Computer problems? Look into these....

[MisterTinkles]

Most computers get slowed down and have problems because of back logged "cookies", spam, and "footprints" left from previous websites and online searches.

In order to keep your pc running as efficiently as possible, look into these FREE programs. Some of these have the basic programs for free, and then you can pay for the upgrades if you wish.

I have had these installed on my computers for years, and I have avoided a slow running computer, shutdowns, freeze ups, and virus hacks by using these programs. They help keep my system filtered and clean, so it can run the way I want it too.

I don't know about other countries....these are USA sites....

Norton Utilities
this one is not free

There are upgrades every year, but the previous year packages are usually just as good and are cheaper. I bought my last one on ebay for $20.

CCleaner by Piriform
free download for basic version
https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner


Revo Uninstall
free download for basic version
Buying full version is worth it!
http://www.revouninstaller.com/



This program is for use by more experienced people who know about computer files and programs

FreeCommander
free download
http://www.freecommander.com/




And, as always, use the Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup programs that come installed on your computer, along with the other cleaning programs.

[Woollyhats]

My boyfriend near freaks around anything Norton. I just pretend that being in IT makes him a computer deity (but actually I'm a cheapo).

I love everything you've posted, I wish I had seen this thread a few months ago. My regular laptop is in being fixed right now (and at this rate maybe I'll have it back by the time I'm 85), so I'm using my old crappy one that I bought myself in highschool.

My first day included cleaning out the crap, the following few days included using tools like the ones you've mentioned. It was a project to teach myself how to care for my computers, and the performance did improve so much.

Once you kind of understand what various programs do, you can look into alternative programs as well. For example, I don't actually use the defrag program that came with this laptop, but another one that automatically defrags on start up and graphically depicts fragmentation.

[VileKyle]

Norton? I'm with Woollyhats' boyfriend on this one. Norton is absolute crap. If you're going to use a paid version of an anti-virus, go with Bitdefender. It's muuuuuuch better.

[MisterTinkles]

Everybody bad mouths Norton.

I have never had any problems with either the Utilities or the Anti Virus programs.

They have saved my computers several times over, from being hacked by viruses and shutdown by malware.

[MisterTinkles]

Norton? I'm with Woollyhats' boyfriend on this one. Norton is absolute crap. If you're going to use a paid version of an anti-virus, go with Bitdefender. It's muuuuuuch better.

The Norton I posted is a Utility program, not an anti-virus program.

[Lycanthropist]

Very nice suggestions, Mr. Tinkles.

May I add http://www.safer-networking.org/ to be used in conjunction with CCleaner, and also https://www.malwarebytes.org/ which are all free. They help get rid of most of the nasties that may be residing on your computer.

For a free anti-virus for windows 7 and below, http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windo...s-download works well also.

I have had numerous people come to me to clean their infections off their computers, so the above mentioned programs are the ones I start with first. If those don't take care of it, I dig deeper into the internet and pull out various programs that help take care of the problems. These free programs listed are also good just for maintaining and keeping your computer healthy. One thing I can't stand is getting someone's computer and seeing 15 different tool bars because people don't read what they are downloading. Sometimes there is very nasty stuff packing in with a program or attached to an email. If people would stop speed clicking and read what is packaged in the executable, they would have a cleaner computer.

[VileKyle]

The Norton I posted is a Utility program, not an anti-virus program.

Bitdefender is also a utility program. They're both the complete package. Bitdefender just catches more.

[LONDONER]

I have to agree with those who find Norton absolute crap. When I had it installed years ago I found my PC slowed down to an almost snail pace.

[EvenOlderButWiser]

Im a Mac user.

Whats a virus :biggrin:

ObW
X

[VileKyle]

Im a Mac user.

Whats freedom :biggrin:

ObW
X

I fixed that for you