LapTop Troubles

[Hoov]

Good morning MR2, Hoov, and, of course, you too Mrrockford, hope all of you are well. First off, I apologize for not responding sooner to each your inputs regarding the touch pad.

First, what are each of your preferences and recommendations for security/maintenance routines and tools to keep one's computer at top performance and free of malware. Secondly, in pursuit of furthering my computer hardware/software education, which, surprisingly, has become of high interest to me :), are there any particular books or programs that stand out for you that you would suggest I look into that would further my knowledge, and, more importantly, my understanding of computers?
       

I am sure the other two will tell you the same thing, don't worry about it, life happens.

About software. My main protection is AVG Antivirus and ZA (just upgraded to the extreme version actually but I have used ZAISS until now, just turning off the AV and malware scanners) I keep Spybot, AdAware, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, and Superantispyware updated but in the background, just in case.

As for books, I have a stack of them high enough that I can touch the top of the head of a Giraffe, but mostly they are worthless. Most of the information you will pick up will be on the web. Lots of it from guys just like you that have had to dig for the information to fix something. I started the same way.  There is one I will mention that is worth buying, even though some of the stuff is already dated. Rootkits for dummies.  It touches upon lots of subjects but focuses on Rootkits. There were a couple writers and lots of contributors.  There were a lot of sharp people that helped with it, including MrRockford.

The reason I recommend it, is if you can deal with Rootkits, everything else is just looking up facts. Most of the information needed to fix things isn't in a book. The most important tool I have in my arsenal of tools is Google.

Anyway that is my 2 cents.

[busdriver]

Thanks Hoov, on all counts. I'll definitely look into AVG. I know no single antivirus is perfect, but it seems quite a bit slips through both Trend (this computer) and Norton (the desktop). I'll have to look at maybe making a change there. I too keep MBAM on hand, as well as Kapersky. I'll take a closer look at the other items. Any advice keeping the registry clean, beyond the tools provided by MS with the OS? Finally, I will track down the 'Rootkit for Dummies' book and pick it up. One of my current, most fundamental, books that I've read and still get into for broad basic understanding is 'PC's for Dummies', by Gookin (should I admit that in an open computer forum? ;))... Good book. Talk to you soon........ :)   

[Hoov]

Amazon has the rootkit book. Let me see if I can find it, give me a sec.....Here it is, Rootkits for dummies and my review is still there.  ;D About the registry, in all honesty, I generally keep my fingers off the registry. When I do decide to go thru it the best tool I have found is an old copy of RegCleaner. Version 4.3. I believe it was the last version that was released prior to it going to a pay format, and being improved to the point of unusability.  Usually though I just use regedit. The other software I have does the registry work I need. I have applied a few tweaks either manually or thru reg files. I know some people swear by cutting the registry down, but it has been my experience that you can pare it down, and it will work OK today, but what happens when you need a feature tomorrow and you cut out the registry. I have yet to find a really good registry editor, most of them want to cut to much out.

About Gookin, I did buy his "Naked Windows XP" and I have loaned it out to family members, but by the time I got it, I had already run into most of the information. But I can see where it would probably be good for people less exposed to the underbelly of windows and the internet.

Got to go, Glenn Beck is on. Have a good one! ;D

[Mister2]

Just a quickie to say I agree with Hoov - real life will always get in the way at some point.  We all understand that, and the beauty of forum life is that information and messages can be posted and read when convenient.  It's also very wise to recognise when you've been hitting a problem too hard and need a break.  In other words, welcome back! ;D

I also agree that books are handy for browsing but yoou get more useful info by talking (either literally or on a forum) and Googling a specific topic.  Oh, and by getting hands-on experience, as you have found out!  Great news about the touchpad drivers, by the way, I assumed they would be included on the installation disk.  Just goes to show one should never assume.

Briefly, I use ZoneAlarm firewall, AVG Free antivirus , Spysweeper anti-malware and WinPatrol to monitor any unwanted changes.  

However, AVG and SpySweeper seem to get more bloated and run slower with each update (though they are still very effective).  I'm considering Avira antivirus (works well on my Windows 7 test system) and the full version of MBAM.  Daily scans with AVG and weekly scans with Spysweeper may be a little over the top but they run in the background without bothering me.

If I want to scan individual files or folders then I also use TrojanHunter (old but effective) and a-Squared Free.

My advice about Norton?  Put it on a railroad line and wait for a fast train! ;)

I'll post again tomorrow - it's been a bit busy at work today.  Don't know if the recession is easing here in the UK but we just had our busiest week this year by a long way.  Not that I'm complaining, just that I got out of the habit of multitasking!

[mrrockford]

Howdy and welcome back,

Ask the others, I was sick and took a 6 month break - real life comes first(most of the time).

As to tools - Read here please.  Best advice on security software, try 'em out, find out how they work for you and your machine and use what works best for you.  My best is almost guaranteed not yours.

Off to eat prime rib- very rare(still says moooooo), roasted red potatoes and salad - with an ice-cold beer!

[busdriver]

All, thanks for the thoughtful responses.

Hoov, thanks for the link, 'Rootkit for Dummies' is ordered and on its way. I suspect in reading it I will reveal to myself how terribly deficient I am in my general computing understanding, which is a good thing because it will lead me through what I need to learn, a yellowbrick road to the land of computer oz, so to speak. :) I'm really looking forward to reading it, and using the accompanying CD. Regarding registries, I have to concur. Last year I bought an online 'registry cleanup/repair' program, from Regcleaner if I'm not mistaken, just to tuneup and revamp the laptop. Big mistake, it left my computer limping and hiccuping for months. I think I'll leave that alone, unless and until I have a problem needing attention, at which time I'll turn to the pros to assist me. (You guys will assist me, Right? :))  Thanks for the interest and the inputs. Enjoy Glen. I'm glad he's come over to Fox. Can we send Greta back to CNN? ;)

MR2, I agree with your observations. Keeping your eyes on the horizon and trying to maintain focus on all the important issues will keep one from obsessing with any single concern. Much healthier, and far more productive. :) Regarding virus protection, I understand that no one regime will work for everybody, and further, that one can overload his system to the point of paralysis trying to guard against ALL predators. I will definitely review your recommendations, as well as that of Hoov and Mrrockford and decide what will work best for me. I'm am sure it will be a constantly evolving process. By the way, should I place Trend PC-Cillin on those tracks next to Norton? Glad to hear things are picking up at work, it'd be nice to think we are starting to turn the corner. :) No rush on the other issues, they will all keep.......

mrrockford, super link. I will spend some time sorting through all the suggestions, but I believe the first step, router security, is addressed, thanks to Hoov's advice. Mine was a secure, password required, network before, but even more secure now that MAC is enabled. That only protects me at home though, and we all know how much time I spend on other, public, wireless networks. Still much work to do. I will explore all options. Thanks for the input..... Prime rib, very rare, sounds most delicious right now. Enjoy. I'll have to settle for some fillet minion (soon to be on the grill) and some home made garlic mashed potatoes. I'll wash it down with ANOTHER Pilsner Urquell. Life's little pleasures. ;D  Good night, gentlemen.......

[mrrockford]

Next time you land in Frankfurt pick me up 1 or 2 Schlenkerla - smoked beer brewed in Bamberg.  I'll pay to have it shipped once in the states.

[busdriver]

Mrrockford, some day I'll be happy to bring a few Schlenkerlas back for you, and a couple for me as well. :) Right now, though, they won't let my baby bus fly over the pond, so we'll both have to settle for whatever we can find at the local supermarket. ;)