Ed "The Computer Wizard"

"The Computer Wizard" Technical Services

Self Support!

Spyware and Adware are the leading cause of Pop-ups and computer slowdowns. To help aid in fighting this plague, I am providing links to a few "Safe" programs. The biggest issue with some spyware cleaners is that they install their own adware. The biggest problem with some adware cleaners is that they install their own spyware. The programs below are free for home use and very effective when used together often. As always, update the definition files often and run the cleaners regularly. I advise running the cleaners once a week.

Kill Spyware!

This section has to start with a link to the #1 tool in any tech's tool collection; Adaware 2007.
While this doesn't fix everything, it gets the majority of the issues. Updates are pretty regular, so run the auto-update before each run.

While Ad-Aware is great for the adware, Spybot Search & Destroy can't be beat for finding those pesky applications that report personal data back to their home servers. Again, updates are pretty regular, so run the auto-update before each system scan.

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy 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. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware! :)

PC Tune-Up

The following tips will help keep your computer running quickly and smoothly.
You should run Defrag frequently.

Clear your temp files often. Minimize the number of items in your startup and on your desktop.

Newsletters

I am currently not sending out a newsletter, but I have links to a few that I would recommend.

Anti-Virus

To help keep you computer running safe and quick, be sure that you use a good Anti Virus program. Your computer may have come with a subscription to Norton System Works or Mcafee Home Security Center. These are fine products, but they do require a yearly fee. They also tend to be a little bloated and can slow down your computer. Instead, opt for one of these FREE Anti virus applications. They like for you to register and confirm that you are using it on a personal machine as opposed to installing to your corporate workforce. It's quick and painless, and well worth the effort!

First on my list is my favorite. This is a very flexible scanner and will allow some of the advanced settings that others will not, such as setting exceptions. The footprint seems very light and the interface is well laid out.

This next product is one I have used for years. You have to renew your registration every year, but it is still free. This software is not only an Anti-Virus scanner, but an Anti-Spyware and Anti-Root kit scanner as well! This one is a great option when you need a comprehensive program and want to save on money. These guys have won awards for their hard work and the result is a great piece of software.

For a simple program that requires no baby sitting, and no registration, check out AVG. It is completly free, but lacks the ability to do scan exclusions. It will download updates automatically and monitor you computer for potential threats. The updates are regular and the program is very good at taking care of threats. Check it out.