New laptop - what next?

free4440273

Yorkie1 wrote: »

I've got my new laptop (Win 7), it's ex-demo so has unusual stuff on the desktop and comes with 90 day trial of Norton which I haven't yet activated.

1. I want to use a free anti-virus rather than Norton, so I need to uninstall Norton. What's the best way to do this? I've seen reference to first uninstalling it locally on the PC and then using Norton-specific tools, but am not sure where to look for either. Can anyone assist?

2. Then, I assume I need to install either MSE or Avast. Do I just go online to find the websites and install?

3. On the desktop I've got a range of weird shortcuts and none of the usual ones. Apart from the recycle bin (which I'll keep), the others are shortcut links to the webcam, bluetooth installation, ebay, browser choice, Fujitsu launch centre, Norton, and a folder called Intel Laptops and PCs December 2010 iPOS.

Do I need any or all of these (not sure if the latter is a Comet file or something I need), and how do I get back the usual things like My Computer etc? The list of things on the visible list from the Start key is also a little weird so needs some investigation.

Many thanks in advance for any non-jargon-filled advice

dump Norton in favor of the brilliant Avast/ dump ie as a browser (or don't use it ) and use Opera 11 (1st choice ) or FF or Chrome / Ensure windows firewall is ON / ensure your router's firewall is ON (if it has one ) // make a duplicate set of recovery discs and ensure they work // (that they can be read ) /

Yorkie1

Well, it seems to be going OK so far!

Have reinstalled the operating system and drivers / utilities, which seems to have got rid of Norton.

Also created a backup boot up repair disc though I don't know how useful it will be.

Now need to get anti-virus. Is this the right link for Avast? http://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-antivirus-download I use online banking but it says it's not suitable for that.

Windows firewall is On.

Windows Defender is On.

Do I need anything else, or to set scan times etc?

Thanks - have always relied on Norton!

spud17

Windows Defender is On.

Disable (Untick) the 'Real-time ' scanning in Defender, it's doesn't play nice with your anti-virus.

Control panel/Defender/Tools/Options/Real-time protection.

GunJack

well done on gettin' there yorkie the boot disks you've just created - make another copy of them (by copying the disks) and keep one set away from the other set....these may be worth more than gold dust if you do ave a system crash

FYI, my standard maintenance suite for a new-build is:-

1. avast or avira av
2. malwarebytes anti malware
3. glary utilities
4. ccleaner and
5. defraggler

all except glary is available from filehippo
http://www.filehippo.com/

glary from their own site
http://www.glaryutilities.com/

all are free, just remember to UNTICK any toolbars/chrome/etc during the installation process for all of them, and away you go:)

free4440273

Yorkie1 wrote: »

Well, it seems to be going OK so far!

Have reinstalled the operating system and drivers / utilities, which seems to have got rid of Norton.

Also created a backup boot up repair disc though I don't know how useful it will be.

Now need to get anti-virus. Is this the right link for Avast? http://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-antivirus-download I use online banking but it says it's not suitable for that.

Windows firewall is On.

Windows Defender is On.

Do I need anything else, or to set scan times etc?

Thanks - have always relied on Norton!

yep, that is the right link/ i use online banking and am more than happy to use Avast -- have done so since 2004...

Yorkie1

spud17 wrote: »

Disable (Untick) the 'Real-time ' scanning in Defender, it's doesn't play nice with your anti-virus.

Control panel/Defender/Tools/Options/Real-time protection.

Thanks all for ongoing advice.

I have disabled defender and downloaded /installed avast (without the chrome toolbar!). I therefore have avast & windows firewall 'live' at present.

Three next questions:

1. Do I leave defender disabled now that I've installed avast, or re-enable it?

2. Avast has invited me to register to receive the free virus database updates. Do I need to, or will the necessary updates happen automatically?

3. Do I now download and install malwarebytes? And what is the reason for the other things mentioned by GunJAck (glary, ccleaner, defraggler) - do they need to be permanently installed too?

spud17

1. Leave the Realtime scanner disabled.

2. Not up with the latest Avast, but you need to register to get a FREE 12mth licence, otherwise you'll be nagged, because it's a 30 or 60 day trial. They'll email one within a few hours. Be careful you don't accidently sign up to the paid for service, like most companies this will be to the fore. (Sorry if this is not bang up to date).

3.Download and install Malwarebytes, this is an 'on demand' scanner, update and run a quick scan, say once a week, depending on your surfing habits. Post here if it finds anything. (It shouldn't, but some people seem to be malware magnets.:p)

Glary (I don't use) and CCleaner are used for housekeeping your PC. Defraggler is an alternative to the Windows defragger.

GunJack

1. leave wdefender off

2. avast registration doesn't send an e-mail any more, it's just an online form for the free licence

3.MBAM is the best on-demand anti-malware scanner around, keep it on your machine and run regular (e.g. weekly) quick scans as a maintenance activity. Same for CCleaner and glary, to keep temp files and the like down, and the registry relatively clean. Regular quick defrag with defraggler keeps hdd tidy...all to keep fresh pc as fresh as poss