4, Obstruct.
Your Windows operating system already has  powerful anti spyware and firewall programs installed-- use them. Windows Defender and Windows Firewall are found in your Control Panel. Using these programs instead of other firewall programs helps keep computer resources freed up. Your  security software should not adversely slow down your computer.

I have downloaded and installed these programs - Now What ?

If you have never used these programs before it will take a little bit of time to familiarize yourself with them even though I have chosen them for their effectiveness and ease of use. I suggest that you create a folder called SECURITY and add shortcuts to your new programs to this folder.  Then whenever you wish to access one of these security programs you will have easy access.

1., Protect (Avast Anti Virus)  Avast anti virus is the easiest program to use of the three you have downloaded. It automatically updates and automatically protects your computer from viruses. It also includes a scanner which I recommend you use at least once a week.
 

2,  Defend (Ad Aware)  Ad Aware s a very powerful anti malware, anti spyware, anti rootkit program.  It can be installed to auto run while your computer is running. However, I suggest that you disable the programs auto run feature in order to keep your computer running faster. To disable this feature of the program you need to start the program and go to the ad watch section of the program. In the "ad watch live real time" section of the program  Disable (turn off) "processes"  "files"  "registry" and "network".

Now, whenever you want to run the program you will go to "Scan" and manually run a full scan of your computer.  Follow the instruction and delete any "bad things" the scanner finds.

3, Maintain (Fcleaner)  Fcleaner is a great Windows disk and registry cleaning and optimization tool. This program does not run automatically unless you set it to run automatically.  I suggest that you place "checkmarks" in all the boxes on the program and run it regularly.

4, Obstruct (Windows Defender and Windows Firewall)... I suggest that you place a shortcut to windows defender and windows firewall in the folder you have created called security with your other security shortcuts for easy access. Windows firewall should usually always be turned on unless you need to turn it off for a specific reason. Windows Defender can be configured in several different ways and can be run manually or automatically.  I recommend that you set it to run a full system scan at least once a week.

Now, I have given you a brief overview of how I would configure and use these programs. You can configure them any way that you choose. I suggest that you run Fcleaner everytime you use your computer and that you run full system scans of Avast Anti Virus, Ad Aware and Windows Defender at least once a week.

Using these programs is not as difficult or time consuming as it might sound. Set a time to run your security scans and run them. Play with these programs and familiarize yourself with them. Soon you will be an expert. The goal is to "harden" your computer against threats without slowing it down. 

Most of these programs will auto update but some of them notify you to download updates when available. Make sure you keep the programs updated and run scans regularly.  And that's it... I told you it was "mostly easy" ...  congratulation... you now have powerful tools and basic knowledge to keep your windows system secure.  

More security programs I like... free versions and full versions available.

download  BC wipe     Standard operating system's deletion procedures remove only a reference to a file from filesystem tables leaving it's content intact. With generally available undelete tools the file can be easily recovered. BCWipe brings peace of mind by using military-grade procedures to wipe deleted file contents making it impossible to recover.

download  fine crypt   Finecrypt encrypts files with key encryption or code encryption ... key encryption of this kind is considered  by many to be the only unbreakable encryption available. And in any event, poses a serious challenge to anyone attempting to crack a file that has been key encrypted. 

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to rate and vet software recommendations for  usefulness and efficacy. Users are responsible for all software decisions they make  and should consult professionals if they are unsure of software choices or computer configurations..