IF however, you are using Norton, McAfee or no anti-virus at all, then there is a better option for you. Enter Microsoft Security Essentials. Microsoft has put together a rock solid anti-virus program that protects from all of the major types of malicious attacks including malware and it runs smoothly even on older computers without significant performance decreases. Best of all, it is free, simple to use, and updates are sent out frequently to keep you protected. Below is a overview of how to get Microsoft Security Essentials installed and running.

(Important!) If you have Norton or McAfee products installed and you want to remove them, follow the link here for instructions on how to remove these products fully before proceeding to install Microsoft Security Essentials.

Installing Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE)

1. Click here to go directly to the Microsoft website to download the latest version and click the big blue “Download” button.

Microsoft Security Essentials

2. Choose your language and Operating System

3. Open the ~7MB file you just downloaded

4. Accept the license agreement and the Windows Genuine Validation

5. Check the box “Scan my computer for potential threats after getting the latest updates” (recommended) and proceed.

6. Once the MSE program window opens up, it will begin updating the virus definitions and start a scan. The initial scan will take some time, as it is a full system scan, checking each file on your hard drive for potential problems. You can continue to use your computer during this time.

7. With the program open, you will notice 4 tabs: Home, Update, History and Settings. We recommend using the default settings that are already selected. The only thing you may want to change is how frequently the scan runs, and the time of week/day it runs.

8. Close the program window

That’s it! You are now protected. MSE updates often and in the background, always protecting you from the newest threats without slowing your computer down to a crawl or costing a dime!

If you’ve purchased a new computer any time in the last decade, you will most likely have had a “trial” version of either Norton Anti-Virus or McAfee Anti-Virus installed. If you want to install another anti-virus program you must completely remove all traces of any other anti-virus programs to avoid conflicts. This can be very tricky with Norton and McAfee. However there is a tool for each that can be used to easily remove each program.

Run the Windows Uninstaller first.

Step 1 – Uninstall your McAfee or Norton programs using Add/Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel 

Windows 2000/XP

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
3. Select the McAfee SecurityCenter, Symantec or Norton product.
4. Click Remove and follow the steps provided.

Windows Vista \ 7

1. Click Start, Search, type Programs and Features, and click Go.
2. Double-click Programs and Features.
3. Select the McAfee SecurityCenter, Symantec or Norton product.
4. Click Uninstall and follow the steps provided.

McAfee Users:

Step 2 – Download and run MCPR.exe

1. Download the removal tool from: http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe 
2. Click Save and save the file to a folder on your computer.
3. Navigate to the folder where the file was saved.
4. Make sure all McAfee windows are closed.
5. Double-click MCPR.exe to run the removal tool. 

   NOTE: Windows Vista users must right-click MCPR.exe and select Run as Administrator. 

6. Restart your computer after receiving the message CleanUp Successful. 
   Your McAfee product will not be fully removed until the system is restarted.

Norton or Symantec Users:

Step 2 – Download and run Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

1. Download the removal tool from: ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe
2. Click Save and save the file to a folder on your computer.
3. Navigate to the folder where the file was saved.
4. Make sure all Norton windows are closed.
5. Double-click Norton_Removal_Tool.exe to run the removal tool. 

   NOTE: Windows Vista users must right-click Norton_Removal_Tool.exe and select Run as Administrator. 

6. Restart your computer after receiving the message CleanUp Successful. 
   Your Norton product will not be fully removed until the system is restarted.

Your products should be uninstalled.

Now you should be free to install a more efficient anti-virus program such as ESET Nod32, BitDefender or Microsoft Security Essentials.

Nerd Alert! was asked to assist with choosing the right technology products to set the girls up for success in the future. Part of the project included selecting the right technology products for each area of the home. We worked closely with Cory Surovek, a design producer, and talented designer who works behind the scenes on ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition to choose the right products. Cory was ultimately responsible for each tech element in the home, and we were there to offer our consultation services. Nerd Alert! also worked closely with David Fox from DEF PC Services to set up each new computer to fit the girls’ needs. David worked overnight to ensure each new computer was loaded with the software and virus protection that the girls would need in the future. DEF PC Services will also be donating 1 year of tech support to the Girls Hope/Boys Hope Baltimore homes.

Asus provided most of the computers and technology elements in the home.

Technology elements in the home:

Computer Room – 5 Asus EeeTop Touchscreen Computers

Room design by Cory Surovek and Michael Moloney

Girls Rooms – Each room had 2 Asus EeeTop Touchscreen Computers for each student along with a social media display in the hallway outside each room where the girls can leave messages, videos and pictures for each other

Room design by Veronica Valencia and Paul DiMeo

Social media displays; Hallway designs by Veronica ValenciaSkype Video Phone Booths – Two custom built booths each equipped with an Asus SV1T Skype Video Phone allowing the girls to video chat with their family and friends

Skype Video Phone Booths; Room Design by Cory Surovek and Michael Moloney

Home Networking – The home was wired with Cat5e cabling and used an Asus switch, along with an Asus wireless router/access point(s) on each floor.

We hope that our time given to the home will help these young women achieve every dream they have and succeed to help others make the world a better place as well!

The karaoke stage included many different lighting, sound and video elements. The stage was retractable and elevated 18 inches.

Lutz Family Karaoke Stage

It featured box truss to support lighting and sound elements. There were many lighting effects, provided by I DJ NOW such as the LED strip lights uplighting the back of the stage, the LED tubes mounted on the brick wall of the stage, the LED par cans mounted on the truss, and the laser light that illuminated the ceiling.

Room Design by Vanessa Price

Sound for the stage included 2 powered stage monitors for karaoke voice playback, as well as a home theater surround system for when the family just wanted to watch movies or television. There were 4 microphones on stands placed on the stage along with a pair of wireless microphones.

Lyric and stage monitors

For video, we provided a live feed for the performers to see themselves singing, as well as video monitors mounted on the truss for the audience members to view as well. The video feed was provided from a video camera mounted on the rear wall.

View from the Taxi Couch

We hope the Lutz Family is enjoying their new home and karaoke stage!

Lutz Family Home; Architectural Design by Kim Lewis