Here are some tools to make your life easier! Well, your computer life anyway (for your ‘other’ life – you’re on your own). As you know, you download, create, delete, and move around countless files and endless piles of data on your PC every day. While your PC would ideally handle all of this data for you, it doesn’t take long before you end up with a disorganized, cluttered and very slow computer. I’ve been collecting a list of the tools I find most valuable in keeping this problem under control and helping my PC stay healthy and well adjusted. So here they are:
CCleaner
Any application called CCleaner (www.CCleaner.com) where the first ‘C’ stands for Crap has to be good, right? Okay, maybe not, but this one is, thoroughly cleaning out your web browser, Recycle Bin and temporary files, registry, unnecessary third-party application trash, and oh so much more. Running CCleaner on your system promises to free up space, keep your computer running smoothly, and protect your privacy. It’s also very fast and very easy to use.
Revo Uninstaller
Revo Uninstaller (www.revouninstaller.com) is a feature-rich replacement for the Windows default Add or Remove Programs feature (or Uninstall Programs in Vista). Why use Revo Uninstaller instead? Because not only does it just uninstall a program—it also removes all traces of the program from your system where the basic uninstaller may not. Revo also boasts a Hunter Mode for uninstalling apps by dragging a cross-hair onto the app you want to uninstall, whether it’s the app’s system tray icon or just a shortcut. It even helps manage your startup applications.
Auslogics Disk Defrag
Auslogics Disk Defrag (www.auslogics.com/disk-defrag) is a fast and effective disk defragmenter intended to replace the Windows default. It’s quick and easy to use, and Auslogics DD provides a nicely formatted report of the latest defrag, including a motivating “Defragmentation has increased this computer performance by X%” message.
JkDefrag
JkDefrag (www.kessels.com/jkdefrag) is an open-source disk defragmenting tool. Unlike Auslogics DD, JkDefrag boasts command line support to allow you to set up your disk defrags on a schedule! Perhaps even better, JkDefrag has an installable screensaver that will automatically start defragging your hard drive whenever the screensaver is launched—it even displays the defrag process. Out of the box JkDefrag isn’t the most attractive application you’ll ever use, but when teamed with the JkDefrag GUI, it’s just as attractive and easy to use as any defragger you’ll find.
Spybot - Search & Destroy
Even if you’re using one of the best antivirus applications available, you may still end up with some form of malware on your computer. Spybot-S&D (www.spybot.com/) will ensure that it isn’t there for long. Apart from removing spyware, adware, dialers, keyloggers, and trojans, Spyware-S&D can also cover your usage tracks—like browsing or file history—to give you enhanced privacy on your computer.
MalWareBytes
I recently had trouble removing a irritating little malware program called “AntiVirus 2009”. Spybot couldn’t find it. So I searched the net for other highly rated free mallware removers and discovered MallWareBytes (www.malarebytes.org). It got rid of the problem for me. However, please note that it takes forever to run (maybe because it’s so thorough), so be prepared for a two hour run time.
So there you have six really good little tools to help keep you and your computer happy.
Today’s hint: do you hate it when you get an email from someone and must wade thru the names of all the people it was sent to, before you get to the email itself? So don’t YOU do it. Here’s how: Use the Bcc: field (Bcc, stands for ‘Blind CC’). Just put all the email addresses in the Bcc: field and your recipients will ONLY see one email address – theirs! (Don’t see the Bcc: field in Outlook? – create an email and then click View/Bcc field)
One last note that I have mentioned before. Please download and install WOT (http://www.mywot.com/). WOT is a free internet security addon for you browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, spyware, spam, virses and unreliable shopping sites. It warns you before you enter a risky website, It’s free and it’s easy to use!
Have a question or problem? Write me at BaliPCAdvisor@Gmail.com. I’ll try and answer as soon as I can.
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