My Girl needs advice on her PC.

[pilotError]

Switch to OpenDNS.

http://www.opendns.com/

They have free services to replace your ISP's DNS. You can google to get the DNS addresses as well if you don't want to sign up.

Tell her to also stop opening email / junk mail from folks she doesn't know. If you never signed up for something and suddenly your getting email from them, add them to the junk mail / spam list.

Virus protection is as much common sense as it is software.

 

[phas3]

eww to all those recommending norton or mcaffee

Anywho, I game and overclock my PCs so I have a lot of expertise per say on this area.

First get rid of all those windows disk that sony sent her.

Get a copy of Windows 7 and do a fresh install on her new HD because it will come with all the un-needed crap that most laptops come with nowadays. Completely wipe the darn thing.

Once windows is done before doing ANYTHING else, download MSE(Microsoft Security Essentials then do a complete update. Update windows, update sony drivers etc...should be able to find the drives you need at the Sony sitte.

Then download Malwarebyte, free version(run once a week or every two weeks)

Turn on her firewall.

You can also get Ccleaner or Spybot for extra protection

That's probably the best setup to keep her from getting any virus'. Plus a well informed user, meaning she needs to be aware of the sites she's going to.