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

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Martoch

01-19-2006, 06:07 PM

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.
:D

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.
:p

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 (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx)

Spybot
http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Dest...14.html?tag=pop (http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10401314.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 (http://www.raxco.com/products/downloadit/perfectdisk2000_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. :P
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

01-19-2006, 06:12 PM

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

01-19-2006, 06:15 PM

no good for me and my mac :p

CanadianK9

01-19-2006, 06:17 PM

I got the latest version of zonealarm lol

GlassOnion

01-19-2006, 06:24 PM

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

01-19-2006, 06:27 PM

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

01-19-2006, 06:37 PM

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

01-19-2006, 06:38 PM

GlassOnion

01-19-2006, 06:50 PM

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 (http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php) and you can't go wrong.

moo

01-19-2006, 06:50 PM

Martoch

01-19-2006, 06:52 PM

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

01-19-2006, 06:54 PM

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

Puckstop31

01-19-2006, 07:00 PM

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

01-19-2006, 07:00 PM

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

01-19-2006, 07:04 PM

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

01-19-2006, 07:06 PM

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

01-19-2006, 07:06 PM

Nice try to box me in.... ;)

I believe I was the one backed into a corner.
:p

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.
:p

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.
:eek:

Jeebus people.... I offered ADVICE.

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

moo

01-19-2006, 07:08 PM

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

01-19-2006, 07:11 PM

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

01-19-2006, 07:11 PM

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

Puckstop31

01-19-2006, 07:19 PM

I believe I was the one backed into a corner.
:p

Then this info is not for you.

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

You're something, that's for sure.
:p

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

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

Ya know something.... I like you. You answered all these points in a way that I would have. LOL

With my tail between my legs, I humbly withdraw from this engagement....

BECAUSE I AM STILL AT WORK!!! :p

<mumble...stupid 24x7 enviroment...mumble.....stupid "narrow down windows"...mumble>

Martoch, really.... excellent responces to my boorish points. I can see how I SHOULD be the smacked ass in this case.

Martoch

01-19-2006, 08:05 PM

Awwww...
:)

Thanks Puckhead31!
http://members.cox.net/mikeishome/evil.gif

:p

A few more goodies...

Voted best free e-mail client by many:
Thunderbird
http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/

Free CD/DVD burning software:
CDBurnerXP Pro
http://www.cdburnerxp.se/

sparks19

01-19-2006, 08:19 PM

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.

I don't think he was being judgemental BUT things like that do happen all the time and you can never be too careful. i don't think anything he said was out of line. We do not know what he does on other sites. he was just putting it out there so others could be aware JUST IN CASE. I understand he is your husband but puckstop is my husband and he can fight his own battles.

Martoch

01-19-2006, 08:36 PM

puckstop is my husband and he can fight his own battles.

You're posting in his defense to tell us that he can fight his own battles?
:confused:

[scratches head]
:p

Anyway...your post really wasn't necessary as we've overlooked all that jazz and moved forward.
;)

Seriously...ask your husband, we talked in PMs for a short while.
:)

So please...if there are any more posts that aren't related to this thread, feel free to PM that sort of stuff. It really isn't necessary and is degrading the purpose of me trying to be helpful.

One more startup list analyzer..
http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html

sparks19

01-19-2006, 08:39 PM

You're posting in his defense to tell us that he can fight his own battles?
:confused:

[scratches head]

Anyway...your post really wasn't necessary as we've overlooked all that jazz and moved forward.

Seriously...ask your husband, we talked in PMs for a short while.

So please...if there are any more posts that aren't related to this thread, feel free to PM that sort of stuff. It really isn't necessary and is degrading the purpose of me trying to be helpful.

One more startup list analyzer..
http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html

:rolleyes:

So everyone gets to say their piece except me :( FINE then be that way *cry*

Anyway having a separate program for every single thing also starts to bog down the computer.

Martoch

01-19-2006, 08:45 PM

No redheads allowed! (my wife is a readhead too)
:p

For those of you that have a home wireless network that is not already properly set up for security. Most of the people I know don't even have any security settings enabled on their wireless routers. Avoid WEP encryption as it can be broken in minutes with free software. WPA is the way to go...
Wireless Security: WPA Step by Step (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1277022,00.asp)

Martine

01-19-2006, 08:50 PM

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.

We paid for spysweeper, but never turn it on, because of exactly that problem scob. I just have one pc to take care of these days, but even with all the paid-for or free software out there I known you are never 100% safe. I just don't open unknow emails and surf a lot less. Means I get to spend more time here :D

sparks19

01-19-2006, 08:50 PM

chazhound

01-20-2006, 12:28 AM

Hi Martoch,
I used and can vouche for most of the programs you have listed. Cleanup is awesome and I have used it since 1.0 verson.
Thanks for the other great programs I so far am amazed.

Chazhound

Martoch

01-20-2006, 06:56 AM

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.

You mean if you keep it running all of the time? I don't use spysweeper as realtime protection...I just use it as a one time scan to get rid of malware. As a matter of fact, the only realtime programs I have running are my antivirus, firewall, and popup stopper. If you're an IE user, Microsoft Antispyware Beta will catch a lot of spyware before it's able to embed itslef into your system. You'll see it pop up with a "XXX is trying to enter your startup registry" or whatever and you can decide whether or not to allow it. I'm a dedicated Firefox user, so no need for it here.

Thanks for the other great programs I so far am amazed.

Thanks chazhound...glad to be of service.
;)

~Mike

Melissa_W

01-20-2006, 07:18 AM

I will definitely vouch for Firefox, Zone Alarm, and Ad-aware. I'm gonna try out some of the other programs you mentioned though. Thanks!

Martoch

01-20-2006, 08:14 AM

You're welcome! Thanks for trying some of the others out as well.

Some info on Avast...this seems long, but it's helpful.
What I really like about Avast antivirus is the boot-time scan.

A new option with this release is the boot-time scan (Windows NT/2000/XP/.NET only). This important feature allows a user to instigate scanning before a virus is activated, in the case that a virus is suspected to be active on your computer already.

When Avast is installed, it will prompt you with a "do you want to schedule a boot-time scan?" It's okay to answer yes, but before you reboot, it is important to perform an update so you're scanning with the latest virus signatures. Before you reboot, launch Avast and copy/paste the free registration code from your e-mail into the box and hit OK. Then cancel the memory scan (no point without the latest virus defs). Once the main Avast window opens, you'll see a window open with a numbered list of Avast features. Check the 'do not show me this again' box at the bottom and close that window. Click on the upper left button (up arrow with a line underneath) and select 'updating--program update' and let it run its course, but do not reboot if prompted. Hit that same button again and select 'settings', then click on 'sounds' and check the box to disable sounds (you don't have to, but the sounds are annoying to me)...then click on 'update (connections)', check the appropriate box, and hit OK. After rebooting, you'll see that Avast will perform the boot-time scan (assuming you selected 'yes' when it asked you during installation). Once it finishes and your system boots to Windows, you'll notice two new icons in your system tray (bottom right most likely unless you've moved the taskbar somewhere else)...two blue spheres...one with an 'i' in the middle and one with an 'a'. Right click on the 'i' and select 'merge with main Avast icon' (or something similar). If you hold the mouse over the main 'a' icon, you should see 'On-Access Scanner: 7 Provider(s) total, 6 running. That's because the 7th (e-mail scanner) won't begin until you launch your e-mail program. Now you're protected!
:)

DanL

01-20-2006, 08:45 AM

Puck, I have a similar job as you- 24/7 environment. Our team has about 2000 servers we manage, all divided up between us. That makes it cool because you have a definite list of boxes you are responsible for maintaining- if you don't, you get called at 2am when it crashes. Luckily, they allow us to work from home via VPN. The only time I have to go to the data center is when something crashes hard and needs a rebuild or other hardware work. I only have about 130 boxes myself, but some of them are the most important in the company- payroll and benefits stuff. I'm not responsible for any end user desktops, just servers, so my exposure to idiots is minimalized, though application developers can fit the idiot bill pretty well sometimes. :)

Martoch

01-20-2006, 03:43 PM

9/10 people can't tell me what processor speed they have or how much memory is installed in their PCs, but would like to know more about their computer(s).

Here's a great program that will tell you just about everything you need to know about your computer...from hardware to software. Free and a snap to use.
Everest Home Edition (http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Info/Everest-Home-Edition.shtml)
EVEREST Home Edition is a free system diagnostics, system information and benchmarking solution for home PC users

Enjoy!
Mike

scob89

01-20-2006, 03:55 PM

You mean if you keep it running all of the time? I don't use spysweeper as realtime protection...I just use it as a one time scan to get rid of malware. As a matter of fact, the only realtime programs I have running are my antivirus, firewall, and popup stopper. If you're an IE user, Microsoft Antispyware Beta will catch a lot of spyware before it's able to embed itslef into your system. You'll see it pop up with a "XXX is trying to enter your startup registry" or whatever and you can decide whether or not to allow it. I'm a dedicated Firefox user, so no need for it here.

I never kept it running all the time just used it to scan the two drives once a week. But the whole time i had it the computer ran slow and yes I did make sure that it was not running. After I got rid of it this computer ran alot better.

amymarley

01-24-2006, 07:03 PM

I am not a computer expert by any means, but what I do LOVE is Registry Mechanic. It costs about 25.00 per year and does a sweep every time you want or when you start up your computer. I had a brand new computer and after 4 months, I purchased it and found over 300 things wrong with my computer, and it fixed them within seconds.
I found this from my dad, who found a web site (which I love) called www.majorgeeks.com. They have a lot of free ware and some to buy... they have been great. But, I run my Reg. Mec. all the time.

Martoch

01-25-2006, 08:40 AM

scob89...too bad you don't live closer, I would like to have checked out why your system would hang with SS installed.

I like Registry Mechanic as well...in fact, I just ran a scan yesterday. I also use majorgeeks from time to time. In fact, I'll use it right now.
;)

RegScrubXP is a free registry cleaner...with a few added tweaks available when you click the 'misc' button in the upper right.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2048

amymarley

01-26-2006, 07:44 PM

Thanks for the info Martoch...
Gotta question, are you familiar with Homestead? I have my website through them and created it myself...not a very good job, since I am web-site (creating) challanged... I am trying to add another page for a new-add-on business with my pet sitting business. Anyway, when I publish new changes, it sometimes takes a bit to show on line. I haven't touched the site for a long time and I hope it works out...
Anyway, was wondering if it doesn't "show up," I was wondering if you are familiar with Homestead.
Amy

scob89

01-27-2006, 07:22 PM

scob89...too bad you don't live closer, I would like to have checked out why your system would hang with SS installed.

I knew what the problem was lol It was Spy Sweeper that was makeing the computer run slow, and that was the ONLY thing wrong was that program. After removeing it the computer ran like it was new.

keyodie

01-29-2006, 08:35 PM

Wow, thanks! One important question though...how do I download crap cleaner? :p Sorry, I'm not very observant.

edit: Nevermind, thanks for your help anyway. I found it. :D

Angel Chicken

08-15-2006, 02:35 PM

I just now got to reading this thread...

Anyway... as a Guinea Pig for testing software for my mans work (they sell AVG and CounterSpy, the best US reseller on the East Coast), I know alot of programs that work and alot that are crap.

Crap Cleaner sucks... I won't even go into the story about how it made my OS crash...

I haven't used CleanUp... maybe I'll point that out to Robert when he gets here.

Adaware really sucks... often leaves things behind, much like Norton.

Microsoft AntiSpyware/ Windows Live One Care... sucks... got 13 worms using this stuff. Not including all the cookies and trojan viruses I got.

SpyBot is good. We use this when we clean up someone's machine. Very good product, in my opinion!!

Spy Sweeper: Have not tried it

Ewido: Great news!! Gristsoft came out with a free version of Ewido!! This is also a great product, Paired with AVG Free, you can't go wrong!

Avast uses up alot of memory, thus making your computer suer slow, and misses things as well.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition: Great product. Though I have a paid version, I know many people that use AVG Free, and are very pleased with it!

And as for FireFox, I LOVE IT!!! The tabbed browsing is very handy! There are lots of other reasons I love it, but I can't remember them at the moment!

xx speed

11-16-2006, 08:15 PM

will the CC delete saved passwords when it cleans out the cache/temp files? my grandpa would never be able to get into any of his sites if the saved passwords got deleted xD and firefox = love. i haven't used any of the other things on your list, but i must agree that norton totally sucks. i use mcafee, it came with my [dell] machine. i'm quite pleased with it =]