PC Maintenance & Internet Security (a new batch)
PC Maintenance & Internet Security
Hard Drive Cleaners:
Ways to Clean Up Your Hard Drive,
Remove Excess Clutter & Junk Files
Hard Drive Cleaners:
Ways to Clean Up Your Hard Drive,
Remove Excess Clutter & Junk Files
CCLeaner (www.ccleaner.com): This free utility cleans up Internet temporary files, history, cookies, it is a registry cleaner, it removes temporary files from Windows and many other applications, as well as emptying your recycle bin and much more.
Windows Disk Cleaner: This utility is built into every version of Windows. To find it, double-click on “My Computer,” then right-click on your “C” drive and choose Properties. Then, click on the Disk Cleanup button.
Windows Clean-Up: (www.stevengould.org): The famous toilet flush sound initiates this rather famous free utility from programmer Steven Gould. It does pretty much the same things as CCLeaner above, but removes even more, and can be dangerous to use for that reason.
Windows Clean-Up: (www.stevengould.org): The famous toilet flush sound initiates this rather famous free utility from programmer Steven Gould. It does pretty much the same things as CCLeaner above, but removes even more, and can be dangerous to use for that reason.
Anti-Malware (includes Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware)
Google Pack – A Google security suite which Includes Norton Security Scan for viruses & worms and PC Tools Spyware Doctor (lite) for spyware, adware, trojans & keyloggers; go here to download.
Anti-Phishing -- Use features built into IE, Firefox and other browsers. See our
anti-Phishing page for more information.
Anti-Spyware -- Try avast! antivirus Home Edition including anti-spyware & anti-rootkit and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free. --See this Anti-Spyware page for more information. *After cleaning, use SpywareBlaster to block new spyware from loading onto your computer.
Trojan Killer -- Try the online TrojanScan or download a2 free. See our anti-Trojan page for more information.
Trojan Killer -- Try the online TrojanScan or download a2 free. See our anti-Trojan page for more information.
Anti-Virus -- Try avast! 4 Home Edition, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, or AntiVir Personal Edition [no email scanner]. See our Anti-Virus page for more information.
Safe Internet Tools
Ad Blocker -- For MS Internet Explorer 7, try IE7Pro. For Firefox, try Adblock Plus.
Avoid Bad Websites -- Try McAfee SiteAdvisor, HauteSecure or WOT (Web of Trust).
Content Filters (Parental Controls) -- Try OpenDNS or K9 Web Protection. Also, Windows Vista has some excellent parental controls built right in. Older computers can also use Content Advisor built into Internet Explorer 6 and 7. Go to Tools>>Internet Options>>Content (tab)>>click “Enable.”
Wireless Hot Spot Protection -- Try AnchorFree Hot Spot Shield, AirDefense Personal Lite or WiFi Guardian. See our Mobile Security
Patches, Updates & Service Packs
Microsoft Update -- Go here using Internet Explorer
Patch Auditor -- Try Securia Software Inspector, KC Softwares SUMo & RadarSync
Microsoft Update -- Go here using Internet Explorer
Patch Auditor -- Try Securia Software Inspector, KC Softwares SUMo & RadarSync
Communication
Email Client -- Try Thunderbird with anti-spam and anti-phishing as an alternative to Outlook Express.
Top Picks for Personal Firewalls
Checkpoint ZoneAlarm Pro: retail product includes network, program and operating system firewalls, identify theft protection, anti-spyware, privacy protection, game mode, essential email security, wireless PC protection, and smart defense service (but no antivirus).
ZoneAlarm Gripes, Michael Horowitz, ComputerGripes.com
Sunbelt Personal Firewall: freeware and retail versions, includes packet filter, file integrity control, application communication and launch controls, network and host-based intrusion prevention systems, identity theft protection, script, referrer, cookies, ad and pop-up windows blocking, and statistics. Free download, full function for 30 days, then reverts to the free version features or purchase to keep all features.
Tall Emu Online Armor Personal Firewall, freeware and retail versions, offers excellent leak test protection; see Matousec.com.
The Best Firewall Software of 2008: Online Armor, Scot Finnie, Scot's Newsletter & Blog, March 24, 2008
Comodo Firewall Pro freeware, PC Magazine Editor's Choice December 2007, included in "The Best Freeware", PC World, January 31, 2007. Note: For better protection, install the advanced version, not the basic one.
Do Not Rely on Comodo 3's 'Basic Firewall' [advanced OK], Scot Finnie's Blog, January 20, 2008
Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0 [editor's choice], Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine, December 18, 2007
Free Computer Organization Tools and Organizational TIPS
Quick Launch Toolbar: This toolbar is available in Windows 98, ME, XP, and Vista. Just right-click anywhere on the taskbar>>Toolbars>>Quick Launch. Then, drag your favorite shortcuts onto this bar for one-click access.
Links Bar: Found in Internet Explorer and Firefox. Just drag any Web site’s icon onto this bar to create a button for the site. Then, re-arrange the buttons where you want them. Right-click>>rename the sites for shorter titles and easier organization.
Favorites/Bookmarks: Save your Favorites, and then organize them into folders using the Favorites>>Organize Favorites menu option. You can even organize them alphabetically.
System Restore: Available in every version of Windows since Windows ME. Go to Start>>Programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>>System Restore. Create a shortcut for it. Then, restore your computer to when it last worked correctly.
Create a Desktop Folder: Clean up your desktop by creating a “Desktop” folder. Then, drag every icon you need – into that folder. Then, cut & paste the folder into the root of your C drive. This will speed up your start-up, and clean up your icons.
Create a Desktop Folder: Clean up your desktop by creating a “Desktop” folder. Then, drag every icon you need – into that folder. Then, cut & paste the folder into the root of your C drive. This will speed up your start-up, and clean up your icons.
MSCONFIG (System Configuration Utility): We saved the best for last. To really speed up your computer, click on the START button, then go click on Run. Type into the “Run” box: “msconfig” (without the quotes). Choose “Selective Startup.” Then, click on the “Startup” tab. This brings up a listing of check-boxes for every program that runs when your computer starts up. You can turn many of these processes off by un-checking their boxes. Anything with the name of your antivirus or anti-spyware program or firewall should be left checked. The rest can be un-checked. You can always click on their icons to start the programs manually.
Your computer will start up and run much more efficiently afterward.
*When your computer re-starts, it will remind you that you just got done using the System Configuration Utility. Just check the box that says “Do Not Show This Message Again.”
Some of this research was provided by Freefirewall.com, an excellent Web site for security information. Keep up the great work, guys!
There are lots of security apps and programs for pc, phones.
ReplyDeleteBut i highly recommend you to use complex one instead of tons of separate apps
You're right, I prefer to use complex one too. Something like total network inventory for pc and network auditing. It's easier to keep all data in one place.
Delete