Computer security suite

[PappaJoe]

I searched google for computer tech support this is where I ended up.... my issue is i have a computer that was donated to me from a local source that helps those in need. I haven't had my own computer i always used a friend or family computers before, Being disabled I'm now in front of the computer a lot this is basically how i keep in touch with everyone, but i don't know much of anything about security. It is a slightly older Hewlett Packard system with 4 gigabytes of system ram, and I believe and intel based processor core duo and I'm happy to have it. It's having windows vista on it but the security program that is on it is out of date and asking me to pay for a renew of operations? mcafee is the name.

How is the best practice of securing a computer? or what security suite will work good for an older computer challenged fellow like myself...

joe

 

[IceMan37]

Hello joe welcome to ETS forums you came to the right place!

For one, I would remove your Mcafee in the add and remove programs menu, and two, I would at least install Microsoft Security Essentials you can get it here (it's free)

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download

Then download MalwareBytes Anti Malware - and when installing choose the free service/version. (filehippo is a safe download service so don't worry)

http://filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/

Update both, take your time updating. After both are updated run full scans with both separately.


Later we can discuss a few good paid programs, One of which is NOD 32 which is really well liked for many years and is recommended by the security experts here but for now I'm concerned with getting a valid updated anti-virus on your PC and malware bytes and scans done, especially since you may have been using a very outdated anti-virus solution.

Please post back when you get this done and welcome again to the forums.


William

 

[PappaJoe]

OK i have read your post and it seems to be something that I can follow I had no idea Microsoft had a free security suite that's nice. I will download both of those and then run scans after updating as you recommended.

MY browser had been slow and was getting my page that was a homepage changing and i knew enough to know that wasn't right so i thought I would seek good advice. I felt like i might have some spyware or maybe a virus but i wasn't sure .... and thanks for the links I will log on again after hopefully all this is cleaned up and more secure thanks William.

joe

 

[IceMan37]

No Prob update when you finish

 

[DSTM]

If I could add, untick the "Trial" Box for the paid version when installing Malwarebytes, Joe and Welcome from myself also.

 

[Rich-M]

Good point Dougie on the free Pro Version trial....

 

[PappaJoe]

I got it all installed and I seen your post about unmarking the check box ... DID that. So far I have updated both and scanned with the malware bytes program and it came up with 24 things for me to delete it really scared me the way it warned me.

anyway i clicked fix now, and it put two things in a quarantined folder not sure what to do with those. My connection is slow I would like to thank you all for the help I will scan with the microsoft program now it looks really easy to use .... back later when done with that and after i fix dinner

THANKS for all the help

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Let us know how your computer is acting when you have finished scanning with MSE. If you are still having issues with your home page or your computer being sluggish you may need malware removal assistance. We have specialists here that can help you with this.

 

[PappaJoe]

My home page Juno is back but it was only after I read how to manually set it back in the settings for home page. If it goes southwards again I will let you know but so far it's keeping. My landlord told me that it might be best to reinstall the operating system but this PC did not come with any disks other than some photo software, and printer drivers on a disk. I got a printer with the PC also. So far it's running much better already there is not nearly as much slowness when I opened up internet explorer.

I will scan with the other program the Microsoft one after dinner and let you know how it goes!

joe

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Sounds good, Joe.

 

[Rich-M]

PC makers don't include disks these days but there is probably a Recovery Partition that will take you back to day 1 for you to use after you backup any important files and data first.

 

[PappaJoe]

OK I will look for that. My scan was done while i was eating. It found one thing and eliminated it. SO is this all i need? Everything seems to be running a HECK of a lot faster and smooth. I have a big smile on my face because just going places on the internet was an issue before now it goes there fast aside from my connection.

I don't know how to thank you guys enough. I was unaware that microsoft has a free security program. Sometimes good things in life really are free I guess.

 

[PappaJoe]

I will finish making my home-made vanilla ice cream. IF you guys were here I would serve it to you for your help. Thanks again HATS off to you all.

 

[Rich-M]

The other thing you can do that will help is cut back startup by removing Adobe Reader, Sound cards, Microsoft Office if you have it leaving Av, Antimalware, 3rd party firewall if you use it, scanner, and remove everything else as 2/3 of what is in there is unnecessary most likely.
"Run, msconfig, ok, startup" will get you there.