There are specific steps that usually should be done in order to achieve best results:
1. First, get rid of the viruses and malware that may be on your computer.
A. Use security software in such a way to avoid conflicts, and perform a complete scan of your computer.
B. Install the recommended anti-malware programs, download all the malware signature updates, and perform a complete scan of your computer.
2. Ensure that your computer runs quickly and well, and boots-up and shuts down quickly.
3. Setup your computer to protect itself and for privacy.
A. Make Firefox your default browser, and some advice about your e-mail application.
B. Setup Firefox to protect itself and for privacy.
C. Setup e-mail to protect against viruses and malware.
D. Setup Your Hardware Firewall, and Select DNS Addresses for Use both with and without a Firewall.
E. Setup your software firewall.
5. Backup the “image” of your hard drive (not hard, but not something most people do).