Keeping Computer Stable

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  1. Posts : 279
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #11

    "Since this will be my first windows computer, what sorts of things can I do in order to make the system as stable and fail-proof as possible?
    Is there certain software that I should get?"

    They weren't mentioned, so I'll chime in. Location, airflow and temperature.

    Where the PC case is situated could be important. Showcase it, rather than hide it.

    Ensure airflow around the PC case as well as inside through the case vents.

    Any temperature monitoring software; and stress test software.

    The latter is usually recommended when troubleshooting a new build to put the memory chips through the paces. The former will inform when there is error introduced in the building process, like too MUCH or too little thermal paste between cpu cooling fan and cpu OR a cable stops a fan from spinning.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #12

    charkzilla20 Just a few reminders.

    1. Don't get in a hurry.
    2. Read and understand the motherboard manual. This is very important. Make sure you double check where the motherboard stand off should be.
    2. You have chosen a good case for cooling and cable management. So do this in a neat and clean fashion. It not only look better but helps a lot on internal case air flow.
    Make sure the cables aren't sharply bent or hitting sharp edges. Make sure the cables don't put tension on the connectors.
    3. If you decide to use a thermal compound look here.

    Arctic Silver, Inc. - Intel® Application Methods

    Once you have your computer up and running with Windows 7 updated. I would recommend using this for your anti virus.

    Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows
    and this
    Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

    Of course use the Windows 7 built in Firewall.

    Now temps are very very important especially on a new build. Use this to monitor your temps.

    Download Real Temp - MajorGeeks

    Install the programs you have chosen, Games, Office ect.
    ***Please don't install any make my desktop pretty programs or make my computer faster and cleaner programs.***

    Use your computer a week or so while monitoring your temps. NO over clock at this time.This will give you a good indication whether your hardware, programs, and Windows 7 are working as they should.

    Once again read and understand your motherboard manual.
    Then let us know how things are working.
    If you have any questions along the way, the Forum is open 24/7.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 78
    Windows 7 Professional
    Thread Starter
       #13

    Layback Bear said:
    charkzilla20 Just a few reminders.

    1. Don't get in a hurry.
    2. Read and understand the motherboard manual. This is very important. Make sure you double check where the motherboard stand off should be.
    2. You have chosen a good case for cooling and cable management. So do this in a neat and clean fashion. It not only look better but helps a lot on internal case air flow.
    Make sure the cables aren't sharply bent or hitting sharp edges. Make sure the cables don't put tension on the connectors.
    3. If you decide to use a thermal compound look here.

    Arctic Silver, Inc. - Intel® Application Methods

    Once you have your computer up and running with Windows 7 updated. I would recommend using this for your anti virus.

    Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows
    and this
    Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

    Of course use the Windows 7 built in Firewall.

    Now temps are very very important especially on a new build. Use this to monitor your temps.

    Download Real Temp - MajorGeeks

    Install the programs you have chosen, Games, Office ect.
    ***Please don't install any make my desktop pretty programs or make my computer faster and cleaner programs.***

    Use your computer a week or so while monitoring your temps. NO over clock at this time.This will give you a good indication whether your hardware, programs, and Windows 7 are working as they should.

    Once again read and understand your motherboard manual.
    Then let us know how things are working.
    If you have any questions along the way, the Forum is open 24/7.
    Thanks so much :) that's fantastic info and easy to follow :).
    For the cooling, im looking at moving the HAF922's top 200mm fan to the side as intake, and putting a 120mm fan on top as exhaust. I've heard that positive pressure is good.

    Yeah, I'm gonna take the building really slow and careful.
    I'm also looking to get some Demciflex dust filters fitted for the case to minimize all dust.

    as for the antivirus, i've heard that windows security isnt that great:
    AV-TEST - The Independent IT-Security Institute: Nov/Dec 2012
    i'm willing to pay for AV software :) Definitely Malwarebytes though.

    Thanks for the links too :)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #14

    Their are many test on anti virus programs. I don't read them anymore because no two are the same. Take a peek at this one on Ahnlab Security which is #1 on the site you provided. Not only does a anti virus program have to protect but it must work well with Windows 7. The wrong anti virus program will make your computing life nothing but pain.

    AhnLab V3 Internet Security 8.0 review - PC Advisor
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 78
    Windows 7 Professional
    Thread Starter
       #15

    Layback Bear said:
    Their are many test on anti virus programs. I don't read them anymore because no two are the same. Take a peek at this one on Ahnlab Security which is #1 on the site you provided. Not only does a anti virus program have to protect but it must work well with Windows 7. The wrong anti virus program will make your computing life nothing but pain.

    AhnLab V3 Internet Security 8.0 review - PC Advisor
    I was thinking about using Bitdefender.
    I know a few that use It.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #16

    It has been reported by some that Bitdefendr doesn't get along with Malwarebytes Anti Malware.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2,497
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       #17

    I'll be the only one using the computer. Should I make a separate account anyway?
    Absolutely.

    The Administrator account was never intended for general use. It is best to create an admin account for general use and reserve the Administrator account for emergencies. If you only have one admin level account and the profile becomes corrupt you will not be able to log in to repair the problem.

    The need for a UPS depends quite a bit on conditions where you live. If power is relatively stable and interruptions are rare then you can probably dispense with it. But if you live where power may be unstable or where interruptions are more common, even if only during parts of the year, then a UPS is more important.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 78
    Windows 7 Professional
    Thread Starter
       #18

    LMiller7 said:
    I'll be the only one using the computer. Should I make a separate account anyway?
    Absolutely.

    The Administrator account was never intended for general use. It is best to create an admin account for general use and reserve the Administrator account for emergencies. If you only have one admin level account and the profile becomes corrupt you will not be able to log in to repair the problem.

    The need for a UPS depends quite a bit on conditions where you live. If power is relatively stable and interruptions are rare then you can probably dispense with it. But if you live where power may be unstable or where interruptions are more common, even if only during parts of the year, then a UPS is more important.
    So you're saying that there's a Master Administrator account for emergency, and I should make a standard account with some admin privileges?
    I'm used to a Mac, so I'm not sure how that works, is there a guide?

    And I live in Palo Alto. And I've never had any power issues in my house for the 3 years I've been here.

    Thanks :)
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,497
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       #19

    There is an account called "Administrator". In Windows it will normally be hidden when you create an administrative account. It is very easy to create such an account. Simply open "User Accounts" in control panel and click "Manage another account". Then click on "Create a new account". You can then choose to create an administrative or standard account. If you create an administrative account it will have all of the privileges of the Administrator account.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 78
    Windows 7 Professional
    Thread Starter
       #20

    LMiller7 said:
    There is an account called "Administrator". In Windows it will normally be hidden when you create an administrative account. It is very easy to create such an account. Simply open "User Accounts" in control panel and click "Manage another account". Then click on "Create a new account". You can then choose to create an administrative or standard account. If you create an administrative account it will have all of the privileges of the Administrator account.
    Alright that's pretty straightforward. Thanks :)
      My Computer


 
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