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Suggestions from GR8PCDR that keep a PC running GR8:

Have you visited Windows Update lately?

It seems that whenever a  new release of Windows is issued, it is touted as the latest and greatest Windows ever. Claims are made about it making computers faster, more reliable and more secure. More often than not this is not the case when it comes to security. The "crackers" and "hackers" (not all bad people) find the security flaws.  Once a security flaw is identified word travels fast and generally these holes are exploited resulting in sometimes devastating breaches in security.

Microsoft is quite good about developing "patches"  for these exploits or "holes" in their operating system. Usually within hours they develop and post a "patch" or upgrade to the software.  These "patches" are available through the Windows Update website.

Security Patches for known exploits and maintenance patches that prevent such exploits are made available on a regular basis.  You should follow a regular schedule to check that the Critical Updates available at Windows Update website have been downloaded and installed onto your computer.

It is wise to be choosy about which updates you download and install.  Many times they will offer you a Critical Update that may not be as urgently needed as it is made out to be.  For example when Internet Explorer 6 became available and I installed it I could no longer log into my online banking site.  Within a few weeks my online banking site supported the new browser.  I should have waited for support before updating.  That is why I have two computers - and I generally use one of them as a guinea pig to test such things out prior to making a global commitment.

"Recommended Updates" at the site should be scrutinized prior to download. Be careful ensure that it  something you need. Read the details specified in the description and make a wise choice.

"Driver Updates" NEVER unless you SPECIFICALLY have been instructed to download and install one by a Vendor or your Support Professional because it is needed to resolve a specific issue.   More times than not a driver update will cause more harm than good.

You should regularly update the following products that you use:

  • Windows operating system (Updates and Service Packs)
  • Internet Explorer browser (Security Patches and Updates)
  • Microsoft Office applications 
  • E-mail Applications
  • Antivirus Software
  • Firewall Software and Firmware

A few words about spam:

One Spammer trick is to get you to "unsubscribe" so they can validate your e-mail address. If you respond, they've connected; you are a real person. They can add your e-mail address to a list that they will use or sell. On the other hand, a company you know and trust may inadvertently spam you due to inept e-mail management. By responding, you've done them a service. So, to reiterate, if you don't recognize the mailer, you probably shouldn't "unsubscribe." 

Delete the email - get rid of it and the Web Bugs, Spyware, Scumware, etc. it may contain.