Technology

Avoiding Spyware & Viruses
No solution is perfect, but here is the combination that works for me.

Most Recent Windows XP Service Pack (currently SP2)
 - use Windows XP, update it to the most recent Service Pack
 - turn on automatic updates, allow the PC to install the updates automatically
 - turn on and use the Windows Firewall feature (or the Norton Internet Security Firewall, see below)

Use a router on your broadband connection
 - use a broadband router/switch with NAT (network address translation)
 - USING WIRELESS NETWORKING:
 - turn on the wireless features when needed, not all the time
 - change the factory SSID and passwords, turn off SSID "broadcast"
 - use all security protocols, due not run in unsecured mode

Norton Antivirus (also found in Norton SystemWorks / Norton Internet Security)
 - set it to run an antivirus scan every night
 - set it to auto-update itself nightly
 - if you are using Norton SystemWorks, set it to run a "one button checkup" every night
 - if you are using Norton Internet Security, use it for your Firewall, and for Spam and Ad blocking



Webroot Spy Sweeper
 - New version 4.5 is well ahead of the competition
 - detects and completely removes the nastiest spyware out there
 - always-on protection, includes "Spy Sweeper" with 16 active "Smart Shields"
 - simple to use, reliable
 - FREE expert customer support
 - FREE fully functional trial download

Microsoft Anti-Spyware (Beta)
 - set it to run an anti-spyware sweep every night
 - set it to participate in the anti-spyware network

Spybot Search & Destroy
 - run it manually every week or so
 - be sure to update it when possible and to use the "inoculate" feature


CCleaner (previously known as Crap Cleaner)
 - use Windows scheduler to run it daily if desired
 - train it to preserve web site cookies where they are needed and/or from trusted sites
 - use it to adjust (and clean out) your startup processes
 - use it for some registry cleaning functions

Norton Ghost (comes with SystemWorks Premier)
 - use Ghost to make periodic backups to ensure you can recover files as needed

Turning off HTML format and RTF format email
 - all mail will be view in a text-only format, guaranteeing it can be read by the recipient
 - HTML email forces certain formatting choices, which may make your email hard to read for people with visual impairments
 - most spam/spyware/worm/virus attack techniques via email require HTML
 - HTML (and RTF) formatted emails are larger and require more processing. Plain text emails are fast and small.
 - HTML is not required for formatting emails. There are OTHER, _easier_ and **effective** ways to format in plain text. :-)
 - most email program (ie Outlook) have disabling HTML as an option - USE THE OPTION AS FOLLOWS:

Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express:
Menu Path is: Tools | Options. Select the Send tab. Look at the section labeled "Mail Sending Format." Change the radio button from "HTML" to "Plain Text."

These are the things I do to keep my PC clean and running smoothly. It has worked well for me. Most of the tools are free or close to it. The Norton packages list for between $50 and $100 and are frequently free after rebate. Webroot Spy Sweeper is $30. All are well worth it and offer much more than simply antiviral and anti-spyware tools.

Steps for buying a Dell Desktop or Notebook PC for as little as possible....
 - lowest prices can typically be found in the "Small Business" section on www.dell.com
 - research the available discount codes on TechBargains and DealNews (see links below)
 - purchase at the end of either the 1st/4th/7th/10th months, or even better at the end of the 3rd/6th/9th/12th months.
 - don't wait until the last day - purchase with 5 business days left in the month
 - avoid upgrading commodity items that can be upgraded incrementally (like memory) over time
 - invest your money in those things that cannot be upgraded incrementally (like displays, warranties)
 - modems are not needed if you are using high-speed internet
 - Windows XP Media Center 2005 is the best OS to get at this point. Otherwise XP Home is fine. (Dec 2005)
 - spend extra budget on the warranty. On-site is better than return-to-depot. 90 day warranties are insufficient.
 - if a company name is required, use your name in the format "Last Name, First Name".
   This will ensure any checks made out to your "company" can still be cashed.
 - 95% of all possible uses for a PC can be handled by a $600 PC (includes an LCD monitor). Don't overspend.
 - pay attention to the pricing on your config for the next 21 days. If the price drops Dell may refund the difference.

Best Bargain Hunting Sites: 
DealNews   
TechBargains   
FatWallet   
Free After Rebate
Slick Deals

Other Bargain Hunting Sites: 
DealCatcher
MyCoupons
DealoftheDay
CleverMoms
Flamingoworld

Other Shopping Sites: 
Amazon.com   
Barnes & Noble.com   
Buy.com   
eBay.com   
ecost.com   

This page was last updated on 09/03/05