Need PC Laptop advice re software & maintenance

Hoseman

Hi, Im a mac user but ive bought a PC for the home as we need one for the family. It will be used for leisure and work via multiple profiles. I use a PC fairly regularly but Im not up to speed on what basic software I need for upkeep, maintenance as well as anything else you can think of. In other words what are the must have pieces of software and what do I need to do to make sure it keeps running smooth?

Off the top of my head I need anitvirus and what about checking for viruses? It used to be malwarebytes back in the day when I had a PC. Freeware works for me btw.

In terms of keeping it in decent shape, what should I do? Do I need to defrag? How often and what other system tools should I be using?

Thanks

AndyPix

Malwarebytes and ADW cleaner run periodically or if you notice problems.


If you are using windows 10 then the built in Defender is adequate for virus protection.


Providing you are not one of these who clicks on random links in emails and web adverts that is.


No other tools necessary

Debbie_Savard

Windows 10 build 1709 has everything you need already included.

>Do I need to defrag?<

Not with an SSD, which I hope you've purchased!

JJ_Egan

Win 10 should auto defrag .

HILLBERN

don't know if anyone has any ideas? I have an hp laptop, probably 10 years old...the screen has gone black, earlier today I could put in my password then I was okay for about an hour, but now I turn laptop on and I have a black screen and that's it...
is it time to replace or is there anything I can do to put life in the little old lady ?

wongataa

Hoseman wrote: »

Hi, Im a mac user but ive bought a PC for the home as we need one for the family. It will be used for leisure and work via multiple profiles. I use a PC fairly regularly but Im not up to speed on what basic software I need for upkeep, maintenance as well as anything else you can think of. In other words what are the must have pieces of software and what do I need to do to make sure it keeps running smooth?

Very little

Hoseman wrote: »

Off the top of my head I need anitvirus and what about checking for viruses? It used to be malwarebytes back in the day when I had a PC. Freeware works for me btw.

Use the built in Windows Defender. It is on by default. It does its thing very unobtrusively.

Hoseman wrote: »

In terms of keeping it in decent shape, what should I do? Do I need to defrag?

Windows does this automatically if required. It is not required with SSD disks. You don't have to think about it.

Hoseman wrote: »

How often and what other system tools should I be using?

The only thing you actually may need to do is rusk disk cleanup to remove temporary files occasionally. In reality there is little maintenance needed on modern computer systems if you practice safe internet habits and don't tweak system settings that should really be left alone.

Hoseman

Thank you all and it is an SSD... thought I'd check out the hype.

Low maintenance = good

debitcardmayhem

HILLBERN wrote: »

don't know if anyone has any ideas? I have an hp laptop, probably 10 years old...the screen has gone black, earlier today I could put in my password then I was okay for about an hour, but now I turn laptop on and I have a black screen and that's it...
is it time to replace or is there anything I can do to put life in the little old lady ?

perhaps start your own thread ? sorry for being blunt but stating your problems on a fresh thread will not get lost in a general one like this and it clutters this one

Heedtheadvice

....but,...but...
Nobody has mentioned ensuring restore points are turned on, recovery discs are made and backup, backup, backup!

Also I would add to install adware and tracker blockers to browsers......

grumpycrab

Hoseman wrote: »

In terms of keeping it in decent shape, what should I do? How often and what other system tools should I be using?

Anti-virus. I'm not sure if Windows default is good enough; however, free could be good enough EG Kaspersky or Bitdefender.
Tools. The requirement to make disk images with Windows 10 may have gone ("refresh" enables a reinstall and its easy to clean install - licensing is automatically handled). BUT 2 things are still important :- 1. make a note of license keys of installed programs (Windows will not remember these if you reinstall) and 2. ensure a reliable data backup mechanism is in place.
Updates. Easiest to always keep up-to-date; having the computer on for more than 10mins a day helps alot here; also set sensible hours for "don't restart while I'm using the computer". Beware that twice a year Microsoft delivers a whole new installation; the newer the computer the less problems you are likely to have.

altojack

HILLBERN wrote: »

don't know if anyone has any ideas? I have an hp laptop, probably 10 years old...the screen has gone black, earlier today I could put in my password then I was okay for about an hour, but now I turn laptop on and I have a black screen and that's it...
is it time to replace or is there anything I can do to put life in the little old lady ?

Have a chat with E or Anon xx