The Best Tools to Use


There are tons of “fix it ” programs out there “FREE” oh be careful to avoid these as most of them are spyware or scare ware designed to disrupt your normal computer operations with pop ups and tactics designed to intimidate, scare and or buy or else.  The programs listed below are very GOOD and we use them consistently to maintain our own systems and install them on our customers systems. After considering all things that need to be considered when running a computer system and testing all programs out there these provide the best performance,  protection, effectiveness and reliability. Next tech tip will be where and how  to download these safely. Most users have no idea of “where did this come from” I get that a lot and or we did not load this stuff and in reality yes you did. Most users really don’t pay attention until oh a pop up or my browser is slow. Free game sites, down loading music video, utube, opening email attachments are all possible threats to your computer. Learning how to prevent these and maitain your browser will keep your computer out of the shop and you will hopefully be more aware as prevention is better that cure as the saying goes. If you can go a year without bringing your computer into the shop you are doing well but its just a matter of time before a trip to the shop for a professional fix is necessary.

MALWAREBYTES  We have installed the free version of Malwarebytes on your computer.  To use it you must first locate the icon on your desktop.  To the right is a picture of the icon     

1.   Once you have found the icon double click with your left mouse button.

2.  When the new window opens select what type of scan you would like to run.  We suggest running a full scan once a week if you are a moderate internet user.  If you are a heavy internet user or have multiple users (especially if you or other users are downloading music or videos using a torrent program) we recommend a full scan after your internet session is over.

3.  When the scan has finished it will inform you if it has found any spyware or malware.

Occasionally Malwarebytes needs to be updated.  You should check for updates when you first open Malwarebytes.

CCLEANER– We may have installed CCleaner on your computer.  This is an excellent free program that will help keep your computer running smoothly.

To use it you must first locate the icon on your desktop.  To the right is a picture of the icon    

1.   Once you have found the icon double click with your left mouse button.

2.  When the new window opens make sure cleaner is highlighted on the left hand side of the window.

3.  Select Analyze

4.  When the analysis is finished select run cleaner

5.  A box will pop up that says “this process will permanently delete files from you system.  Are you sure you wish to proceed?”  Click OK. 

6.  When the cleaner is finished x out of the window. 

MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS- We may have installed Microsoft Security Essentials on your computer.  This is a good antivirus that will help keep your computer free from viruses. The Microsoft Security Essentials icon is located at the bottom right hand side of your screen on the task bar.

If all is well the icon will be green

If it has been a while since you have run a full system scan the icon will be orange with an exclamation point .

If the icon is red with an x this indicates a problem

1.  to run Microsoft Security Essentials double click the icon with the left mouse button and select the scan type you want to run and then click scan now.  When the scan is finished it will either have a green icon with a check indicating no viruses were found or an orange icon with an exclamation point,  indicating a problem.  Select clean your computer so the viruses can be removed.

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