It seems maintaining a Windows-based computer can be a hassle with all the options out there to help keep the system clean and usable. I’m going to give you a step by step run down of the programs I use to keep my PC clean and how to use them.
First of all here is a list of the programs I use and the links to download them. If the links do not work let me know. if nothing else a Google search should help you find these great programs.
I run each of these on the first of the month. I recommend you do the same.
AVG Antivirus Free Version
AVG is an antivirus program. There is a paid version and a free version. I have been using the free version for years and my machine has been trouble-free in all that time with zero virus infections. Setup is very easy and the program uses automatic updates and automatic scans. Basically once installed the program will protect you from virus attacks and update itself. Installation is simple just double-click the install icon after downloading. You can get AVG free version from this link:
http://free.avg.com/us-en/download-free-antivirus
Malewarebytes
Malewarebytes is a anti-spyware and anti-malware tool. this program will detect any kind of spyware, malware, and other bad programs that have no business being on your machine. Spyware and malware are programs that install on your machine behind your back and under your nose. Undetected these programs wreak havoc on the machine, causing the machine to slow down over time or to quit working. These programs are installed when you click on questionable ads or go to questionable sites or download questionable software. Spyware and malware can be as bad as a virus. Malwarebytes will eradicate all these bad programs from your machine. Run the program once a month to keep a PC happy. Installation is simple just double-click the install icon after downloading. You can get Malewarebytes from this link:
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Malwarebytes-AntiMalware/1186760019/1
CCleaner
CCleaner is a nice program that cleans out files, folders, and settings that over time are unneeded and take up space. CCleaner will clean up temporary internet files and browsing history for IE and most other browsers out there. CCleaner will delete all the unneeded temporary files the computer makes from installing and uninstalling programs, using programs and documents thereby increasing hard drive space. Of course there are many other things CCleaner can do like search for duplicate files and delete the duplicates, search for duplicate folders and delete them, and search for empty folders and delete them. Basically this little program helps keep things organized by getting rid of the unneeded waste the computer produces during everyday usage. Just run this program once a month with the options you want cleaned to keep the waste to a minimum. Installation is simple. Installation is simple just double-click the install icon after downloading. You can get CCleaner from this link:
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
Sucunia PSI
This program will scan your drive and tell you what programs you have that are out of date then link you to the new version. this program comes in handy for keeping every program installed up to date. This program will also tell you if a certain program is no longer being published. Installation is simple just double-click the install icon after downloading. You can get Sucunia PSI from this link:
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/
SyncBack Freeeware
SyncBack is a freeware backup utility. Very easy to use. Just install and the program will walk you through the steps to back up your data. I have the program set to back up all my important documents, pictures, music, videos, and other important files to an external hard drive. The program can be set to back up data or synchronize data between the source and destination. Always backup your data. Installation is simple just double-click the install icon after downloading. You can get SyncBack from this link:
http://www.2brightsparks.com/download-syncback.html
MozBackup
MozBackup will backup your settings, cookies, passwords, and bookmarks in Firefox. If you use Thunderbird or just about any other Mozilla product this program can save the settings of those programs as well. Very handy program if you find yourself needing to reformat. Installation is simple just double-click the install icon after downloading. You can get MozBackup from this link:
http://mozbackup.jasnapaka.com/download.php
Backrex Internet Explorer Backup
This program is just like MozBackup except it backs up the settings, cookies, connection settings, passwords, and favorites for Internet Explorer. handy little tool just like Mozbackup to back up IE. Installation is simple just double-click the install icon after downloading. You can get Backrex Internet explorer Backup from this link:
http://backsettings.com/internet-explorer-backup.html
Auslogics Registry Cleaner
From time to time the windows registry becomes cluttered and fragmented. This is due to everyday wear and tear, installing programs, uninstalling programs, and usage. Auslogics registry cleaner looks for whats wrong in the registry and fixes it with one click. I have been using this program for years and it keeps the registry healthy and clean. Installation is simple just double-click the install icon after downloading. You can get Auslogics Registry Cleaner from this link:
Smart Defrag 2
Over time the hard drive on a PC gets fragmented because the system opens and closes files. after closing a file the system places the file wherever. Defragging a PC means to put the files closer together and back together so files are found easier and the PC starts up faster. This program runs faster than the built-in Windows defragging program. A PC that is not defragged on a regular basis will become sluggish. Installation is simple just double-click the install icon after downloading. You can get Smart Defrag 2 from this link:
http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html
Disk Cleanup
This one is built into Windows. Simply go to Start, Accessories, System Tools. should be listed there. Run this one ever month as well. Helps keep that hard drive clean.
Windows Updates
This one is built-in to Windows in the same place as Disk Cleanup. It is important to check for updates EVERY month. Don’t forget to update your machine.
