I am so hopeful that you will be successful, this is how you maintain the computer
As soon as you get home with your computer:
Dont install the antivirus software that pops up with instuctions to install.
Should be done at the end and this software, although probably free for a while,
will cost money down the road and is probably not the best.
Windows updates should be done immediately as you are vulnerable to problems
until updated; be sure to include office updates.
Adobe reader should be updated, the most recent version is a sandbox version which
reduces virus vulnerablity to your PDF files.
This is also the opportunity to download Adobe Flash Player
Download an alertative browser; ie FF or Chrome etc. In the event of problems with IE.
Remove any unwanted program bloat. They will slow up your computer and probably
cost money in the future.
Download your antivirus; Microsoft Security Essentials is suggested.
Make your recovery disc.
Now enjoy the internet.
To maintain your computer
10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer
Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:
Running a scan disc before doing a defrag
Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.
Making System Restore points, at least once a week
Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)
Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.
Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.
Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/
If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.
Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...er-performance
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/81176-speed-up-performance-vista.html