A.  MSSE

B.  Windows Firewall (Windows 7 RC version)

C.  Hardware/Router Firewall.

Programs open much faster now! I didn't actually count but I'd say less than 10 seconds, vs the 1-2 minutes it was taking before the change. To say I am "happier" now would be a major understatement.

Thank you all for your suggestions and help!

@Karen: I decided to keep Outpost because I do use public wifi connections a lot. I'm also keeping Tuneup Utilities 2009 for now, because it finds things that CCleaner doesn't and I think it helps keep my computer clean without slowing it too much. Or anyway that's how I feel for now, that may change.

I did have Advanced System Care Pro on here too, but removed that about a week ago because I know my computer slowed way down when I installed it.

I also agree about the Admins moving this thread. I originally thought it would just end up to be a thread where I, and others could vent about having a slow computer. But then it morphed into a fantastic conversation that appears to have gotten my computer straightened out. It probably should be in Tech Suport.

@Refpeuk: Sounds like an interesting idea. To be honest tho, I'm kinda scared of Linux because I know very little about it and it's always sounded like it's for people that understand computers a lot better than I do.

For instance, I don't know if my video editing software (Cyberlink PowerDirector and others) would work on Linux. I suspect they wouldn't, and that would be a deal-breaker right there. I make extra money from editing videos for people on the side and need to be able to use a "better than average" editor. I know Cyberlink isn't as good as a lot of other editing programs, but it's better than most and not has heavy on computer resources as the better ones are.

Two other great linuxes that are made specifically to be light on system resources are Slax and Puppy Linx. I'd recommend DSL (Damn Small Linux), but it isn't terrible user friendly.

The only thing I run in memory is the Windows firewall and Avira. I do run occasional scans with MalwareBytes. And I've never gotten a virus with this setup. With just the basics and some smart surfing, I think that is all you need.

Would you guys keep outpost firewall 2009 or is that a hog too? Seems like I did notice a slight slow down when I started using it instead of windows firewall.

@Locutus

Do you run any other programs like ThreatFire etc.. with it?

I might give it a go.

Hmmm, I was wondering if having all those security programs was having a bad effect on the speed.

If dumping them and getting Avira would allow me to keep most of my other programs I'd be a happy camper.

Think I'm gonna wait until tomorrow to do it tho. It's 2:30am here and I've been up since 7:30 yesterday morning. I'm finally getting it into my head that I shouldn't mess with my computer when I've been up for this long. I miss things that I shouldn't and end up fixing them the next day. (gett'n old sucks!)

Thank you for the help tho. I really appreciate it!

Get rid of iobit while your at it.

Thats what I would do, you would notice a big difference.

Ctrl-Alt-Del brings up the task manager. Processes, then click Mem Usage and it will put it in order.

amnesia said:

A-squared free or pro?

pro