Fortify New Computers Against Internet Evils

Posted by zeth 1337
December 28, 2005

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I have had to reinstall enough computer systems for myself, friends, and family that I want to give some advice to the many Idaho Falls residents who just received computers for holiday gifts. Fortify your computer with the software I recommend below to ensure it does not become infected with viruses, popup ads, spyware, adware, or sluggish behavior. Following this advice will keep your computer running relatively problem-free, and best of all you will pay nothing.


You need to Google and download the following software (used to link to them but they change sometimes):

  1. Eraser (a better file deletion tool)
  2. AVG (free antivirus that won’t bug you like Norton)
  3. Spybot (spyware protection)
  4. Ad-Aware (adware protection)
  5. Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer (blocks popups)
  6. Firefox Browser (a more secure browser overall)

The catch-22 is that these programs must be downloaded from the Internet, but if you go online without any protections you are likely to get hit with malicious code before these programs are installed. The best solution is to download the installer files (.exe) from another computer, burn them to a CD, drag and drop the installer files onto your new computer, then run those installer programs one by one.

I read somewhere once that a computer only takes 12 minutes of being unprotected online before it gets infected with a virus, spyware, or adware. I have had this happen to myself once; two spyware infected my system because I goofed off for a few minutes surfing some news sites on a fresh system. Doh! I highly recommend installing these programs before venturing online for that reason.

Before you install any of these, be sure to shut your screensaver completely off. This ensures it does not kick on during program installations and cause problems. To do this, right-click the desktop and select Properties. Select the Screensaver tab and change the type to None. This is a small but critical step. Forgetting to shut this off the screensaver can occasionally cause installation problems if that screensaver kicks on.

Most newer computers will have Windows XP Service Pack 2 which has the built-in firewall turned on automatically. Double check by following these clicks: Start button > Settings > Network Connections > Right-click on Local Area Connection > Properties > Advanced Tab > Ensure the box is checked that says Protect my computer and network …


The install sequence I recommend is:

  1. Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
  2. AVG
  3. Spybot Search & Destroy
  4. Ad-Aware
  5. Firefox Browser
  6. Eraser

After installing some programs, they will prompt you to start scanning your system. It sounds great, but right now you want to simply reboot after each program installation and keep installing the other programs. Run the scans after all the programs have been installed.

Now you have reached a fortified and secured your computer so you can go online without fear.

If you have troubles, leave a comment here and I will try to help you through replies on this site.

All advice is given without warranty. If your home explodes or you suffer any disasters, I nor this site cannot be held responsible.

Technology Tips

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