Please do your computer(s) a favor! (good stuff from a computer guy)

[Martoch]

Just sharing some goodies with you all...I've been into computers for years and these programs have proven themselves time and time again.

Here are two free programs that us computer guys use religiously to free up space on our own systems, as well as our customers' computers as well. Both are totally free and DO NOT contain spyware. I posted them on my horror forum and the first 2 people freed up over 1GB each.


Crap Cleaner
http://www.ccleaner.com/

CleanUp
http://www.stevengould.org/software/cleanup/

Close all other windows when running these applications. With Crap Cleaner, you can hit the 'analyze' button for a preview of how much junk it will remove...then you simply hit the 'Run Cleaner' button to finish the job. Then you can click on 'Issues' on the upper left of your screen to remove junk registry files. With CleanUp, it's just a matter of hitting the 'CleanUp!' button.
You can customize each to delete only what you want to have deleted...I run them both at their default settings. Totally safe to use! I've removed up to 4gb on systems with just Crap Cleaner alone. If you have a lot of junk files built up, it may appear that the program isn't doing anything...just let it keep running until it displays a list of files to be deleted.

Some of you will be amazed at just how much crap you have on your systems. Oh...keep in mind, it will delete your browser history, so don't come crying to me when you hit the dropdown arrow in your address bar and your recently visited sites aren't there.


Some spyware programs...

Be sure you use the update feature of each program before you run your scans.
Adaware
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10399602.html?tag=pop

Microsoft Antispyware Beta (will not work on Windows 98 or lower)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/s...re/default.mspx

Spybot
http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Dest...14.html?tag=pop

The following are NOT free, but they have a fully functional trial version that you can use to give your system a good cleaning.

SpySweeper
http://www.webroot.com/land/freescan_download.php?rc=4259

Ewido
http://www.ewido.net/en/download/

Be sure to run the two cleaners I posted above before running the spyware programs...the result is MUCH less files to be scanned (less time). Also, turn off system restore (ME & XP users) before you clean your system. Some spyware/viruses can be saved in restore points.
NEVER do searches for spyware programs to install...there are so many fake programs that actually add more spyware, but look like they're getting rid of some.

I'll add my favorite FREE antivirus program to the list.
Avast Home Edition
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
It requires a free registration, but it's fast and you won't get spam.
http://www.avast.com/i_kat_207.php?lang=ENG

My 2nd favorite.
AVG
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

FYI, if you're currently using Norton...I (along with all of my computer buds) HIGHLY recommend you uninstall it right now and install either Avast or AVG. Norton is not free, it misses viruses all of the time (I've seen it dozens of times), and it's a resource hog.

You can use this trial defrag program until it expires as it's fully functional as well.
PerfectDisk
http://www.raxco.com/products/downloadit/p...00_download.cfm
Quick registration with no spam.

Time to free up some system resources by eliminating unwanted programs from starting up every time your computer is turned on/rebooted.
Autoruns
http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Autoruns.html
It shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP.

Use these two sites to help determine whether or not you need to have each process running upon system boot.
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php
http://www.processlibrary.com/

If the processes don't show up in either of those, do a google search...if it doesn't show up in google, you probably don't need it.


Free popup blocker:
http://www.panicware.com/product_psfree.html

A FREE Office suite comparable to Microsoft Office...some people actually like it better.
http://www.openoffice.org/

Free image manipulation program.
The Gimp
http://www.gimp.org/

For you IE users...give Firefox a try. 9/10 computer geeks prefer it.
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

I really hope you guys take the time to try these programs...you'll be glad you did and I'll feel better about taking so much time to post them up.

 

[GlassOnion]

I'll vouch for the firefox thing.

Can't say much about the rest. I used to know all this crap but have lost touch with that side of my geekdom.

 

[Saje]

no good for me and my mac

 

[CanadianK9]

I got the latest version of zonealarm lol

 

[GlassOnion]

What does zone alarm have to do with it?

Firewalls aren't fail safe, if that's what you're thinking. (not to sound rude, just saying)


By the way CC is telling me that it's going to delete WinRar? I'm assuming it's talking about temporary files that I don't need and not the whole program?

Cause I kinda enjoy WinRar...

 

[CanadianK9]

no, im just sayin cause he is posting spyware and adware proggies along with cleaners and firewalls. And I have more than just a firewall, but im not saying what I use

 

[Puckstop31]

As a card carrying MCSE who manages a network that all said, connects around 18 TERRAbytes of data with a user community that has nearly 30,000 users....

Be wary of a person with a low post total who offers "great computer advice" with out being asked to do so... On a pet forum.

 

[Martoch]

While I can appreciate your caution, I assure you that these are all good programs...well wait a minute, why am I telling you? You should know that already, so why would you even make a comment like that? At least read through my thread to see if I'm just posting up spam or trying to advertise my own products...which I'm not. Do you disagree with anything I've posted? If so, please share your thoughts. I would be more than happy to post up a reference, but I don't want to spam the computer forum that I belong to. I'm simply just trying to offer free help to the folks that have helped us tremendously with our new puppy.


Oh, and this is the fire hydrant by the way...
Discuss anything non-pet related here!

CC will tell you exactly what it's going to delete, so pay attention to the path/file name. I've NEVER had crapcleaner delete any files needed to run applications.

And I have more than just a firewall, but im not saying what I use

Why not?


I don't particularly like Zone Alarm...well, at least an older version. I can't say much about the latest release as I've been a Sygate user for quite some time.

 

[GlassOnion]

Well all the stuff he's offering goes to the same location it says it does (not a hidden link with the url tags) and about 80% I've already heard of before.

Though CC is new to me, it seems to have done it's purpose. Got rid of 4 gigs of random crap (mostly picture files in my 'temporary' internet folder, never understood why it's called a temporary folder...nothing temporary about it).


And the startup function of it is very nice. It labels everything, even better than if you run msconfig in Run.


That and cross referencing the processes with SysInfo and you can't go wrong.

 

[moo]

Martoch is last person you should be weary of. As a matter of fact he used to be a moderator on a tech support site. He knows more than I could ever hope to know about computers, and I am no academic slouch. He has his own pc repair business, so be confident that the free advice he offers is valid and acurate. As far as low post count.........that is strictly on this site. I can offer you the site to check his credentials in a PM if you ask. He has over 6,000 posts to his credit on the tech support site. Puckstop31, don't be so quick to judge.

 

[Martoch]

Thanks for having a little faith, GlassOnion.


I wouldn't steer you guys wrong...and I wouldn't post up a program that I personally have never used.

 

[smkie]

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!! I need all the help i can get i am a computer eeejit

 

[Puckstop31]

While I can appreciate your caution, I assure you that these are all good programs...well wait a minute, why am I telling you? You should know that already, so why would you even make a comment like that? At least read through my thread to see if I'm just posting up spam or trying to advertise my own products...which I'm not. Do you disagree with anything I've posted? If so, please share your thoughts.

Nice try to box me in....

It is nothing personal, sorry if you feel it is. I am a professional and as such I do not need software to help me keep my systems clean. As for talking to those who cannot do these things on their own (which, there is nothing wrong with not being able to do so, much in the way I need to take my cars to a mechanic) I would simply offer this one piece of advice to chew on...

As with all things in technology, you get what you pay for. There are rare exceptions, (Firefox being one of the BEST), but in my experience FREE software, sucks.

I guess I am somewhat of a computer snob, but I make my living doing this. It is also hard for me to think about having to worry JUST about one PC, I have a massive network to keep humming.

I'm simply just trying to offer free help to the folks that have helped us tremendously with our new puppy.

This sounds JUST like a lot of spam emails I have seen....

Oh, and this is the fire hydrant by the way...
Discuss anything non-pet related here!

I know... But you missed my point. Think about it....


Again, please do not take any of this personally. I am a cynic when it comes to computers because EVERYONE says they are an expert and in my experience, that generally means... "I know how to turn one on".

 

[Martoch]

You're welcome! If any of you need help with settings of those programs, please let me know...I'll do my best to walk you through the basics.

Puckstop31, YGPM.

Here's a link to a good free online virus scanner...you can use it in conjunction with your antivirus program for additional protection.
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

 

[Puckstop31]

Jeebus people.... I offered ADVICE. Decent advice if you think about it for a second.

If it makes you feel better, I can start being judgemental. Just lemme know.

 

[scob89]

FYI, if you're currently using Norton...I (along with all of my computer buds) HIGHLY recommend you uninstall it right now and install either Avast or AVG. Norton is not free, it misses viruses all of the time (I've seen it dozens of times), and it's a resource hog.

I know all about that. lol Our main computer went down because norton missed a virus. It was bad enuff that I had to wipe the drive and install my OS again.

As for that spysweeper I think that it is crap. I used it for awhile I found out that it takes away power from your computer and takes forever to scan both hard drives.

 

[Martoch]

Nice try to box me in....

I believe I was the one backed into a corner.

I am a professional and as such I do not need software to help me keep my systems clean.

Then this info is not for you.

As with all things in technology, you get what you pay for. There are rare exceptions, (Firefox being one of the BEST), but in my experience FREE software, sucks.

A lot of free software does suck, but these are tried and tested over time by computer experts such as yourself.

I guess I am somewhat of a computer snob

You're something, that's for sure.

Again, please do not take any of this personally. I am a cynic when it comes to computers because EVERYONE says they are an expert and in my experience, that generally means... "I know how to turn one on".

I didn't take it personally, I just took you for a goofy goober.

Jeebus people.... I offered ADVICE.

Oh great, now we're all 'Jesus people'???
J/K!

 

[moo]

Well, you can understand how when I perceive my husband being attacked, I get defensive. Besides, he was doing just what you claim to be doing..........giving advice.

Anyway, no harm, no foul.

 

[GlassOnion]

I've used housecall before, it's legit.

I post here, on some motorcycle forums, and on a different forum and know all about low post count people and their 'offers'.

But I also have parents who both teach computers at the college level so a lot of this stuff kind of wears off on me whether I want it or not. That and I've heard of most of these programs already from various areas (said forums above, for instance).


I highly doubt any of those programs are malignant, and if they are, well I guess I'm a fool then.

 

[Martoch]

You're no fool, I appreciate you taking the time to look over the info before posting.


Anyway...back on topic!

Here's a very easy to follow home networking tutorial...this is probably one of the most common issues on the computer forum.
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/net.asp