Another Pain in the Whatchamacallit
by Tiny Ruisch
I just replaced my old COMPAQ Presario M2000. Although it was pretty long in the tooth for a laptop, it still did everything I wanted to do on my lap. Unfortunately,there were so many lines running through the screen that I couldn’t see my cards very clearly in the poker tournaments.
While shopping at one of the local stores (it would probably be BEST if I didn’t mention where I was shopping, even if I didn’t BUY there). I was comparing features on a Toshiba and a HP. Both computers sold for $600. The salesman offered services to remove unwanted factory trial programs, update drivers, operating system updates, etc All this would only cost $210. He seemed surprised when I suggested that it would be about $100 cheaper to buy my own copy of the Windows Operating System, format the drive and install the operating system without using the factory installed OEM.
I finally bought my laptop (at a different store) took it home and spent a couple of days cleaning it up and getting ready to use it. While doing this, I had time to reminisce about all of the computers I have ever owned.
Computers remind me of potato chips. Potato chips are sold by weight and the contents settle so that the package seems to be half full. Computers come with a hard drive that is usually about half full too. The only difference is that the contents haven’t settled in shipping. They were increased by the computer manufacturer.
I think that it’s much easier to get a new computer ready to use if you’re sitting next to another computer. I’m not putting a new computer on the internet until I have it ready to go. Here is what I did to get my new laptop ready to use:
1. Downloaded the latest PC Decrapifier and installed it on the laptop. This is a nifty little program that does what the title says, takes the crap off of a PC. It’s easy to use and lets you decide what programs to get rid of.
2. Next, I ran loaded Revo Uninstaller. This is another great program that is so much better than the windows uninstaller. Revo Uninstaller first runs the original programs uninstaller and then does a registry check to remove stray entries. After that the program checks for stray files, folders, etc. and gives you the option to delete them. This is when the second computer comes in handy. There is always a lot of software installed that you can’t tell what the purpose is. A second computer makes it easier to do a Google search Makes it a lot easier to decide whether or not to keep a program like Cisco EAP-FAST Module? You have to make a lot of decisions on what to keep and what to uninstall. What did I delete, you ask? Darn near everything. I really have no need of all the HP helper programs, the junk games, or any of the trial programs.
3. Next I burned my recovery disks. Although they are really not likely to be needed, it gives me a feel good feeling to have them. I think that most people who made recovery disks couldn’t find them if they had to.
4. I’m finally ready to install my first program. People that know me also know that I have an aversion to giving money to software companies that are constantly asking for more money. The first program I loaded was the Zone Alarm Security Suite. I’ve got about four months left on my subscription so it will probably be replaced at that time.
5. Now it’s time for the big minute. I’m ready to hit the wireless button and join my home network. First thing I do is download latest antivirus definitions and do a complete scan.
6. Time to open the control panel and download all the needed updates.
7. Next, I shut down all service that aren’t necessary. I’m not going into detail about that here as it can get complicated. Once again there is a lot of info one the internet. I caution you though, EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE WWW IS NOT TRUE. If you like, I can do a services article in the future.
8. Finally, I get to open Internet Explorer. I download Mozilla Firefox. I’m done with IE. I won’t go into detail here on how to Firefox. There is plenty of information on the internet.
9. After I get Firefox running, I install and run all of my maintenance utilities. If you want to be nosy, I’ll tell you my weekly computer routine:
A. run Windows updates.
B. run Revo Uninstaller (when I want to get rid of old programs)
C. run Secunia PSI (a program that checks for software updates)
D. run a virus scan.
E. run a spy ware scan.
F. run Wise Registry Cleaner
G. run CC cleaner.
H. run msconfig to make sure nothing has snuck into my startup.
Finally, after a long days work, I’m ready to install my software and get on with computing. I just can’t decide what to do first. So I go play a game of hearts.
Happy Computing to All!