Which antivirus program is on the Acer Sue?
These trial versions of antivirus programs are kind of semi-installed on your computer. If you look in the notification area on the right hand corner of your screen, you'll probably see the icon for the program itself and you are actually protected. At least this is the case with McAfee trial versions. It's just not fully activated. I wouldn't install it. It's the first thing I remove.
In your case there are two choices. If you want to be really well-prepared, you can download the removal tool in advance to a USB flash drive plus the new antivirus program to have ready at hand when you hook your computer up to DSL or you can just wait, which is what I'd do. Once you're on Internet, download either Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast and leave it in a folder. Then head for the manufacturer's site and download the removal tool for the antivirus program. If it's McAfee, remove it in Programs and Features and then run the removal tool to clean up the remains. If it's a Norton product, just follow the removal instructions:
http://tinyurl.com/5vf9hak
Then restart the computer and install your free antivirus program.
As far the bloatware/crapware goes, I think you get a fair share of that on a new Acer. I'd remove the trial games - Arcade Deluxe/GameZone? - but leave anything that looks like it belongs to the Acer system. I got a bit carried away once and removed too much from an Acer. In Programs and Features you may see lots of individual games listed - Oberon? You can happily remove all of these since they're all trial versions. Also have a look there for Yahoo Toolbars, Bing/Google Toolbars, Ebay etc.
A good help to you here could be The PC Decrapifier. This pinpoints the garbage in a new PC. You can either use the Decrapifier or remove them yourself in Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
http://pcdecrapifier.com/home
The Office packages in new computers are usually trial versions, although I've noticed a change in the last 6 months. Where it used to always be a 30 day trial version, Dell now supplies a free stripped down 'Starter' package with Word and Excel 2010, without PowerPoint or Outlook. But it definitely has its limitations (and adverts). If it's a trial version for 30 days, I'd get rid of it immediately and install the free OpenOffice, which has all you'll need, but if it's a starter version, it's worth a try to see if you like it. I've no idea what Acer offers.
http://www.openoffice.org/
Alan
-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com] Namens Sue
Verzonden: vrijdag 30 december 2011 16:46
Aan: simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com
Onderwerp: Re: [Simply Computers] My new Acer AM3970-ES30P what to do first?
Thanks Alan for all that info. Right now the ACER wants me to click to install the trial version of the antivirus. So far I have not done that. I guess I should before going online? Then delete it after downloading and installing something free. Will read the article you mentioned about the options. Currently use (on this XP system) MSE, used to use AVG 8.5 but updating had to stop as it needed more resources than this system has and really slowed it down. MSE is faster except when downloading and installing updates, it shuts me out of the computer for up to an hour.
On the ACER there seem to be a number of trial versions of things. ACER Games where you can play once for free then have to pay to play again. Windows 2010 think it is a wordprocessing package. I may give it a go since I am using WordPerfect Office 12 on this old system but do not have the disks and do not think I can transfer it without them. Cannot afford another full version. This system was a gift and came without disks even though the software on it is legal.
Next time I fire up the ACER I will write down all the software on it that I do not know what it is for help in removing anything unnecessary. Have been dealing with a great lack of sleep the last couple of weeks, (noisy neighbours), so am taking things slow. I'll do all that updating and downloading when I have the ACER on DSL will be much quicker than on dial up on this system which would take me days. (No joke) It took 7 days to download all necessary updates when I first got this XP system onto the internet.
Sue
--- In <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, "Alan" < <mailto:snavenala@...> snavenala@...> wrote:
>
> As far as you free trial software goes Sue, I'd just wait till you get hooked up to your new Internet connection because you'll also need the proper removal program to do the job properly. These removal tools get rid of all the left-overs in the registry. Let us know which AV program it is and we can point you in the right direction. Or if you're impatient you can just download the removal tool on another computer and install it on your new Acer.
>
> For McAfee for instance - you'd need MCPR.exe from the McAfee website:
> The download itself is in step 2. You just need to remove the program in the normal way first in Programs and Features in the Control Panel, then run mcpr.exe.
>
> I agree with Mike that I wouldn’t use Spybot any more. You'll be well protected with a combination of your free antivirus program, Malwarebytes and CCleaner. I'd recommend keeping it simple like that.
>
> Antivirus - This is tricky terrain because everybody has their own favorites. The main free ones are: Microsoft Security Essentials, AVG, Avast, Avira and Comodo. I've used all of these at one time or another, except Comodo. They're all effective - it just comes down to personal choice for various reasons.
>
> AVG - I still use it on my own computer although I'd hesitate now in recommending it. I've been using it for years and I'm happy with it, but it's just become 'so' bloated over the past years. It doesn’t bother me personally because I always install it in 'Custom' mode, without all the bells and whistles. Stripped down like this to the bare antivirus, it does a fine job. I'm just not a fan of security toolbars, identity protection, linkscanners, search shields and green flags next to every website telling me they're safe. So I cut out all those components during the installation. But the reason I don't install it on client computers any more is because I've had to help so many people who have tried to install the yearly upgrade to the latest version and they inevitably get lost on the website and end up downloading the trial version of AVG Internet Security on their computers. Then they start getting warning notices when the trial period is almost finished and they panic.
>
> Not only that but a lot of these AVG components can really slow down your PC at start-up if you have an older computer. I recently worked on an older Dell Dimension 2400 that took a long time to start up. I used a free program called Soluto to see what the hold-ups were and I saw a lot different AVG components loading with one in particular, Identity Protection, holding the system back for 30 seconds at boot. I removed AVG, installed MSE and it immediately cut the boot time in half. Then again, Identity Protection probably won’t delay a powerful new computer so much.
>
> But that said, AVG does an excellent job if you get it set up right.
>
> Microsoft Security Essentials - I install this on all client computers simply because it offers good protection, it's light on resources, there's no registration involved, there are no new versions every year and there are no nagging advertisements. Clients never have questions about it or problems with it. I set it to scan automatically once a week and I like the way it turns orange to remind you if it hasn't scanned in a while because some people just can’t be bothered with scanning. At least this jogs them into action.
>
> Avast - would also be an excellent choice. And looking at the current reviews on CNET, most people are very enthusiastic - as are many of the members in this forum.
> <http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.htm> http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.htm
> l?tag=contentMain;contentBody;2d#editorsreview
>
> Avira - is very effective but judging by the latest reviews, its weak point is the nagging advertising. They really want you to go for the paid version.
>
> Comodo Antivirus and Comodo Internet Security - have a strong following in the group as well. Never used it but it seems like a very solid program.
>
> This might be useful:
> <http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm> http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm
>
> I'm sure others have different opinions but all in all, I'd recommend using Avast or Microsoft Security Essentials.
>
> Alan
>
>
>
>
> -----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
> Van: <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com
> [ <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com] Namens C. Michael Stone
> Verzonden: woensdag 28 december 2011 16:44
> Aan: <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com
> Onderwerp: Re: [Simply Computers] My new Acer AM3970-ES30P what to do first?
>
> This group no longer recommends Spybot. They now feel Malwarebytes does a much better job. I would remove Spybot and install Malwarebytes.
>
>
> Here is a link to the free version which more then adequate. Make sure you pick the free one.
>
>
> <http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free> http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free
>
>
> I have five sets of new HP speakers here gathering dust. Nothing special... I'll send you a set if you wish. These are the USB powered speakers.
>
>
> Mike Stone
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sue < <mailto:whichsue@...> whichsue@...>
> To: simplycomputers2 < <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wed, Dec 28, 2011 2:02 am
> Subject: Re: [Simply Computers] My new Acer AM3970-ES30P what to do first?
>
>
> OK, I'll have to choose which one is best. Would I still use the Spybot as well? It did once find a keylogger for me, MSE didn't see it, only problem I have had in 2 1/2 years on the XP machine.
>
> It took 3 DVDs to make the restore disks. Then a 4th to make a Backup drivers and Applications disk.
>
> My speakers do not work on the ACER. Luckily my downstairs neighbour let me try hers and they worked so I know that port works. My current speakers are from the Dollar Store so I was not surprised they did not work even though they work fine on the XP machine. Have to get some good ones in the sales.
>
> Instructions from ACER on how to make the restore disks were wrong, go figure, but I eventually found out how to do it. DO I delete the 30 day trial software now or wait until I can connect to the internet? I didn't write down what it is but it is an antivirus.
>
> Sue
>
> --- In <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, "C. Michael Stone" <Enots123@> wrote:
> >
> > Correct...only one virus protection program should be loaded on your
> > computer
> >
> >
> > Mike Stone
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: RogerX19 <helpmeroger@>
> > To: simplycomputers2 < <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Tue, Dec 27, 2011 6:06 am
> > Subject: Re: [Simply Computers] My new Acer AM3970-ES30P what to do first?
> >
> > but not both together, right?
> >
> > rX
> >
> > --- In <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, "C. Michael Stone" <Enots123@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I think for free programs you can't beat Avast and Avira.
> > >
> > >
> > > Mike Stone
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Sue <whichsue@>
> > > To: simplycomputers2 < <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com>
> > > Sent: Tue, Dec 27, 2011 5:15 am
> > > Subject: Re: [Simply Computers] My new Acer AM3970-ES30P what to do first?
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks to all for the info. Finally got the HDMI cable for the monitor and am going to make those disks today.
> > >
> > > Can't get the DSL until end of the first week of January. Staples only allows me to return the computer within 14 days if it does not work. So I hope that as long as the restore disks are able to be created that will mean it is working OK. If not, I have to return it tomorrow.
> > >
> > > I never intended to use it with dial-up, it doesn't have a dial-up modem installed. It takes hours to get updates on dial-up and I have had enough of that. Can't wait for DSL though.
> > >
> > > Now have to decide what anti-virus software to use. On this old XP machine I have been using MSE and Spybot search and destroy as they work on limited system resources. What should I get for the ACER?
> > >
> > > Sue
>
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, "Alan" <snavenala@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Sue, I would wait if I were you. A powerful computer like
> > > > > > that needs a good, fast Internet connection for various reasons.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > If I'm installing a new computer here, the first thing I do
> > > > > > is update Windows 7. Then 2) I remove programs like the
> > > > > > standard trial version of the installed antivirus program,
> > > > > > usually McAfee, Norton or Trend Micro, plus other trial
> > > > > > versions of paid programs, and download and 3) install a
> > > > > > good free antivirus program and accompanying maintenance programs like CCleaner and Malwarebytes. Solid protection.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > For these three basic operations you need a good Internet connection.
> > > > > > There's lots more to download after that - other updates and fun programs.
> > > > > > Simply put, dial-up isn't going to do it justice and you'll
> > > > > > end up frustrated and struggling because some of these updates are 'really'
> > > > > > big. It would be a shame because you have a really nice
> > > > > > computer there with good hardware specs.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > If you don't have Window 7's Service Pack 1 on there for
> > > > > > instance and you try to download that on a dial-up
> > > > > > connection, I think you'll end up regretting it. Better to
> > > > > > wait till you have DSL at the end of the month and enjoy the
> > > > > > computer the way it's meant to be. You'll get good advice here about how to do that.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Once you've brought your Windows 7 up to date, you can burn
> > > > > > your recovery disks (usually two DVDs). I would do that just
> > > > > > after you've updated Windows
> > > > > > 7 because the back-up program makes an image of exactly
> > > > > > what's on your system at that moment. So before installing lots of new programs.
> > > > > Otherwise
> > > > > > you'll need more DVDs.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Installing a new computer is fun. Everything downloads fast
> > > > > > and installs smoothly but you need a rough idea about what
> > > > > > to download and install. We can help with that. But I think
> > > > > > most members would agree that installing a new computer like
> > > > > > you have on dial-up would be no fun at all. I shudder at the
> > > > > > thought personally having worked in the past with 56 kbit/s
> > > > > > dial-up connections. Obviously some members have no choice
> > > > > > with geographical location and I don't want to offend
> > > > > > anybody but you'll need the patience of a saint if you use
> > > > > > dial-up with
> > > > > your new computer.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Put the computer away in a corner and pat it occasionally
> > > > > > until the end of the month ;-) Only 12 days to go. Just my recommendation.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Alan
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > -----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
> > > > > > Van: <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com
> > > > > > [ <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com] Namens Sue
> > > > > > Verzonden: zondag 18 december 2011 18:44
> > > > > > Aan: <mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com> simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com
> > > > > > Onderwerp: [Simply Computers] My new Acer AM3970-ES30P what to do first?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Finally got a new computer $429.86 CDN + tax, on sale, to
> > > > > > replace this
> > > > > > 11 year old dinosaur. Currently have dial-up internet.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Will not be able to have DSL until the end of the month and
> > > > > > am wondering if I should turn it on and make the restore
> > > > > > disks before I get it hooked up to the internet or wait.
> > > > > > The saleswoman told me to wait as it would want to update Windows 7 and that any DVDs would be OK.
> > > > > I got Staples brand DVD+R.
> > > > > > Have never had a new modern computer (DOS baby) so am not
> > > > > > sure how to proceed. Please advise. Specs below.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks in advance
> > > > > > Sue
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 3.3GHz Intel Core i3 2120 Processor; 3MB Cache 4GB system
> > > > > > memory 1TB SATA hard drive 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
> > > > > > Windows 7 Home Premium Intel HD graphics 2000
> > > > > > High-definition audio with 5.1-channel audio support
> > > > > > Connectivity options include Gigabit Ethernet LAN and
> > > > > > Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n
> > > > > > Multi-in-1 memory card reader Ports include 3 x USB 3.0 and
> > > > > > 10 x USB 2.0 Includes Acer USB keyboard and optical mouse
> > > > > > Dimensions: 16.46"(H) x 7.08"(W) x 15.16"(D)
> > > > > > Weight: 17 lb.
> > > > > > 1-year limited warranty
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Specifications Processor 3.3GHz Intel Core i3 2120 Memory
> > > > > > 4GB Memory Type
> > > > > > DDR3 Maximum Memory Supported Not Avail. Hard Drive 1TB SATA
> > > > > > Hard Drive Speed Not Avail. CD-DVD Drive 16X DVD+/-R/RW
> > > > > > SuperMulti Drive Blu-ray Drive No Operating System Windows 7
> > > > > > Home Premium Ethernet LAN Gigabit Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n
> > > > > > Bluetooth No Graphics Intel HD Graphics 2000 # of USB Slots
> > > > > > 2 x USB 3.0, 10 x USB 2.0 Media Card Reader 9-in-1 Ports
> > > > > > HDMI, VGA, Headphone, Microphone, RJ-45 Other Features
> > > > > > Includes Acer USB Keyboard and Optical Mouse Energy Star
> > > > > > Qualified Not Avail. Dimensions 16.46"(H) x 7.08"(W) x
> > > > > > 15.16"(D) Weight 17 lb. Warranty 1-Year Limited
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
>
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