new user-looking for dyi information

i am one of those people thats tired of hauling their computer to the shop every other month to get it running again. i've already gotten several helpful tips from this site. a have alot of questions though, so i thought i'd register. tia

 

Welcome to MG!

No reason to go to the computer shop anymore.

I'm sure you'll find your answers right here!

 

Welcome Rmthurman!! All I can say is that if you need help with a 'puter' you're in the right place!! There are so many knowledgeable people here at MGs you shouldn't have any problem getting the answers you need Just a word of advice, when you do run into a problem and you post it in either the hardware, or software, forum always give your OS, make and model of your machine and, of course, the problem your having. By doing that, it will speed up the 'healing' process!!:-D I noticed you already posted in the Malware Forum about your virus protection. Only the Malware Killers can answer your question in that forum, but by the nature of your question, since Avast already got rid of the problem for you, you could have posted that in the software forum. It takes time, but you'll learn your way around No problem!! However, since I'm here, you should only run ONE AV program and since I have used Avast Free for a few years now with NO problems whatsoever, I can recommend Avast as a primary AV program. Personally, I'd uninstall 'McAffee' and run Avast. Good Luck!! And, again, welcome to MGs!!!

 

And as a little follow up to that, if you do decide to uninstall McAfee, after running the uninstaller be sure to run the final McAfee removal tool, twice;
http://www.majorgeeks.com/McAfee_Consumer_Product_Removal_Tool_d5420.html

 

Thanks Brandypeppy!! I forgot about that McAfee uninstaller:-o

 

My God, every other month!! The cost man, the COST!!!:eek

 

The other thing you can to to stop infections is change your habits.
Don't click yes, don't believe that free game is free - ads & malware may sponser it.
Be a little leary of every link.
You are the first line of defense with your 'puter.
Run a good antivirus (good luck when you ask what is the best AV )
Run a firewall
Run MS & AV updates frequently (automated is better)
Run a second AV from a boot disk occasionly. (http://www.techmixer.com/free-bootable-antivirus-rescue-cds-download-list/)
this list could go on....but that will start.