Tools :

Many free tools of a wide variety can be found at http://www.filehippo.com

If you have a recent Custom Computers brand computer or your system has been services by us recently the following is important information you need to review.

We have taken the time to provide you with the tools you need to keep your computer clean, optimized and running the way it should. By using these tools, you will have a much more enjoyable computing experience and reduce the amount of visits to the repair shop. We have laid this out schedule and tools for you so please do yourself a favor and follow it carefully. We have broken this down to five steps to keep it as simple as possible.

#1 AntiVirus Protection :

AVG Free Edition AntiVirus: (Automated)

An excellent free antivirus application that includes real time protection, automated updates and no yearly subscription fees. This version protects against virus and spyware threats in real time and is always running in the background. It also automatically updates itself but be sure to check on it regularly to be sure the autoupdate system is working properly.


#2 AntiSpyware Protection :

MalwareBytes AntiMalware: (Weekly)
Excellent scanning utility which detects and removes all types of malware including spyware, adware, trojans, and hijackers. This free program requires manual updating and scanning which is documented in the instructions folder.

Spybot Search and Destroy: (Weekly)
Excellent scanning utility which detects and removes all types of malware including spyware, adware, trojans, and hijackers. This free program requires manual updating and scanning which is documented in the instructions folder.

Lavasoft Ad-Aware: (Weekly)
Excellent scanning utility which detects and removes all types of malware including spyware, adware, trojans, and hijackers. This free program requires manual updating and scanning which is documented in the instructions folder.

SpywareBlaster: (Weekly)
This application works differently than most antispyware tools by adding a permanent block to known bad web sites into your web browser. This free program requires manual updating which is documented in the instructions folder.

Windows Defender: (Automated)
Excellent scanning utility which is put out by Microsoft, detects and removes all types of malware including spyware, adware, trojans and hijackers. This free program includes completely automated protection, scanning and updating included in Windows Updates as well as realtime protection. No user maintenance is required other than to be sure your Windows AutoUpdate is working properly


#3 Firewall Protection :

Windows XP SP2 and SP3 as well as Windows Vista have a built in Windows Firewall that offers basic incoming firewall protection. This can be located and activated by going to the control panel and then Security Center


#4 Self Protection :

The most effective tool you can use to keep yourself protected is curbing your own internet habits. Avoiding risky behaviors, knowledge and common logic go a long way.  If you avoid behaviors such as those listed below you greatly decrease the chance of getting infected. Use common sense.

Things To Avoid:

  • Downloading illegal music, movies, programs using applications such as limewire and bittorrent.
  • Visiting of risky web sites such as pornography, piracy, free gaming web sites.
  • Not opening attachments to e-mail messages unless you know who they are from and that you are would be expecting that type of attachment from this person.
  • Not clicking on links in e-mail messages unless you know it is indeed a safe site.
  • Clicking on any type of advertisements and pop-ups.
     

#5 Your Maintenance Schedule – (THE MOST IMPORTANT PART)

Run AntiSpyware Tools Weekly 

  • MalwareBytes AntiMalware,
  • Spybot Search and Destroy
  • Lavasoft Ad-Aware
  • Spyware Blaster
     

Run System Maintenance Tools Weekly 

  • CCleaner – Temp Cleanup Tool
  • Diskeeper – Defragmenter

Be sure Windows Updates are always kept up to date. You will find the link to Windows Updates on your start menu.

Don’t assume autoupdates above are happening by themselves. Check for yourself ...

Each set of tools has its own folder on the desktop and in each is a folder called “Instructions” which provides step by step instructions for each program.

If you have questions, there is an icon on your desktop called HelpDesk which will take you to our Technical Support HelpDesk Application which will get you in touch with a support technician.

 

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