Before I give you my list, let me state that I use all the software I’m recommending. I call this list “Important Software”….because it’s for your protection, in one way or another. You’ll understand my meaning as I explain each software.

Here’s my list:

1. Avast Anti-Virus – The number one program that everyone should have on their computer is a good anti-virus program. Too many of the so-called “name-brand” anti-virus programs use up so much of your computer’s resource that your computer runs slow and sluggish.

I haven’t had any problems with Avast. It’s a great little program, the Home Edition is free (you do have to get a registration number, but it’s still free) and it works beautifully.

You can get more information and download Avast here

2. Spyware Terminator – The next program that you need is a good anti-spyware program and Spyware Terminator is that program. Once you download and setup this program, you can set it to run a scan daily or weekly if you want (I have mine setup to run a scan daily at 3am) to make sure your computer is safe from spyware. This is another great software (and free).

You can get more information and download Spyware Terminator here

3. Malwarebytes – I’ve been using this program for about a year and it is wonderful. It is an anti-malware program and if your spyware program miss a bad “malware” (viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, dialers, spyware, etc..) this program will find it. I’ve fixed more computers with this program than any other program that I use…that is how powerful it is.

For information on Malwarebytes go here

To download Malwarebytes go here

4. CCleaner – This another program I use when working on a customer’s computer, CCleaner. CCleaner is a system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system – allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. You definitively want to get this program.

You can get more information and download CCleaner here

 

5. Karen’s Replicator – One more bit of protection that you need is to back up your important files on a regular basis. The program I use is Karen’s Replicator. In my opinion, this is a great little back up software. It’s simple to use and you can set it up to do automatic back ups at specific times.

In my case, I have my program set up to back up my important files every other day at 1am. Then on the alternate days, I have this program set up to back up my Outlook file. This way, all my most important files are backed up.

You can get more information and download Karen’s Replicator here

That’s my main list of the TOP 5 Important Software Recommendations for your PC. However, I have a couple of bonus programs that I thought I would share with you:

BONUS #1 – Easy Cleaner – This is another program similar to CCleaner, however, what I like about this program is its Registry Cleaner. To me it seems to be a little better than CCleaner and that is why I use Easy Cleaner.

You can get more information and download Easy Cleaner here

BONUS #2 – Process Explorer – This program is not essential, but I sure do like it. It’s a lot like Window’s Task Manager except much better. What I really like about this program is once you open it, a graphic icon is in your task bar. When you’re computer is using too many resources, the graphic is a “motion graph” and if you place your mouse over the icon, it will tell you what program is using up your resources and the percentage it is using. It can be very helpful if you’re computer is running slow or sluggish…it helps to identify the culprit.

You can get more information and download Process Explorer

Once you’ve installed these programs and use them on a regular basis, you’ll find you have less computer problems than in the past.

Happy Computing,

Steve
www.HelpFixMyComputer.com/blog

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Steve Hurst has been working in sales and marketing for over 30 years. For 10 years he had his own computer business which included website building and consulting. The past 5 years he’s owned his own Business & Technology consulting business. Using his sales and marketing skills along with his knowledge of technology, he’s helping his clients increase their sales and profits by utilizing today’s technology.

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All writings here are copyrighted by Steve Hurst. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

1) Update your Operating System Regularly:

The first step to keep your computer running at its best
and….protecting your PC and your valuable data is to ensure that
the operating system (OS) is updated with the latest security
patches. This is critical as OS manufacturers such as Microsoft
Windows update security features of their products continuously
to cover any potential and actual loopholes.

To check whether you have the latest update, click on the Start
Menu->All Programs and select the Windows Update icon. Windows
will take you to their update web page. From there just click on
the appropriate button to download and install and required
updates. We usually advise that this be done at least once every
two weeks.

2) Have a Good Anti-Virus Software & Firewall Program:

Secondly you should have updated anti-virus software running on
your system and a firewall program.

Make sure that the anti-virus software is updated frequently
(sometimes even daily if need be) with fixes to the actual
engine and to the database files that contain the latest cures
against new viruses, worms and Trojans.

The anti-virus software must have the ability of scanning email
and files as they are downloaded from the Internet to help
prevent malware reaching your system. You should also make sure
that the anti-virus software chosen also gives you protection
while on the Internet.

Next…be sure you have a firewall program. To activate your
Windows Firewall click on your control panel and select Windows
Firewall. Switch the firewall on by ticking the “On” radio
button.

A good firewall prevents unauthorized use and access to your
computer from external sources (e.g. hackers or hijackers) plus
giving you additional protection against the more common Trojans
and worms. A firewall on its own will not get rid of the virus
problem but when used in conjunction with your OS updates, and
anti-virus software, it will give you deeper system security and
protection.

3) Backup your data:

Prevention is better than cure, so it is always advisable to
backup all your data regularly – at least once a week. And, if
you are a frequent PC user, you should backup your data on a
daily basis.

Doing these 3 steps will keep your computer running at its
best….and at the same time, protect your valuable information.
Please make sure you do this to insure your peace of mind.

Till next time……

Happy Computing,

Steve
www.HelpFixMyComputer.com/blog

***********************************************************************

Steve Hurst has been working in sales and marketing for over 30 years. For 10 years he had his own computer business which included website building and consulting. The past 5 years he’s owned his own Business & Technology consulting business. Using his sales and marketing skills along with his knowledge of technology, he’s helping his clients increase their sales and profits by utilizing today’s technology.

***********************************************************************

All writings here are copyrighted by Steve Hurst. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.