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Hello all,
There are several components that can be used to insure that your computer performs admirably with WinXP.
Here is a list with each program's purpose, but in no particular order of importance:
1) Kerio Personal Firewall Version 2.1.5.
Although much older, this is a firewall that has less bloat than the XP resident one, but that isn't the only reason that I like it. I like it because it is trouble free, and unlike the XP firewall, it allows no process to phone home from inside your computer. The XP firewall protects you from the incoming, but not from the outgoing. Kerio does both, and you can configure it. Version 2.1.5 is an older one that is bare bones with nothing unnecessary added. It is free, but you will have to do a Google search to find it. Also, you will need to disable the resident firewall. Freeware, but not so easy to locate Version 2.1.5. It is well worth the search.
2) ProcessGuard 3
This program monitors processes on your computer, and allows none to start without your express permission. After you familiarize yourself with it, you will appreciate its power. No malware has an opportunity to startup on your computer, and nothing can phone home without your permission. A licensed program.
3) Nod32
Nod32 is the top-rated virus scanner available, bar none. It has caught more virii in the wild than any other brand. Repeatedly, Virus Bulletin rates it #1. It also has predictive features that can recognize an unidentified virus before it has been given a name. It uses extremely little resources, and scans e-mail along with other downloads. It can also catch an unfriendly webpage, as far as an online virus is concerned. It can, for example, detect a virus that is inside a photo on the Net. They do exist, but few scanners can detect them. It updates silently without your help, so you are always protected. A subscription program.
4) PocoMail
Unlike Outlook Express, this is a small mail client that does not rely on Microsoft's scripting to read mail. It uses its own scripts. That alone makes it far safer than its alternatives. It is also very flexible in that custom commands and filters can be applied to your particular installation. Mail is the most likely source for infection, so I consider PocoMail to be indispensable. A licensed program.
5) Firefox
The Firefox browser is far safer than Internet Explorer for several reasons. First, it is not integrated into the operating system, so it is not a portal for the evil that lurks in cyberspace. It does not use the most unsafe part of XP, ActiveX controls. It does use Java, but an extension is available that allows the user to completely control javascript. It is a no-brainer, in my opinion. Freeware.
5) O&O Defrag V8.6 Professional
This is a program that defragments your computer as you go without you having to worry with manual defragmentation. Also, it can be configured to defragment any locked file, including those which cannot be defragmented by XP's resident defragmentation program. You can configure the threshold of fragmentation that you consider to be acceptable, and O&O will never let it exceed that level. It uses an online server to store large files while it straightens out the rest. Very nice! You have to buy a license for this one.
6) CCleaner
This program keeps garbage from building up in your computer. It is very efficient, easy to use, and free.
7) RegSeeker Version 1.52
This is a more aggressive registry cleaner that will make your computer run smoother, but you have to remember to use it. It is freeware.
All these programs are very efficient, and take up very little space. They can be configured to do their jobs without user intervention. (with the exception of RegSeeker) In combination, they will make your computer very secure, and will help it run much smoother.
-mosin
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WinXP Weirdness
