Hey Guys, I have recently come back over to the PC world for trading purposes. I have a new desktop (Dell Precision 3500 from Dell Outlet) and laptop (Dell XPS 17), but since I have been using Macs for the past 6 years, I have no clue what the best "add-ons," softwares and other improvements are that I need... For example: -Spam/Malware scanner (if needed) -Other quick fixes/changes to make Windows 7 run smoother and quicker (I read somewhere about things you can delete, like foreign languages, that clean up space) -And any other stuff that I should do to my new computers... Thanks for any insight and assistance...
The first thing to do is get an anti-virus software (which will also protect you from adware and malware). The free ones aren't real protection, so you should fork something out. I've used PCs all my life (i'm a programmer) and the best AV was kaspersky so far. It doesn't slow down a PC so much as others. Other than that, windows 7 won't need much speeding up. You just need to make sure you don't install too many programs that run on startup, and that you keep your registry clean (but this will be a concern only after a few years of running). Also a firewall might do you good. Common sense when installing and keeping apps open will save you the most speed. Don't run anything in the background you don't need to. Coming from the Macs you're probably not aware that installing firefox and browsing the web is a no-no on Windows if you don't have AV, so just a heads up.
I tried a handful of antivirus garbage over the years and none did the full job. For the past year I have used Symantec Endpoint -- FLAWLESS!!!
What do you intend to do with these computers? Do you just trade in and out casually via an online broker web browser? Or do you intend to set up lots of monitors with data feeds and algorithms?
I have two 24 inch monitors...I use Ninja Trader, and am more of a scalper, not holding positions for more than a few minutes. I am going to try to use both of these primarily for trading purposes only...I will surf the web on my macbook...
I was told by someone else I need to first install Firefox or Chrome...but above, you seemed negative on Firefox on a PC...?
it all comes down to personal pref re firefox or chrome. i've used firefox w/ adblock for years and i will continue to do so. re av programs, imho mse is an effective, FREE and lightweight av program that can do the job just as well as a paid one and esp better than bloatware like norton. re viruses in general, 99% of the time this is a PICNIC - problem in chair not in computer - meaning someone did something they shouldn't have like download an illegal copy of a game/movie w/o even bother to scan it first or just clicking on pop up ads offering free viagra