The only thing I have installed at this point is: Firefox Esignal TWS for Interactive Brokers and Intel SSD Toolbox In the past, I have found myself susceptible to downloading a bunch of other "system-based" programs (for anti-virus and registry clean-out and such) but I have heard mixed messages on adding those types of things to a clean drive, so I'm just curious what the tech professionals think about that type of software (and their alternatives) and such. Thanks.
Anti Virus is a a very polarized topic. I believe Microsoft essentials is adequate and what I use. Others will swear by their favorites, Avast, Kaspersky, etc... It isn't like you are going to be surfing porn, downloading crack's, etc... KISS, MSE is fine and unobtrusive. [I do like to run malwarebytes after scanning with MSE, let scat or winston be your judge] Use the search function, search WinstonTJ, Scat + Anti Virus/virus/AV See what they recommend, there are other highly knowldedgable people, but at this stage, Scat has been guiding you, and Winston always is guiding people - so I would narrow it down to those two.
Thanks for your help GM. And I agree, Scat and Winston are always here to help. They have both helped me multiple times. And I sincerely appreciate it. As well as you. Is Windows Essential a part of the regular install? I just downloaded Avast... that's what I normally use. You think I should uninstall it?
MSE is included in Windows 8, it is a free download from Microsoft for Windows7 If you are happy and familiar with Avast, your fine. I used it in the past. It becomes personal preference. Let Scat respond before you uninstall. Here is the link to MSE for future reference. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/security-essentials-download Very IMPORTANT: you can only install one AV program at a time. if you decide to use MSE, you must un-install Avast or you will have system conflicts.
I recently read an article about "Best free antivirus" and Avast came out on top... the article had MSE near the bottom of the pack. I read another article which said today's antivirus programs are nearly 100% ineffective against the newer threats which are coming into the arena. I've used various AV over the years... changed when they fouled things up or became inconvenient to use. I've got MSE running on a couple of machines and running sans AV on another. I've had only one virus experience and that was while doing a fresh install of OS. Your router should have firewall capability... that's probably good to have enabled. As for "AV in general".... ???
How can you tell if the firewall is enabled on the router? I'm living with my brother-in-law at the moment and he set that up a long time ago. I hope he has it enabled, but my guess is that he might not.
Can you run that software from any of the comps in the house or does it have to be on the one in which it was originally installed on?
Not sure. I used to have a Lynksys and if I recall the software could be accessed only from the computer originally installed on. However, you might be able to go the the router maker's website, enter your network key and password and get access that way.