I have been looking around the forums recently and have seen many people with problems that may be easily fixed. A lot of these fixes involve installing cleaning programs. So I have compiled a list of cleaning software that everyone should have to keep their computer secure and running fast.
The main emphasis of these programs is that they are free, with no trial or limitations.
1) AVG Anti virus
- Free fast anti virus software
- This program has saved me on many occasions and the frequent virus definition updates keeps the program on top of new infections
Download link: http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition#tba2
Q: I have Norton anti virus installed, why would I need this?
A: You answer is right here: http://www.thepcspy.com/read/what_slows_windows_down/3
2) Norman Malware Cleaner
- Removes malicious software embedded in various files
- I keep my computer very clean and still this program managed to find malware to which I was highly surprised
- This program is just an .EXE, so there is no installation process
Download link: http://www.norman.com/Virus/Virus_removal_tools/24789/
Q: Why install this?
A: It finds malware that gets around other programs
3) CCleaner (Crap Cleaner)
- Over time your computer builds up a massive amount of useless waste, making your computer slow. Such things include temporary files, Windows log files, recently used files lists, internet history etc... CCleaner can removed all this
- It also acts as a registry cleaner getting rid of useless registry files
Download link: https://www.techspot.com/downloads/132-ccleaner.html
Q: Could'nt I just use the built in windows program "Disk Clean-up"?
A: Yes, but it will not clean anywhere near as much as CCleaner will
4) AusLogics Registry Defrag
- Defrags the registry
- Excellent program that tells you how much faster your registry will be after defragmenting
- Be sure to exit all other programs before running this
Download Link: https://www.techspot.com/downloads/4155-auslogics-registry-defrag.html
Q: Lol registry doesn't get fragmented
A: If you install and uninstall programs, then yes, it will definatly get fragmented
5) Spybot - Search & Destroy
- Highly regarded anti spyware software
- Cleans files that try to obtain your credit card details, login details etc
Download link: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html
Q: Couldn't I just use Windows defender?
A: Yes but you would not detect as much as Spybot, plus spybot has "Resident Shield" which lets you see changes programs make to the registry
6) Disk Defragmenter
- Moves all the index or directory information to one spot. Moves this spot into the center of the data, i.e. one third of the way in, so that average head travel to data is halved compared to having directory information at the front
- Moves infrequently used files further from the directory area
Where it is: Start > All programs > Accessories > System tools > Disk Defragmenter
Q: How often should I run this program?
A: After having a major bit torrent session, after installing/removing multiple programs or once every 3 weeks
Note: It is important that you only run Disk defragmenter after checking your drives for errors, windows offers a program for this called "Error-checking". It can be found in :
My Computer > Properties for the disk you want (i.e. right click C drive) > Tools tab > "Check Now" Button
Not running this check before defragmentation can result in a completely corrupt disk, this happened to me once causing me to lose everything.
I personally believe that I have payed good money for my fast-non-lagging computer, using these programs keeps it running like it should and not like some Pentium 3.
The main emphasis of these programs is that they are free, with no trial or limitations.
1) AVG Anti virus
- Free fast anti virus software
- This program has saved me on many occasions and the frequent virus definition updates keeps the program on top of new infections
Download link: http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition#tba2
Q: I have Norton anti virus installed, why would I need this?
A: You answer is right here: http://www.thepcspy.com/read/what_slows_windows_down/3
2) Norman Malware Cleaner
- Removes malicious software embedded in various files
- I keep my computer very clean and still this program managed to find malware to which I was highly surprised
- This program is just an .EXE, so there is no installation process
Download link: http://www.norman.com/Virus/Virus_removal_tools/24789/
Q: Why install this?
A: It finds malware that gets around other programs
3) CCleaner (Crap Cleaner)
- Over time your computer builds up a massive amount of useless waste, making your computer slow. Such things include temporary files, Windows log files, recently used files lists, internet history etc... CCleaner can removed all this
- It also acts as a registry cleaner getting rid of useless registry files
Download link: https://www.techspot.com/downloads/132-ccleaner.html
Q: Could'nt I just use the built in windows program "Disk Clean-up"?
A: Yes, but it will not clean anywhere near as much as CCleaner will
4) AusLogics Registry Defrag
- Defrags the registry
- Excellent program that tells you how much faster your registry will be after defragmenting
- Be sure to exit all other programs before running this
Download Link: https://www.techspot.com/downloads/4155-auslogics-registry-defrag.html
Q: Lol registry doesn't get fragmented
A: If you install and uninstall programs, then yes, it will definatly get fragmented
5) Spybot - Search & Destroy
- Highly regarded anti spyware software
- Cleans files that try to obtain your credit card details, login details etc
Download link: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html
Q: Couldn't I just use Windows defender?
A: Yes but you would not detect as much as Spybot, plus spybot has "Resident Shield" which lets you see changes programs make to the registry
6) Disk Defragmenter
- Moves all the index or directory information to one spot. Moves this spot into the center of the data, i.e. one third of the way in, so that average head travel to data is halved compared to having directory information at the front
- Moves infrequently used files further from the directory area
Where it is: Start > All programs > Accessories > System tools > Disk Defragmenter
Q: How often should I run this program?
A: After having a major bit torrent session, after installing/removing multiple programs or once every 3 weeks
Note: It is important that you only run Disk defragmenter after checking your drives for errors, windows offers a program for this called "Error-checking". It can be found in :
My Computer > Properties for the disk you want (i.e. right click C drive) > Tools tab > "Check Now" Button
Not running this check before defragmentation can result in a completely corrupt disk, this happened to me once causing me to lose everything.
I personally believe that I have payed good money for my fast-non-lagging computer, using these programs keeps it running like it should and not like some Pentium 3.
