new computer

I just bought a lap top. It is an Asus PS94LKZ11PC. It has 6 gig ram 500 gig harddrive and windows 8. What free programs should i run for antivirus spyware and maleware. And is there anything you suggest i do before i use the lap top. Thanks

 

Everyone has their favorites but I put my trust in Defender for AV, which Win 8 already has so no action required there. I also use the Win 8 firewall so ditto. But I also like to scan manually from time to time with the free version of MalwareBytesAntiMalware and I'd also recommend installing SpywareBlaster, both available right here at MG.

Other recommendations would include CCleaner and, perhaps most important of all, use the built-in system imaging feature or, preferably, install and use a third party imaging tool, for which I would recommend the free version of Macrium Reflect. You also need to consider how you are going to safeguard your personal files with a backup routine for which you really need an external plug-in drive.