- Joined
- Dec 11, 2012
- Messages
- 716
This a few of the best free programs I use. For most, if not all of them, there are also paid versions that offer more features. I encourage those who can to purchase the software, or donate to the developers so they can continue to make great products and also eat.
In no particular order...
Cleaners & Optimizers: Glary Utilities and CCleaner. Both have registry cleaners that remove entries no longer needed. I suggest using CC first when cleaning the registry, it allows the user to create a back up of the registry before making any changes, something Glary doesn't do. They both allow users to easily find and stop programs that run automatically on startup. Glary has many more features that come in handy like a Process Viewer that lets you see and more easily know what exactly a process is that's running. For those who want to keep their web activity secret Glary has a tracks eraser, though I can't say how well it works as I've never used that feature.
Spyware & Adware blockers/removers: The most effective program by far is MBAM (Malwarebytea Anti-malware) The free version is great for removing almost any malware. The paid version is best as it actively runs in the background preventing infection. Another well respected program is Spybot Search & Destroy. It lets users "immunize" their PC by downloading the list of known malware which it then prevents from installing on the computer. A similar program is Spyware Blaster, which prevents users from connecting to known bad websites. The free version is like SB S&D, it has to be manually updated frequently to be most effective.
Anti-Virus programs: The two I would recommend are MSE and Avast. Both are free and very effective for the average user. When used along with common sense and caution, i.e. not clicking links in spam, they offer all the protection most users need. For anyone who doesn't already know, never run two A/V programs at the same time.
Live CD OS: These are operating systems that run directly from the optical (CD/DVD) drive or even through a flash drive. I choose to use a CD because most computers will boot from them without having to fiddle with the boot options on the PC.
The Live CD OS can be absolutely invaluable when unable to remove nasty viruses and other malware. Their best feature is the ability to access an infected computer and copy files that have not been backed up so users can then reinstall the OS. I refer most people to a site called BitDefender Rescue CD because it has easy to follow instructions on how to create the disk, plus it can possibly remove the malware so the OS doesn't have to be reinstalled. Linux, Ubuntu and others also work well if just accessing the files is the only objective.
When installing any software, especially freeware, always pay close attention to what you agree to install. Many free programs will install toolbars, direct your browser to a different Start page and do other things you don't want to do.
This isn't my complete list of preferred free programs, just what time will allow me to post right now. I encourage others to add their favorites and/or argue about which ones I chose and if another is a better option.
Good day all, HT.
In no particular order...
Cleaners & Optimizers: Glary Utilities and CCleaner. Both have registry cleaners that remove entries no longer needed. I suggest using CC first when cleaning the registry, it allows the user to create a back up of the registry before making any changes, something Glary doesn't do. They both allow users to easily find and stop programs that run automatically on startup. Glary has many more features that come in handy like a Process Viewer that lets you see and more easily know what exactly a process is that's running. For those who want to keep their web activity secret Glary has a tracks eraser, though I can't say how well it works as I've never used that feature.
Spyware & Adware blockers/removers: The most effective program by far is MBAM (Malwarebytea Anti-malware) The free version is great for removing almost any malware. The paid version is best as it actively runs in the background preventing infection. Another well respected program is Spybot Search & Destroy. It lets users "immunize" their PC by downloading the list of known malware which it then prevents from installing on the computer. A similar program is Spyware Blaster, which prevents users from connecting to known bad websites. The free version is like SB S&D, it has to be manually updated frequently to be most effective.
Anti-Virus programs: The two I would recommend are MSE and Avast. Both are free and very effective for the average user. When used along with common sense and caution, i.e. not clicking links in spam, they offer all the protection most users need. For anyone who doesn't already know, never run two A/V programs at the same time.
Live CD OS: These are operating systems that run directly from the optical (CD/DVD) drive or even through a flash drive. I choose to use a CD because most computers will boot from them without having to fiddle with the boot options on the PC.
The Live CD OS can be absolutely invaluable when unable to remove nasty viruses and other malware. Their best feature is the ability to access an infected computer and copy files that have not been backed up so users can then reinstall the OS. I refer most people to a site called BitDefender Rescue CD because it has easy to follow instructions on how to create the disk, plus it can possibly remove the malware so the OS doesn't have to be reinstalled. Linux, Ubuntu and others also work well if just accessing the files is the only objective.
When installing any software, especially freeware, always pay close attention to what you agree to install. Many free programs will install toolbars, direct your browser to a different Start page and do other things you don't want to do.
This isn't my complete list of preferred free programs, just what time will allow me to post right now. I encourage others to add their favorites and/or argue about which ones I chose and if another is a better option.
Good day all, HT.
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