase size of hard drive.
J. Upgrade memory to the maximum for the motherboard for XP or a minimum of 4gb for Vista/Win 7 64bit versions.
Demonstrate use of memory scan tool = Crucial.com
k. Keep computer free of dirt, dust, and pet hair. Take computer outside and clean interior once a year with canned
air.
L. Prevent the installation of add-on programs in your browsers if already installed, disable or uninstall them.
M. Do routine maintenance once a month, including windows updates
(update XP to Service Pack 3 before June 12).
N. Re-install Operating system every few years.
2. Windows Live Programs -
a. Mail - very good program when run alone and without the "sync" enabled.
b. Messenger - do not use or uninstall.
c. Writer - do not use or uninstall
d. Toolbar - do not use or uninstall.
e. Gallery - do not use or uninstall.
3. Programs with spyware or malware associated with them. Do not use or uninstall.
a. Incredamail
b. Smilebox
c. My Web Search
d. Coupon Printer
e. Hotbar
f. Limewire
g. Weatherbug
4. Flash drives and USB External hard drives
a. Brands - Seagate Free Agent drives or drive enclosures with SATA Seagate drives inside.
b. Installation
c. Bundled Software
d. Backup Types - automatic or manual
i. Automatic - not very reliable unless windows 7 native
software or Acronis True Image.
ii. Manual - Reliable as you make it - Make dated folder -
Select Data - Copy - Paste into dated folder.
5. Best Free Computer Security Programs
a. Malwarebytes - can be run and updated in "safe mode with networking".
b. Combofix - only from bleepingcomputer.com - not for use by the public - uninstall AVG or AV software before
use.
c. Spywareblaster - protects "hosts" file from being infected.
d. CCleaner - uncheck AVG in applications - do not use registry cleaner - does contain startup list under tools.
6. Questions &Answers
