GENERAL Microsoft Windows suggestions

General suggestions and recommendations

Note: these recommendations apply to all versions of Microsoft Windows.

do NOT save files to the desktop (shortcuts are ok, but even icons use memory).
SET TEMP Variables outside of "local settings". (see below)(recommend creating C:\TEMP and using it for TMP and TEMP)
do NOT use default "My Documents", "Libraries", or other "defaults", RATHER: create a Directory on the hard drive and use it.
keep "C:\Documents and Settings\__your_account_name_here\Local Settings" as small as possible. (win7 and up "Users\_your_account_name_here )
typically avoid default settings - don't use "my documents", the desktop or libraries.
WEEKLY CLEAN Disk using Microsoft's built in tool. (if you can, otherwise manually clean TEMP variable locations)
after running Disk Cleanup, go into your TEMP directories and try to delete any files there, delete all you can.
note: microsoft does NOT always remove files after a disk cleanup, that's why you need to go into the TEMP directories and delete files - it won't let you delete anything it needs.
WEEKLY Defrag hard drive using Microsoft's built in tool. (newer versions automatically do this)
do NOT use outlook express - recommend using "Thunderbird" or other mail tools, or even web-based, like gmail.
do NOT use internet explorer - recommend Firefox, Chrome or Opera
avoid using MSN, Yahoo, Hotmail, live, aol or other tools and websites that have a long history of malware, hacks and viruses.
pretty much avoid anything that is Microsoft, Microsoft-based and you'll have less troubles
do NOT automatically patch your system, check with your computer vendor.
be very careful about downloading from sites - search (google) for info on the website looking for keywords like malware, virus, trojans, or complaints.
USE the Microsoft firewall - A FIREWALL is an absolute must. - Third party versions can be sketchy...
if your local router or wireless router has a firewall, use it along with Microsoft's.
it's not a good idea to use registry cleaners - 3rd party apps can be sketchy, and the sites loaded with possible malware
NEVER use web based system test/scan tools - never click on popups from websites. NEVER. Just turn off the PC immediately if you do.
periodically check your programs and remove unused or unnecessary programs
every now and then set a RESTORE POINT for your system via Control Panel
as an added precaution, open up regedit, go to the top of the tree and EXPORT the registry to a file and save it off your computer, and maybe even a thumb drive or burn it to a CD/DVD.
virus s/w only works for existing viruses, not new ones... be vigilant. Avoid opening files or downloading files.
be careful and aware of Social Engineering attacks from emails, attachments and websites.
if you feel you clicked on something bad, or have lost control of your browser - PULL THE PLUG and the NETWORK CABLE now!
         At this point, you probably need professional help... (don't call me, find a 12 year old..... just kidding... )
         you can try safe mode... with the network cable disconnected, wireless off..
         are you comfortable with "regedit"? If not... get help. Making a mistake in regedit is serious.
         (export the registry before making any edits and also set a restore point prior to opening regedit).
         You'll look first in: * HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
         you'll examine RUN, RUN ONCE and other entries - get familiar with what is in there now, make a screen shot and save it or print it.
         (It is likely you will not be able to access any files on the system if it is infected.)
         Make frequent backups of your documents, pictures and other files.
If all of this is overwhelming, consider Mac OSX or Linux.
NEVER CALL A NUMBER THAT POPS UP ON YOUR SCREEN AFTER YOU VISIT A WEBSITE. EVER.
NEVER CLICK ON A RECOMMENDED LINK for any bank, software, etc. TYPE IN THE KNOWN ADDRESS MANUALLY.
Microsoft never really supports any of their software, they haven't started now. THEY WON'T OFFER HELP, only scammers do.
consider a Mac - but beware of social engineering on websites and emails
Linux MINT with a MATE desktop using Firefox and Thunderbird might make your life easier.

suggestions for Microsoft WINDOWS and the Start bar (YMMV, screens are from XP)

use the following settings:

System Setting Recommendations

do not use default settings for temp (get the temp files out of "local settings")

in general keep your profile in "local settings" as small as possible for better performance

if you use automatic updates, only notify... check with PC maker for approved updates

do not enable remote access unless you know what you're doing

turn off the eye candy, it kills performance...

BASH for Windows 10!!!!

Install Ubuntu BASH in Win10!

you will have shell scripting capabilities.
you will have use of regular expressions.
you will be able to rename multiple files with scripts in BASH.
you will have PERL at the command line.
you will be able to edit files easily using the vi Editor.

BASH in Windows 10!!! Interoperability and then some!

Linux commands overview

Beware of Microsoft patches - DO NOT USE AUTOMATIC PATCH or UPDATES

Microsoft no longer supports XP this isn't really an issue... October 2016

Microsoft patches are now affecting third party applications. In October 2009, Microsoft
released a patch that inserted an add-in to Mozilla Firefox leaving users vulnerable to
damaging infections from infected websites that normally impacted only IE lusers...
because of the .NET add-in even Firefox users were now open to the "browse and get owned" attack...
This caught Mozilla users off guard, they thought they were safe... I know of two users infected as a result of this bit of arrogance.

Therefore, RESEARCH each patch or update... does this affect applications you use? Is this necessary?
This add-on was NOT installed by this user,
but had caused an infection problem with an earlier version of FireFox...
Had to completely uninstall and purge the registry, then used the latest version, which did not work with this add-on...
I would NOT have installed something like this, would have risked using IE if this functionality was required.

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