Tuesday, October 12, 2004
The 10 Commandments for Windows Users
Every few weeks or so, I receive the usual pleas to save someone's dying Windows box. Of course, I am always willing to help a friend in need however the majority of these issues could be easily prevented with routine maintenance and simple preventive measures.
With that said, I here my "Ten Commandments" that every Windows user should abide by... ;-)
I. Thou shalt switch thy default web browser to Mozilla's FireFox
II. Thou shalt switch thy default mail client to Mozilla's Thunderbird.
III. Thou shalt install anti-virus software and keep thy virus definitions up-to-date.
IV. Thou shalt run a spyware scan on a weekly basis.
V. Thou shalt run a defrag on a monthly basis.
VI. Thou shalt enable automatic Windows Updates.
VII. Thou shalt not be tempted to install promo or free gadget-oriented software.
VIII. Thou shalt install a network firewall (Preferably, hardware-based).
IX. Thou shalt perform regular backups of thy personal data (i.e. My Documents, Photos, Music, Video, Quicken, Bookmarks, etc.)
X. Thou shalt consider someday upgrading to a Mac.
With that said, I here my "Ten Commandments" that every Windows user should abide by... ;-)
I. Thou shalt switch thy default web browser to Mozilla's FireFox
II. Thou shalt switch thy default mail client to Mozilla's Thunderbird.
III. Thou shalt install anti-virus software and keep thy virus definitions up-to-date.
IV. Thou shalt run a spyware scan on a weekly basis.
V. Thou shalt run a defrag on a monthly basis.
VI. Thou shalt enable automatic Windows Updates.
VII. Thou shalt not be tempted to install promo or free gadget-oriented software.
VIII. Thou shalt install a network firewall (Preferably, hardware-based).
IX. Thou shalt perform regular backups of thy personal data (i.e. My Documents, Photos, Music, Video, Quicken, Bookmarks, etc.)
X. Thou shalt consider someday upgrading to a Mac.
Actually, regardless of who their current internet service provider might be, people oughta take a serious look at the EarthLink Protection PackPlus™This sweet little package includes norton antivirus and firewall software, with the ongoing updates. From what little i could glean from the norton site, each software package is otherwise $50 a pop, and yearly subscription to updates are like $25/year each.
Current earthlink members can add the package for $5/month i think."
I. Surf and use freely with no worry.
II - X. Repeat I."