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I have recently come back over to the PC world for trading purposes. I have a new desktop and laptop, but since I have been using Macs for the past 6 years, I have no clue what the best "add-ons," softwares and other improvements are that I need...
For example:
-Spam/Malware scanner
-Other quick fixes/changes to make Windows 7 run smoother and quicker
-And any other stuff that I should do to my new computers...
Thanks for any insight and assistance...
Can you help answer these questions from other members on NexusFi?
I have a mac at home for my media/internet/TV and it is great. But yes, you do need a PC for trading. It is a shame, but alas, what shall we non-programmers do?
I use Win7 as well and here is some info that I use in both a corporate and personal environment (I also am the helpdesk for a Russell 2K company).
So, Firefox is a must. Avoid IE like the plague. Exploits come out for IE every week. Use Firefox and download AdBlock Plus, which is an add-on for Firefox (Click on the Firefox icon in the upper left corner>Add-On's>search for AdBlock in upper right corner), install, and restart Firefox.
A firewall is necessary. ZoneAlarm is a favorite of mine. It takes a little bit of time to get the configuration right, but it is very user friendly.
For Antivirus, I like AVG and Microsoft Security Essentials. Stay away from Norton. I will typically abhore anything Microsoft releases as "security" but the MS Security Essentials is actually pretty good.
For malware, I love Ad-Aware. Great program and it keeps itself up to date.
All those programs are free, btw. Unless you are buying a corporate suite of products, I wouldn't pay for protection software at all. There are WAY too many free versions and programs out there.
Also, the best protection is you. Don't download or compromise your system in any way unless necessary. Keep programs up to date, including Windows. Run a weekly scan and you can program it to run while you sleep for minimal interruption to your day's function. Anything else, please ask.
Many thanks to the site and all the contributors. Great source of info.
I would install Microsoft Security Essentials, which is free, and not install anything else personally unless you are really bad with computers and click on a bunch of stuff you shouldn't
Use Firefox or Chrome, not IE.
Windows 7 comes with a great firewall. Unless you are a tech geek, no need for anything more.
I agree with what Johnny said, but if you are not an advanced user there is no need to do more than the above with Windows 7.
Trend Micro titanium maximum security is my favorite paid program.
It uses the least amount of resources and is in the cloud.
It's very easy to use and has some great tools like system tuner,
secure erase, data theft prevention, parental controls if needed,
and a password protected folder. It also has an added layer of firewall
protection for windows firewall.
For start up, type in msconfig in search and go to the start up tab.
Unclick any programs that you don't need right at start up to save boot time.
You can also disable certain processes for more resource power but please
do your due diligence through internet searches to find out what's okay and
what is not.
Other than that, 7 keeps itself in check like the auto defrag feature that started
in Vista.
For backup needs in the cloud, Carbonite and is a good one.
For hard backups, Acronis is my recommendation.
If you are using one of your systems as a 'trading only' computer meaning that while you are trading you are not running any other programs... only your platform and data... i would actually recommend turning your anitvirus software off while trading. Certain antivirus programs can slow down data transfer considerably as it scans. Run a speed test with your antivirus on and again with your antivirus off and look at the results. Once again, I would only recommend this when you are not downloading anything else and only using your platform and data. Your firewall will still keep you protected from unwanted guests with your anitvirus off.
