Getting Back To The Basics: Protect Your Computer
Step by Step to getting your computer ready for the autosurf environment.
I remember when I first got into autosurfing, I was a little green behind the ears when it came to protecting my computer. I didn’t realize how viewing so many websites per day could expose my computer to unnecessary risks, such as viruses, adware, trojans, etc.
A friend of mine gave me this routine awhile back, and I trust him because he is always researching the latest security blogs, and forums. I came across it tonight and thought my computer is LONG overdue for a thorough cleaning. I was surprised to see just how much this routine cleaned my computer, and thought it would be helpful to pass along to my fellow surfers.
Step One: Update your operating system.
I know most of us probably have it set to update automatically… but if you don’t, you could be missing some important security patches.
Step Two: Make sure you have ONLY ONE antivirus program.
Anitvirus programs are like a pitbull guarding your computer, but if you put two together they will go after each other and slow your system down. Also make sure this program has a firewall.
Step Three: Download These Programs
CCleaner - A simple program that removes unused and temporary files from Windows machines.
Adaware SE - This program digs very deep in search for adware. It is adware specific and does not go after anything else.
Spybot Search and Destroy - Eliminates threats to your security and privacy by searching for adware files, browser hijacks, as well as detect registry inconsistencies.
Ewido Antispyware - Devoted primarily to detecting and preventing data and system espionage and fights harmful programs such as trojans, dialers, spyware programs and key loggers. It starts where virus scanners and firewalls leave off and represents a supplement to existing security systems. (You can use it free for 30 days)
CWShredder - Tool to find and remove traces of CoolWebSearch (the name for a wide range of insidious browser hijackers) from your PC. CoolWebSearch installs dozens of bookmarks on your desktop, changes your home page without asking, and continually changes it back if you attempt to correct it. It significantly slows down the performance of your PC.
Step Four: Run The Above programs in this order.
1. CCleaner (Delete everything found)
2. CWShredder (Delete everything found)
2. SpyBot Search & Destroy (Delete everything, then immunize)
3. Adaware SE (Delete everything found) [Digs deeper for adware than SpyBot S&D]
4. Ewido Antispyware (Delete everything found)
5. Reboot computer.Step Five: Defragment Hard Drive
1. Click [Start] icon in the lower left of your screen.
2. Go to Programs
3. Accessories
4. System Tools
5. Disk Defragmenter
I got tremendous results going through this routine… (Probably because, I havent given my computer a thorough cleaning in a long time LOL) This is something that we all should do from time to time.