NWA-PCUG Newsletter Article, February 2004
Essentials for that New Computer
by Ira Wilsker, APCUG
ira-wilsker@apcug.org
(click to email author)


According to preliminary sales figures, computers were among the most popular items purchased this holiday season. Straight out of the box they may be a joy, accompanied with confusion, and some mild fears. Experience and familiarity will resolve most of the confusion, but some common essentials may help eliminate many of the fears.

Almost all new computers straight from the box were most likely manufactured prior to the release of the latest security patches, and will require the downloading and installation of all critical updates. Likewise, most computers recently made to order will not have the latest operating system updates. If operating system software was purchased separately, it also will not be up to date. It is imperative that once set up, if internet access is already established, that the user of a Windows computer immediately goes to windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download and install at least the critical updates listed. Other non-critical updates listed may be downloaded and installed when desired, but the critical updates must be installed immediately.

Another absolute essential for that new (and old, too) computer is antivirus software. While many new computers come with a limited time trial version of some antivirus product installed, there is no necessity to renew that particular product when it expires. There are many excellent titles available, often at spectacular prices after rebates. In the retail market, the sales leaders are Symantec’s Norton AntiVirus (often bundled with other Symantec Norton titles), and Network Associates’ McAfee Antivirus (also often bundled with other McAfee products). Many other excellent titles are available either at retail from the local stores, or for download. If holiday bills are a pressing problem, one of the free antivirus products may be appropriate. One commercial bundle, including antivirus, firewall, and popup killer is Computer Associates eTrust EZ Armor Security Suite, available for a limited time as a free (for personal use) download. This full featured commercial product ($50) is currently being made available for free download from http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft as a promotion cosponsored by Microsoft’s security division. The free download includes a year of free updates. Once the year is up, the user will have the option of renewing for another year at the then current license fee. Other free (for personal use) antivirus software is Avast available from http://www.avast.com, and AVG downloadable from http://www.grisoft.com.

With today’s risky cyber environment, a firewall has also become an essential product for new (and old) computers. A firewall isolates your computer from hacker attacks over the internet, and also provides some protection from Trojans sending out information. While often bundled with antivirus software, many times it must be installed separately. Commercial firewalls from McAfee and Norton are available locally, as are other firewalls. There are also several excellent firewalls available for free (for personal use) by download. My personal choice is Outpost, available from http://www.agnitum.com. The single most popular firewall in use is Zone Alarm, http://www.zonelabs.com.

Also essential is a good anti-spyware program to protect your personal privacy and security. One of the most popular and highly rated spyware detection and removal programs is Spybot Search and Destroy, available for free download from http://www.safer-networking.org. This program also includes an “immunize” function that will offer some protection from much of the spyware that is common on the net. The leading commercial spyware protector is PestPatrol, available for download from http://www.pestpatrol.com. As with antivirus and firewall software, anti-spyware software is frequently updated by the publisher, and updates must be downloaded and run frequently in order to maximize protection. One proviso; never purchase anti-spyware software from popup ads or spam mail, as they are often fraudulent or of low quality, and only encourage more spamming.

Something often neglected with that new (or old) computer is power protection. The electricity coming into our homes is often “dirty”, with electrical noise and power fluctuations, and these events may damage the sensitive electronics in our computers. At a minimum, a good surge suppressor (not a simple power strip) is a necessity to protect the computer and its peripherals from electrical damage. Surge protection is measured in “joules”, and the more joule capacity, generally the better the protection. Even better is a good quality “UPS” or uninterruptible power supply, which in addition to providing clean power to the computer and its peripherals, can also safely power the computer for short periods of time in the event of a brownout or power failure, allowing for a safe and orderly shutdown, without losing data or damaging equipment. If a UPS is in your future, make sure it has enough power for your system. All surge suppressors and UPS devices should also have a UL1449 rating, an indication that it meets minimal feature and safety standards.

Internet access has become almost universal, and has switched from a geek luxury, to almost everyone’s necessity. Generally avoid the “deals” that are often preinstalled or bundled with new computers, especially for some of the overpriced national services. There are several excellent local internet service providers (ISPs) that typically offer service superior to many of the well know national providers, but at a lower price. If dialup service is wanted, check with such fine local companies as Eonet (http://www.eonet.net) or EXP Internet Services (http://www.exp.net). Broadband is available via satellite from EXP, DSL from SBC, or cable via Time Warner or your local cable company. One proviso; if the broadband provider is offering a “12 month special price”, find out what it will cost after the trial period is over.

Ira Wilsker is the Advisor for Region 8, APCUG Representative & Bylaws Chair for the Golden Triangle PC Club, a columnist for The Examiner in Beaumont, Texas, and has two radio shows. He also graciously shares his articles with the APCUG editors.

There is no restriction against any non-profit group using this article as long as it is kept in context with proper credit given the author. The Editorial Committee of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG), an international organization of which this group is a member, brings this article to you.

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