One of the first things I did with the new notebook for my sister was to run Windows Update and Office Update and install a lot of security software (anti-spyware, anti-malware, and anti-virus).
Here’s the list of free/donationware must-haves:
Firefox – Better browser, safer to use. Extensions rock.
SpywareBlaster – Prevents Spyware from being installed.
AdAware SE – Spyware removal tool.
Spybot Search and Destroy – Spyware prevention and removal tool.
AVG Anti-Virus – Free anti-virus tool. Use can use Symantec if you have the money and system resources.
Crap Cleaner – One-click deletion of your Recycle Bin, temp directories, browser cache, etc.
As always, it’s better not to get spyware on your machine, but if you do, these guys can help:
The PC Guide Discussion Forums
Once you’ve installed all this stuff, don’t forget to update the definition files! I use Yahoo! Calendar to send me email reminders of this and other tedious tasks.
Not very smart. The first thing you should have done was install Debian (or another variant) and rid that computer of that POS Microsoft OS. A new computer deserves better.
Oh, one addition if you must use Windows: Startup Monitor is probably the best utility ever written for the OS. Before allowing any program to start with your system it asks you for permission. Every time Apple’s horrid Quicktime software starts, it tries to load parts of itself into your RUN registry–Startup Monitor stops that crap cold. You might also want to use Startup Control Panel, written by the same guy.