PC help needed

[maryadavies]

Also yes, a defrag is a good idea if you regularly install stuff on a pc (and she does). If you want free, look for Aslogics's Disk Defrag.(Google it since I can't post links) You can even set it to defrag automatically. A fragmented HDD can and does slow a pc down. Just..be careful if the pc has a SSD. I wouldn't defrag a SSD very often since SSD's can be written to a lot less than a normal hdd can before it explodes. You don't want that, so I wouldn't defrag a ssd oftener than once every 6 months if you're nervy, at that.

[Tabs]

Yes, the general advice on SSDs is to *never* defrag them. Naturally, this extends to portable flash drives as well since... they're basically the same thing.

SSDs are still costly right now, so most people have and use a combination of SSD and HD drives. In fact, you can buy hybrid drives that contains both in a single housing. Put your OS and critical software install in the SSD, and user data in the regular HD.

Neither of these things will do much for security though, and for those who are financially-minded, conventional HDs still offer the best value for the money.

And while I'm here, cloud storage is another interesting option. That's basically what the Chomebooks rely on (mentioned in my previous post). All the security is handled server-side, without the users ever having to lift a finger. So, eventually, I think future computers-- especially portable ones-- will only have asmall SSD, and have user data stored in the cloud. In fact, I already operate this way. Conventional HDs will most likely be phased out eventually, but looking at the continued strength of HD sales right now, it doesn't seem like it will happen anytime soon.

[maryadavies]

Oh and one more bit of advice.

Can you get your momma to install the Kindle App? Right now, a kindle book called Don't Throw IT, Get To Know IT (again, check on amazon, I can't post links) is free and it may help with the "Train your brain" part of security.

Half of security on pcs is knowing the dos and don'ts! And from the reviews, that doesn't cover just the basics, it gets into the dos and don'ts too.