Thanks for the positive comments!
Some quick tips:
-Defragging your hard drive will not affect most people's computer speed. Dont bother with it.
-Deleting cookies will NOT speed up your computer. Dont bother with that either.
-Deleting temporary internet files will only occasionally fix problems with certain webpages not loading correctly. Don't bother
-MAKE CERTAIN you have ALL your windows updates in place. That is the most important step you can take to prevent viruses. When it says install an update, do it! The same goes for adobe reader and adobe flash player. Most computers I see are infected through adobe reader and adobe flash player. Go to the adobe.com website to update these, never follow a link off a random website that says to "click here to update adobe" .
-Use firefox (firefox.com) as your web browser. There is an add-on for it called "noscript" .
-If you use internet explorer, make sure it is version 8!
-At least one customer per month enters their credit card info into some random program that pops up. NEVER do that!!!
-Let McAfee and Norton expire, they are worthless.
-AVG is no longer of any use, and is nearly as bloated as the others.
-Microsoft security essentials is available here:
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials
(It's FREE, but remove other antivirus programs first.)
-Malwarebytes will clean mild/basic spyware, but will not clean the new/fake antivirus programs out currently.
-Spybot search and destroy, as well as ad-aware no longer work well either.
-Microsoft Security essentials if installed prior to infection will get about 75% of the new ones, but will leave you unable to connect to the internet without changing a setting.
-Programs such as combofix and Hijackthis will work in combination, but are VERY advanced and not for the general user. Combofix can trash your computer, and hijack this can make it unusable if you don't know what you are doing. Be careful and don't attempt if you don't know what you are doing.
-Remember, re-installs are a last resort. A good technician should be able to repair these viruses without reinstalling windows, and without data loss. (Mechanical hard disk failure is a different issue).
-Last tip, back up your data!!!!!!! Get a flash drive at the store for $20 and use it!
Keith Garrett
Wolfeboro Computer Solutions
603-651-7509