New computer - what do I need to do?

Hi all,
I am hoping that someone can help me get my new computer ready for a safe future.

I have been working on an old Pentium 3 with Window XP pro for more than 10 years and it has just gotten sooooo slowwwww! It probably is taking about 5 minutes or more to boot up. And I am pretty positive that I'm infected with some beasties but can't seem to shake them. Ex. My screen resolution keeps changing and I get the fluttery screen every now and again.Suffice it to say, I am getting a new computer. I will try to fix up th e old computer for the kids later but my new computer will be arriveing early January and I want to be ready. I have obviously made some poor security choices along the way so for my new computer I want to start off safe and keep safe and clean.

I want to set up my new computer (HP Z400 workstation) so that it is secure and ready to go and so it stays that way. This is were I hope you can help me.

Computer:- Z400 workstation running Windows 7 Professional

What do I need to do to set up my new computer to be secure and keep it running safe and well? A nice list of things to follow would be very helpful. What is the first thing I should do? What security software etc and what other tweaks etc need to be done to Windows before connecting to the Net? Anything that needs to be turned off in Windows for example?

Example:- Is it better to get something like Norton Internet Security 2010 or can I install a number of free programs to cover the security aspect. I would like some real time antivirus etc coverage. What programs? Suggested maintenace schedule etc? I have been running free stuff on my old computer but it doesn't seem to have worked well enough. I have resisted Norton and the like in the past because they had been rather greedy but it sounds like Norton 2010 is quite slim and very good.

Ideas? Thoughts?
Help me get started right.

Thanks for any help

 

Welcome NipponBob and Merry Christmas,
Might I suggest you follow this link http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44525 as it can guide you in the right direction for protection. When you are ready to tackle the older pc whom you feel has the Nasties then go here http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407 and follow "ALL" the instructions.Our malware fighters are the best and Chaslang is the top dog over there.He won't steer you wrong. Have safe fun with your new HP and have a look around the place. Lot's to see and read. Enjoy.

BT

 

Thanks for the tips. Will have to do lots of reading.

 

Well there's lots to read here that's for sure LOL. If you have any questions or aren't sure of something don't hesitate to ask there are tons of peeps here that have an answer for Everything rolleyes.(JK) Some are answers not asked for:-D These peeps here are great to be around and a wonderful help in all directions. I hope you & yours have a good Christmas.

BT

 

Also, no need to pay for a suite when so much free stuff that can do a great job is available.
Only real advantage to a suite is only 1 thing to keep updated.
Myself, I'll take a few minutes for updating several, and keep my green.:-D

 

Please don't use the N word as in Norton. It's expensive to get and renew, and it is a real dog in my experience. You can get a great free AV such as Avast or Avira, which do a great job. If you install Malwarebytes anti-spyware, or Superantispyware, you will be off to a good start. They also have free versions, either of which you can buy the paid version to use real time. I don't like suites either. A layered protection is better.

 

to Heyyou
Both MalwareBytes and SuperAntispyware work well as a 1-2 punch.No conflicts and the price (free) is right.
Install both for an extra level of protection.
And don't forget your firewall. Comodo Internet Suite(without the AV being active) is a really good choice.

 

Thanks all for the advice. I was thinking mainly of Norton as the 2010 version was supposed to be light on resources and it had some of the highest ratings for different things. But I must say that maybe I might try to go with some free versions,

I read that sandboxing and or using a virtual machine where good ways to keep clean. Any thoughts or recommendations? Is this approach a difficult route to go?

New Point:- About harware firewalls...I have a wirelss router (not using the wireless part - only one computer to date) supplied by the internet provider and thought it wouold have had a hardware firewall as I thought it was a standard thing. But after researching for my soon to come new computer, I am wondering if it does have a hardware firewall or not. Is it automatic things you don't touch or is the a software interface for setting things? There doesn't seem to be a "program" to access the settings. How can I tell if it has a firewall and if it is active? Or since I can't seem to find anything, then should I get a new router that I am sure has a built in firewall?

Anyway thanks for the comments and have a happy new year.

 

Should be OK if you have a good software type running also. Comodo or ZoneAlarm are good choices and are free.