Hello again and a computer question.

[Sonoran]

   Hello Everyone,

   It's been quite a while since I've posted on or even visited this site. I was visiting today reading some posts and I just want to say I really enjoy this community. I like how everyone does research and shares their opinions. You all remind me of the people who founded this country and I think that is great. It's good to see people who research thoroughly and get involved. I like reading all the points of view that you bring.

   I told you a while ago that I would keep you posted on my progress in the CHP hiring process. I am nearly finished. All I need to do is interview with a psychologist and I will be done. It's been quite the process. I sent in my application in February and chances are I will be going to the academy in March or June 2010. It looks like I made it in just in time because they are slowing things down and reducing the class sizes. I hope I get in because it will give me the opportunity to take care of myself. Right now there isn't much available for me.

   I wanted to ask for advice on fixing my computer, well actually my Dad's computer, but I suppose it doesn't matter. I was wondering what I should do to help it run better. I found this site that suggests things I should do and I would like to know if there is anything else? http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-up-a-Slow-Performing-Computer   I'm also curious to know if there are free antivirus software that work well.

Thanks for your help!
   

[Redoverfarm]

Congrats on your selection process.  If it is like here once you have your probate period over then you can usually hitch on with a federal agency which is better pay, retirement and etc..

Sorry not much help with puters.

[glenn kangiser]

Hi Dude   Looks like you got a congrat and info from someone who knows --- One of the good ones

The Spybot Search and Destroy is one of the best FREE programs for cleaning up adware etc.  Note that it is FREE and some may attempt to hijack you on the way to Safer Networking and charge you for it.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Spyware Blaster - immunizes as does spybot - they work together - not the same.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

AVG  Antivirus free edition also checks for spyware.

Hmm - hijackers there too - here is where I got it Cnet is good   http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html

[Pox Eclipse]

Those are all good recommendations, though some are a little outdated.  Spybot Search & Destroy used to be a great spyware cleaner, but it had a hard time with some of the newer infections.  I now recommend MalwareBytes AntiMalware, a free download that will remove all but the most vicious rootkits.

As for a real time anti-virus, I highly recommend AVG Free 9.0, a free antivirus that is good protection, and won't slow down your computer as much as Norton or McAfee. 

[MountainDon]

Ditto the malwarebytes and AVG

[OkieJohn2]

I agree with going to cnet/download, just ignore those banner ads.
I used to use AVG but after a bad experience I switched to Avira.  If you use AVG do NOT have it set to automatic.
I had it set up to run at 2AM, one morning I woke up to the sound of my computer endlessly rebooting.  AVG update had mistakenly ID'd part of Windows OS as a virus.  You can check the reviews at cnet.

[StinkerBell]

Congrats!

[IronRanger]

I used to volunteer here:  http://www.techguy.org/

Over on the left click on "Forums" and then check-out the "Malware Removal & HijackThis Logs" forum. 

[glenn kangiser]

Thanks for the updated computer tool info.  I have avoided putting Norton on this computer - time to stop it from asking me everyday to load too.  I am running AVG free with no problem.

How about the Win7 firewall - is it sufficient?

[Sonoran]

Thanks for all of the help and congrats!