PC Survival Kit
Links and Information to keep your PC healthy
I have added this section (PC Survival Kit) to the JFB Page in the hope that it may help the average (non-tech) user secure and optimize his or her computer. Below are Links to 8 programs (plus 1) that will help keep your computer running safely and smoothly. These are, in my opinion, the bare essentials. In each section below, I have included the manufacturer's description along with some comments of my own to help you get started. Click on the Links, Download the program packages, and Install the applications. If you are unsure as to how to download and install a program, I can offer little help at this time; but here is some basic information: Install-a-program.
Everything on this page has been tested on Windows XP and Windows 7. Everything on this page is Free. Many of the programs have a "pro" (pay) version that offer some extra features, but I find the free versions to be adiquate for what they do.
Before moving on, let me offer some basic advice: 1) keep your Windows operating system updated, either by using Automatic Updates, or by frequently checking Windows Updates. Not only will this keep you system up-to-date, but Windows runs a Malicious Software Removal Tool every month to keep your system free from the most common viruses and malware. 2) Use a Firewall! By most accounts, the windows Firewall is adequate, but there are several highly rated Firewalls available; so be sure one is on. 3) Keep all your utilites updated. Some will ask to be updated quite often. It's best to have the latest versions. 4) Un-install (remove) as much left-over Trialware and junk software as you can from your system. They only take up disk space, they run constantly in the background, and they often "phone home" every time you use the internet. And, finally, 5) use Google to find answers to your computer questions. If you can formulate a question, Google it, and chances are somebody will offer an answer. Just be sure to check more than one answer to try to avoid a bad answer.
That's it. I hope you find this page usefull. Good Luck...
Anti-Virus
From Microsoft: With Microsoft Security Essentials, you get high-quality protection against viruses and spyware, including Trojans, worms and other malicious software. Security Essentials is easy to install and easy to use. Updates and upgrades are automatic, so there's no need to worry about having the latest protection. It's easy to tell if you're protected - when the Security Essentials icon is green, your status is good. It's as simple as that. Security Essentials runs quietly in the background, only alerting you if there's something you need to do.
From me: There are other good, free anti-virus programs from which to choose (ex. AVG and Avast!), but I like the simplicity of MSSE. Remember, you can run only one anti-virus client, so choose one that you trust. Updated anti-virus protection is an absolute must have.
Anti-Malware
From Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a high performance anti-malware application that thoroughly removes even the most advanced malware and spyware. With one of the fastest, most effective quick scans and malware removal capabilities on the market, this program is the perfect addition to your PC's defenses. The free version has some non-critical functions turned off.
From me: This is a must have.
System Optimization
From Piriform: CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner.
From me: This is a must have. Be sure you understand the settings before you change the defaults. The Registry Cleaner is limited, but it is very safe; I have never had a problem with it.
System Optimization
From Glaryutilities: One Click A Day For PC Maintenance. Glary Utilities is an indispensable friend for your PC, with its 100% safe, thorough & quick cleaning and worry-free restoration. Glary Utilities is a freeware with registry and disk cleaning, privacy protection, performance accelerator and amazing multifunctional tools. It can fix dogged registry errors, wipe off clutters, optimize internet speed, safeguard confidential files and maintain maximum performance. It is designed for both novice and professionals. User-friendly interface shows clear & detailed directions.
From me: This is a must have. Stick with the "1-Click Maintenance" option (avoid the Moduals option, unless you know what you're doing); it is very safe.
Disk Defragment
From Auslogics Software: Disk Defrag will speed up your computer by optimizing file system. It can defragment files, consolidate free space and move system files to the faster part of the disk. With Disk Defrag you'll get the maximum out of your hard drive performance. And with its comprehensive reports you will always be aware of what have been done. Disk Defrag features: fast and safe defragmentation of the disk drives; optimization of clusters' structure and file system for even better disk performance.
From me: Much better than the Windows disk defragmenter. There are other disk defraggers, but I like this one the most.
Registry Cleaner
From Auslogics Software: The Windows Registry is the most accessed and the most vulnerable to errors part of your computer. As you install and uninstall software it becomes cluttered with obsolete and corrupted entries, which can cause system errors, crashes, and failures. Therefore it's extremely important to keep the Registry in top form by cleaning all the junk and fixing all the errors that accumulate over time. Auslogics Registry Cleaner is designed for fast and safe Registry optimization. It will detect and fix various Registry errors and ensure that your computer runs as good as new.
From me: I find that cleaning the registry periodically makes the system more stable and run smoother. Some registry cleaners, however, can be dangerous, but I have never had a problem with this one.
Registry Defragment
From iExpert Software: During the normal operation of a Windows system, registry data is constantly being written to and removed from the registry. Over time this data becomes scattered within the registry file and when information is deleted from the registry holes are left which fragment the data within the registry. Our Free Registry Defrag optimizes your registry by removing gaps and wasted space, thus improves the whole system performance.
From me: Some people feel this is unneccessary, especially with Windows 7, but I do think it makes the system run smoother.
System Monitor
From BillP Studios: Clean up your Taskbar, ActiveX, Brower and Startup programs. WinPatrol monitors and exposes adware, keyloggers, spyware, worms, cookies, and other malicious software. WinPatrol's goal is to help you better understand what programs are running on your computer and to alert you to any new programs added without your permission. Unlike traditional security programs, WinPatrol doesn't scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. Instead, it uses a heuristic behavioral approach, taking a snapshot of your critical system resources, then alerting you to any changes that occur without your knowledge.
From me: This has proven to be a very useful program, even though parts of it I do not use. Use the "Sartup" tab to disable any unwanted startup programs, and use the "IE Helpers" tab to remove all the so-called "IE Helpers"; you don't need them; they only track your internet activity.
Utility Launcher
Utility Launcher is a convenient launcher for clean-up and maintenance programs. You can place up to 20 utilities under a single (1) desktop icon, so they can be accessed and run quickly. Utility Launcher is by no means essential; it is like the ribbon that can tie a boquet of utility programs together. This is the utility program that I use regularly to run my arsenal of third-party clean-up and maintenance programs.