You need a single anti-virus. Use either Avast or AVG, not both.
You need a browser. Both Firefox (from Mozilla) and Internet Explorer are browsers, so you can just pick one.
If you don’t use an instant messanger, I wouldn’t have it turn on when you boot up. You can turn it off. That is likely the “Yahoo” your friend added for you.
Avast is a software that protects your computer from viruses. You need that. Keep it. I have probably 20 different programs on my desktop maybe more. They all do different things for me.
You'll get the hang of this eventually.
AVG is an anti-virus program. Yahoo is a website that also has a toolbar that be added to your Internet Explorer/Mozilla/other browser.
I’m no expert, but it sounds like you lost $75 the hard way =o)
First question, your age? No offense intended I am almost 62.
2nd Question, what interests you? What do you need to use a PC for?
I personally hate messaging, but some think they must have it.
I never use Internet Explorer or Outlook (or Outlook Express). For personal issues with security.
Mozilla is fine, I have used Firefox since it was first released and absolutely love it.
1 anti-virus program is enough. A lot of people who use more than one find that they tend to not like each other.
Tell me what you want to do with your PC and I will recommend software that I have experience with.
Built my first PC in 1982. Not my profession, but I helped my son run a computer repair business for several years. Have fixed a lot of “sick” PC’s. Most of the problems are Advertising slime ware, not Viruses.
Your doing one thing right, you found FREE REPUBLIC!
I prefer Mozilla over Internet Explorer but all that other stuff is excess baggage. The instant messenger and yahoo for sure.
However, Mozilla updated automatically a few days ago and I noticed a bunch of google and yahoo stuff on my computer afterwards. It took me a bit but I finally figured out how to uninstall them.
I think the AVG is a program that detects malware and keeps it off your computer. That’s probably a good thing.
I don’t know what Avast is.
>>> My friend came over and decided that I needed instant messanger, yahoo and installed Mozilla, I already had Avast, now I am confused.
Sounds like your friend gave you 4 different software applications that do different things, and you are concerned that things are now redundant?
Instant messenger is a chat program.
Yahoo has a bunch of different stuff out there, but sounds like you are talking about the Yahoo toolbar.
Mozilla is a web brouser... a competitor of internet explorer... without all the security flaws... KEEP THAT!
Avast is an anti virus application... unless they also have a browser too.
I recommend that you explore each application, play with it, see what it does, and if you don’t like it, go to “My Computer” and uninstall it.
Mozilla is a keeper though... don’t use IE (internet explorer) unless you have to... just my opinion.
Does your lawn need to be mowed? How about your neighbors? Do you have a teen ager in the house that can set your alarm clock? And do the video camera stuff? Go get you a good glass of lemonade, or go to the local community college and sign up for Windows Vista 101. You probably are a hacker just wanting us to open up one of your attachements.
ne of the first things you must learn as a new user is that everyone who gives you advice has their own sense of ‘what is needed’ and/or absolutely necessary in the way of programs on your computer.
See if there is a copy of a book like “Computers for Dummies” at a local used book shop or libarary to give yourself a learning experience on computer terminology and the workings of your computer and the internet.
You will eventually find that there are many FREE programs to help your computing experience in your home and while surfing the internet.
Mozilla (Firefox) is good. Forget Yahoo Messenger. AVG is an anti-virus program. Have someone show you how to use AVG. I prefer the Mozilla browser (Firefox) to Internet Explorer. Firefox is faster and simpler....
There are a lot of computer-related forums on the internet that can help you for free. Once you settle on a browser (I prefer Mozilla), you can go onto Google or Yahoo and search for answers to specific computer questions and you will get back a list of forums and places where you can get free help.
If you have been a FReeper since 2000-03-19 how did you manage in the past ???
What computer did you use ???
You must have been familiar with the internet to lof onto FR...
What gives ???
Why are you suddenly helpless ???
You’re feeling more frustration because of the loss of your life partner - the person you trusted - and could count on... The problems with the computer are a symptom of loss. I can’t help you with the computer - because I can hardly use the one I have - but I can tell you that you are loved - and this time will pass... The person who loved you all these years wants you to be happy - and have a working computer. It’ll happen.
The solution is simple. Sell your PC and buy a Mac. No viruses (yet) and extremely user-friendly interface.
To remove a software package from Vista, click the button in the bottom left hand corner of the screen that has four colored windows in it (in Windows XP, that used to be the “Start” button). Then select “Control Panel”. Inside “Control Panel” double-click “Programs and Features”. Inside “Programs and Features” right-click on the software you want to remove and select “uninstall”. Click “yes” and “continue” when prompted.
Here’s a couple of links you can consider that will probably help you learn a lot more about Vista, and make your computer do more for you:
https://www.videoprofessor.com/products/learncomputerbasics/learnmicrosoftwindows/windowsvista.html
http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Vista-Dummies-Andy-Rathbone/dp/0471754218
Evil: When I have the map to the Universe, I will be free, and the world will be different, because I will have understanding.
Robert: Uh, understanding of what, Master?
Evil: Digital watches. And soon I shall have understanding of video cassette recorders and car telephones. And when I have understanding of them, I shall have understanding of computers. And when I have understanding of computers, I shall be the Supreme Being!
If I were you then I would stay with the most common stuff, Internet Explorer, Windows and such because I assume that you just want to get on the computer like everyone else.
When these people try to help you by telling you to get into all the uncommon stuff like Linux and Firefox, just tell them that in time you will find your own preferences and try new things but that for right now you want common, simple, and routine.
To be honest, you need to sit down and learn how use the computer. A lot of people get a computer and think it will teach them. They can be complicated devices. They aren’t that hard. They just require attention. They are like cars. Cars are really complicated to operate. You have a radio and transmission and lights/wipers,etc. But we take the time to learn how to operate all that stuff. Computer are the same.
Find a helpful person to install Linux on your computer. Then you don’t have to worry about viruses. When some tells you that you need blahblah, you can tell them “It doesn’t run under Linux” and the problem is solved.