I, and my 70-something parents, are happy with Firefox for a browser. The other good option is google's Chrome, but I personally find google a creepy company, so I avoid their products when possible.

I'll leave it to someone else to help with email recommendations.

A simple way to keep things clean and fast is to use a program like CCleaner (free, link below), which you can run once a week or so to get rid of the dreck that slows things down. If you just run the program in its default settings, it's both easy and useful. (Your guru would like all the options, but I never bother changing them, and I like the results!)

Note: I'm not affiliated with CCleaner -- in fact, I'm a Mac user myself, but I keep my parents' PC in working order for them.

Here is a link that might be useful: CCleaner

Personally I like Firefox. The first time I tried it I quickly deleted it because I didn't want to learn it and that is strange because I buy a new computer every time a new operating system came out to learn it. The second time I downloaded FF I found it simple to use. I like it because of the ad ons like adblock plus and the easy list, it stop all of the ads. I added "no squint" and I can change the color of the glaring white pages. If you like a plain screen you can click on photos and choose to add a filter and that will go away.

I have tried Gmail and yahoo and had to many problems, so I downloaded windows live mail. It comes with a suite, a lot of junk I didn't use so I went to programs and deleted the junk. The first time I had to have an account with MS which I deleted as soon I had the email set up. The mail system has a huge 2 inch tool bar across the top which I did not like. I eventually discovered the quick access bar found out I could click and drag the options I wanted and used and minimized the big ribbon. It is very similar to outlook express. I can insert photos, but cannot add background music to my email. I had to set up my server's email to go through WLM.

I have used Avast anti virus sense it was posted in here that MSE is not recommended anymore. BTW, I am 77 years old.

I am 70 yr. old female( just turned 70 Mar. 31st.) and a puter guru to many, seniors online in senior chat rooms, I do remotes when needed and I work for Free, I have 5 PC's in my home,all online, 3 W7/1W8 and 1 tablet android, I have always and forever used IE and have no problems with it, however I also only use incredimail, free version since it's inception and love it as well. I also only use AVG now version AVG2014 and Malewarebytes both Free and I do not have virus problems. Most of the problems I fix on other seniors PC's are due to downloads they make carelessly and install rogue or viral browser hijackers, you've got to read, read, read and remove check marks for any crap add ons. Or they click on pop ups for speed up your PC etc. all scams or viral junk. I spend most of my time uninstalling all the junk and many toolbars from seniors PC's. I would be happy to help you any way I can, if you want my E-mail addy I will give it to you in a private message.

I use Firefox mainly with Opera as a second on another screen.

I use live.ca - yahoo.ca - gmx.com - each with the same user name as throw away addresses plus my ISP account email address. Each has idiosyncrasies to overcome and/or frustrate us.

Why does the OP need a guru so often? The suggestions above for CCleaner to clean up the garbage on the computer, Malwarebytes to run occasionally to catch stuff the anti virus is not set up to catch and a good anti virus program should keep you safe.

Also as noted above be sure to check every window while installing programs and use the custom install option so you are aware of what they try to foist off on you.

Browser: Firefox
EMail: Thunderbird

Because Microsoft's stuff is badly designed from a security point.

I am 50 and have used IE since windows 98 and rarely have a problem. I have several email addresses that I access with incredimail and no problem there either. To each is own I say, use what works for you. Mary

I am 83 and have never had a virus. I like running a good, clean machine, and I hate spending money when a dependable free software is available. Here's what I use:

Currently using Windows 7 Home Premium. I use the Windows firewall, but also have a Netgear router, which should offer some additional protection. I use Avast anti-virus and Windows Defender. For occasional scans for malware I use Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. I depend on WinPatrol to alert me when something wants to make a change on my computer or put itself into Startup. I also keep an updated version of SpywareBlaster (whether it keeps the bad stuff off or not, I don't know). I run CCleaner about once a month to clean out temporary files, etc. I have both Firefox and Chrome browsers, but have used Chrome as my default for years. My e-mail accounts are with G-Mail, but I use the desktop Windows Live Mail (really miss Outlook Express) so that my e-mail downloads directly to my desktop client.

In addition to my computer, I have a smartphone, a Google Nexus 7 tablet, and one of the discontinued HP Touchpads (yes, I do like it, but use it mainly for reading and listening to music). I was the "guru" to my senior friends where I formerly lived, and for the past year I have resided at a retirement community where I already have a reputation as a "techie" :-) LOL!

Grandms, good for you. My friends also think I am a tech and compared to them I guess we are. I always tell people "I don't have to call my grandson." My friends all have family members they call, makes me proud that I can take of my PC and find answers when I do have problems.

I don't use Windows as much as I once did, but at one time, I'd do something like this:

(1) Uninstall all the garbage that comes with a new machine.
(2) Do the basic tweaks that make the machine truly "mine".
(3) Image my drive.
(4) Install the basic(and smaller) software that I find myself always installing (like CCleaner)
(5) Image my drive.
(6) Install the other major software I find myself always installing (Adobe, Delorme, Office, whatever.)
(7) Image my drive.
...
(n-1) Mess up, allow to be messed up, or simply have my computer mysterically slow down.
(n) Restore from my image and be right back to "clean and fast" just like before, no "guru" required. :)

I left a lot out but you get the idea. When you have your machine running slick and smooth... make an image of it as it is right then. I used "Acronis True Image", but there are good free ones.

As for which browser and email, you can see from the replies that despite what your "guru" claims, any combination works fine if properly set up.

Personally, I use Firefox and various web based emails, mainly Gmail. That's just me though.

Chugger what do you mean when you say image my drive? A back up?

Yes, a backup. Not just data though, everything.

From http://disk-imaging-software-review.toptenreviews.com/imaging-software-vs-backup-software-which-is-right-for-you.html '... Are the terms "image" and "backup" interchangeable?

Not quite. Though these terms are often used as if they mean same thing, there's a big difference. While backup software programs generally copy just your data, image software makes a full, exact copy of your hard drive - a mirror image of the operating system, software, data, file organization - everything.'

Thank you for that reply. I googled it but I was still confused about it. I have no need for anything like imaging, a back up of my "stuff" is enough for me.

Emma wrote:- I have no need for anything like imaging, a back up of my "stuff" is enough for me.

You may indeed be right but I am presuming you have a store bought computer, if so what will you do if the hard drive fails? I also presume you have recovery disks but those will take you back to factory defaults with all the un-needed bloat.

Those of us who create an image as Chugger suggests can return our computer to the state it was in when the latest image was created with all our extra programs, data and settings already in place. and no bloat to worry over.

Of course we lose what might be created after the latest back up but that need not be earth shattering. For example 2 days ago I created an image of my Windows 8 then went ahead and upgraded to Windows 8.1, my reasoning was that if I did not like 8.1 it would be a simple task to revert. Once 8.1 was installed and some irritations addressed I created another image. Now I have choices.

So, imaging is like a super system restore?

Yes, I forgot to mention that I do a complete "clone" of my entire C drive to an external HDD. In the event of a catastrophe, I can return my computer, not to its 'out of the box' state, but to the recent state prior to the catastrophe. There are a number of good programs for this, including several free ones. I use EaseUStodo, which can be downloaded, installed, and used for both backup and restoration.

owbist, Yes I have recovery disks and I don't mind reformatting my PC. I use to reformat my computers once a year and it ran faster with the clean up. I think computers are better now, I don't notice it being any faster, but maybe I know how to keep it cleaner and it is not necessary.

I buy shelf computers and it is easy to get rid of the bloat ware. If I don't know what it is.....like on W 8 I google it. I didn't know what 50% of it was. I love setting up a computer and sorry to admit I am bored to death and it gives something to do. I buy top of the line PCs and have never had a problem with them being slow even before I knew what bloatware was.

If the hard drive fails I will get a new PC, that has only happened to once in all these years. The new one at that time cost $300, half the price of a new PC and my reformatting disks would not work.

Thanks for the info. I am in no way stupid, but my skills are heavily in language and anything related to math can easily sandbag me. I am afraid of making my computer problems worse if I try to fix them, because that is exactly what has happened in the past. I don't open suspicious files but I still get an occasional worm or virus. I live in the country, precisely, among many Mennonite farmers, and technology has not found its way very deeply into this area. Getting technical help out here from Syracuse is expensive. MY ISP, TDS, whom I hate because I believe they gravitate toward underserved areas and then exploit their customers, offers an expensive monthly "service" to keep my computer fast and clean, but it is expensive and I am suspicious od TDS. I am fortunate that I can get DSL because many of the people out here are still stuck with dialup service. Few dare to try satellite service and I have heard nothing good about it. As I said, I research anything and everything that crosses my mind or which I want to buy and I am certain I am encouraging problems that way. I will ask the guru who is eventually coming about imaging. I have Asperger Syndrome and don't deal well with change and that is why I cling to MS products--I got started on them with an ISP employee sitting next to me, who set them up, and instructed me in their use. I have tried different browsers and mail programs in the past but the differences in them were extremely annoying. Another thing--I don't "intuit" very easily and things that seem obvious to others never dawn on me. I can and do learn but I need to find a tutor who can figure out how to explain things so I can grasp them. Still, I have compelted two MS degrees and theses with high honors since computers took over the libraries.

Mudlady, The way I learned about computers was talking to the manufacturers tech when my PC was under warranty. I know people have problems with them I haven't had any. I am patient and treat like I want them to treat me. They even helped with software when they were not suppose to. The other way I learned was reading in this forum as soon as I found it. I even asked a few clerks in stores like Best Buy. The main problem I had was terminology when explaining my problem. With computers it is impossible to know it all, especially software problems.

As for surfing the net for information I do that every day, any and every thing I am curious about I look up and I don't get infections. My server does not keep me safe, I keep me safe. I update my anti virus if it is not automatically done and all the malware soft ware recommended here. I have the slowest speed Cox has and I am satisfied with it. I think surfing is what I would miss most if I didn't have a computer. Good luck to you.

It's like anything else, your PC know-how will remain limited and you'll be repeatedly frustrated and confused if you haven't made an effort to expand your knowledge. These books are available no matter where you live:

PCs for Dummies

Internet for Dummies

There's also a Windows X for Dummies, where X is whatever Windows version you have.

You might consider starting a PC User Discussion group at your local library, adult learning or community center. Or, start doing such when you get together with friends. Or, bribe younger family members with their favorite dinner in return for spending 30 minutes showing you "stuff" on your PC.

The resources and possibilities are endless, there's no need to be in the dark.