My background - retired from a large financial institution as an internet security guru run a Dell laptop and HP desktop run Win 7 for photo editing and tax prep only run Linux for everything else use Windows security use on demand Malwarebytes & CCleaner have a NAT router (first level firewall) update virus definitions EVERY time starting Win7.
I have been discussing with anyone who will listen whether I should install my existing Bitdefender Total Internet Security subscription or stay with the integral Windows Defender and Windows Firewall. I have had the Dell for 2 days but I have not yet switched it on. I use Firefox, with NoScript as a plugin on all the sites where important data could be stolen. iI personally remain very conservative here (Firefox, VLC, FastStone, Revo, 7-zip, Teracopy, security app of your choice, but not really needed as Defender does an OK job IMHO.) Have a look!Ħ) If you absolutely must go to a web site, never use the Micro$oft browsers or Chrome, both of which will send back huge amounts of data without your permission. It does it extremely well and without leaving spying crumbs.
That's what I do and I have rock-solid machines, not to mention huge peace of mind.ĥ) is a terrific way to install all the additional software that is truly useful to you. Simply turn off the wifi and only plug into the internet via Cat 5 cable, or turn on the wifi, when you absolutely need it, such as when your favorite editing prog has a critical update.
Therefore stop scaring yourself about "security" issues. Any file that is in use will be removed at next OS restart (you can safely remove all the junk progs and then do one restart as Revo automatically creates restore points.) ģ) If you do not have time, use something like PC Decrapifier but know that it is nowhere as thorough as Revo and a huge number of useless files will be left over.Ĥ) If I understand correctly you got this machine for photo edits and NLE. This process removes the hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of junk files that Windoze would otherwise leave on your HD. All you get is an install of the original image with the same crap/bloatware.Ģ) Plan B: if you have time, use Revo Uninstaller (free version) a stellar and free piece of software, to uninstall the junk one by one (Windows uninstaller is woefully inadequate.) Pick a prog you want to remove, and when you get to the last step (scan) it's CRITICAL that you use the "advanced" option > select all > delete, until you see the Finish button and click it. I build my own PCs and I've owned many laptops, including several from Dell.Here are a few things I've learned:ġ) Reinstalling a clean OS is ideal but for me Dell did NOT allow that.
With the greatest respect to the OP though, he is clearly in an area where his knowledge is a little limited, or he wouldn't be posting as he is and this photography forum isn't really the place to source technical computer information or advice
I've struggled with that sort of issue on occasions but always found drivers eventually.
Has several useful extra options, like keeping valuable software from being deleted accidentally, and keeping an encrypted log of any license keys, or registration numbers, and a whole lot more.Īpologies Ken, I missed that point, however I do find if a little odd that a piece of installed hardware had a driver that couldn't be sourced from somewhere.
It finds all the bits that are missed by any other method, I believe they do a demo/trial version. Oh just remembered for Mike, if you are worried about removing any specific software from your PC/LT then, I have been using this since their version one and it has proved itself many times. If Mike decides to re-install, then a BU of the O/S partition would be a safe precaution. Unless they have given you the luxury of a complete image file on DVD. If you do a comlete format, as I did, then any unknown but required software preinstalled will be lost. Dave you should read my post and understand I said it removed some special 3D driver software, that the makers would not supply, so I lost a required facility.