Cleaning PC

intheburbs wrote:

Lastly, don't use McAfee or Norton for your antivirus. They're resource heavy and filled with junk. Even John McAfee would tell you not to put his namesake on your computer. In fact, Intel just rebranded it a few weeks ago. Use Avast or Malbarebytes.

This is based on outdated info, and not supported by current independent security reviews.

In the latest tests by AV-Test.org, AVAST scored worse in protection(detection) and is more resource heavy on systems than either Norton or McAfee in WIN 7:



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Though uses less resources than Norton in WIN 8/8.1:



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2012Coleman wrote:

I would also say no to open source of free AV programs like AVAST. I use Trend Micro. Subscription is inexpensive.

This is not accurate. AVAST is NOT open source. They offer a free version which uses the same AV engine at their paid version.

Trend Micro does scores high on AV reviews, which is what one should expect from a paid AV suite. But the FREE Bitdefender scores even higher at no cost.

The Free CCleaner should get you started. Don't pay for so called PC cleaners or optimizers as these have not been shown to be any more effective than freely available ones. They tend to be more marketing than anything else.

Most overall slow ups in systems are caused by unnecessary files clogging and fragmenting the hard drive. Let CCleaner delete these unnecessary files and allow WIN 7/8 to defrag the HD.

Most slow ups at start up are caused by unnecessary processes being loaded. CCleaner will also allow you disable the ones that you don't need, which tends to be most of them listed. Don't disable AV or firewall.

Make sure to also do an occasional checkdisk with repair on you HD.

Another CCleaner User here- Cleans up temp files that windows likes to keep around for no reason, sometimes numbering in the GB:E of files. But uncheck your browsers it will wipeout bookmarks. You can undo a clean in the instructions tho.

1492 wrote:

2012Coleman wrote:

I would also say no to open source of free AV programs like AVAST. I use Trend Micro. Subscription is inexpensive.

This is not accurate. AVAST is NOT open source. They offer a free version which uses the same AV engine at their paid version.

Trend Micro does scores high on AV reviews, which is what one should expect from a paid AV suite. But the FREE Bitdefender scores even higher at no cost.

And I could write a few chapters on the issues I have had to resolve fron the use of the AVAST free version. IMHO, AV is not something to scrimp on. You get what you pay for, (including product support) but to each his own. I agree on the reasons behing slow start ups and back end processes running - if you look at the link I provided for answers that work, you will see how these issues are plainly explained and fixed by even the most casual user.

Lots of things can slow down a PC including having too many fonts installed. First thing to do is go to Computer-Drive C - right click - go to properties - then to tools - click on defrag. This will take all of the many bits and peices of files and programs that have been stored scattered all over the drive and put them in order. This will take awhile to complete depending on the size of your hard drive - and it is best to leave the computer alone while it is doing this. This process will not harm your data. When it is finished then try some of the other suggestions here if it is still running slow.

I have had excellent success speeding up machines to their original speed by using System Mechanic.

I does a large number of operations that removes various clutter items, defrags the registry, cleans up memory. It also provides a simple way to review what starts up at boot time and modify as you see fit.

The number of programs (or fonts for that matter) installed on your hard drive has no impact on system performance. The conditions of the registry, whether the drive is fragmented and what programs are started do impact performance.

CCleaner is another program I use often. It is also a big help.

I use these on the 8 computers I support for family and friends and clubs.

Cleaning the registry on Windows 7/8.x will have little or no noticeable speed increase in operations.

However, cleaning the registry can turn your computer into a door stop if you don't know what you're doing. For this reason it is not recommended that those without the expertise of knowing what you are cleaning would do well to leave the registry alone.

Some useful reading