OK, Inspiron 1300 has arrived....what do I do?

MickKnipfler

Should I take the McaFee software or is there anything better?

Should I elete anything?

Should I do anything else before connecting to the internet?

albertross_2

Mcafee is one of the better ones..

Make sure the firewall is enabled (control panel/security centre)

then upgrade the mcafee dats from https://www.nai.com
then run windowsupdate https://www.windowsupdate.com

install some anti-spyware software e.g.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

and ad-aware from lavasoft.com

install https://www.ccleaner.com to cleanup every so often.

Block 3rd party cookies in IE (Tools/internet options/privacy/advanced)

General advice would be to patch it and update all scanners on a regular basis, consider using a router if you use broadband, and back it up occasionally (Norton Ghost is quite good, if you can afford it)

If you intend to use wireless, make sure you use WPA encryption, and follow the other wireless security tips elsewhere on this board.

And don't leave it in the car, cos it may get nicked..

MickKnipfler

Thanks...it's not actually arrive yet....just getting ready..

*!*HIBS*!*

But the subject in your OP says it has arrived?

MickKnipfler

I thought that would set the scene better...it's on it's way...

MickKnipfler

OK, now it has arrived. What crap do I need to delete?

pchelpman

As it's a Dell it will probably have been delivered with spyware already installed. Knd of them isn't it?

It's the MyWay search bar and related stuff. If you see it popping up here and there you might want to try and get rid of it BUT that won't be easy. Let us know if it becomes unbearable and we'll think how you can remove it.

You should read up on this site and elsewhere on all the free protection programs avaliable to you for antivirus, firewall, antispyware and so on. You can kit out the PC with very good free protection.

VincentVega

Everything? My laptop from Dell that I use at work had all kinds of rubbish on it that I deleted fairly quickly. Go through the Start Menu and try out the programs on there and make a note of the ones you don't want. Then use the Control Panel to delete them. Post a list if you want and people can tell you what's hot and what's not.

Make sure your anti-virus and firewall are active, connect to Windows Update and ensure you're fully up-to-date. Then install Firefox or Opera and confine Internet Explorer to the trash where it belongs.

MickKnipfler

Does it come with IE6?

VincentVega

Yes, unless something very strange is happening.

Fire up Internet Explorer and click on "Help" and then "About" and it should tell you the version.