Ninite
Ninite is a program that lets users easily install and update popular applications for Windows. Below is a list of recommended programs to let Ninite update (free version).
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (not Professional!)
- iTunes
- Flash for Internet Explorer(IE) and non-IE browsers
- Java
- Malwarebytes
- Skype
Adobe Updates
The Adobe updates require administrative privileges to install. I do not have a process in place to automatically update this and thus need to be notified when you have these updates. The update will appear in your toolbar and the icon should look similar to the picture below.
Microsoft and Windows Updates
Setting up Windows Update is simple: Just open this link in Internet Explorer Microsoft Update website. If you've already got automatic updating turned on, Windows Update in Control Panel will open and show your update status. If it's not yet turned on, you'll be guided through the steps to do so. After that, all the latest security and performance improvements will be installed on your PC1.
Unwanted Applications
When you are installing a new application such as the Weather Desktop application or even Java, often times the publisher will add a hard to read check box allowing it to also install an internet tool bar. These toolbars are seldom used and take up space on your monitor. Below you will find examples of unwanted toolbars.
- Ask Toolbar
- Dealio
- Google Toolbar
- Yahoo Toolbar
- Extreme example of toolbars gone awry!
Danger Ahead
Many of the dangers of allowing programs to install on your computer come from not knowing who is the publisher or author. Below you will find a list of unwelcomed pop-ups requesting you install them. In this case you should hit CTRL-ALT-DEL and end your browser program process.
- Antivirus XP or Antivirus XP 2008
- Antivirus Pro 2010
- Wikipedia article on this malware
These types of fake software, known as scareware or ransomware, commonly appear via a pop up on your computer informing you that it has found several viruses. The message is intended to trick you into running a scan and inadvertetnly installing their software. This software is very hard to remove and it's an attempt to get money from you.
