We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Wizard's Complete guide to Removing Garbage from your computer
thewizard
Posts: 659 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
Could a mod please make this a sticky!
Ok, to save alot of time for people I have decided to write a guide to removing pests. Unused Programs, cookies, temp files; blocking Pop ups, configuring firewalls and AV Software and all the rest.
Selecting your AV Software
Now there are two options to do here, you can either choose the free money saving option and go for AVG Free or go for the more Comprehensive AV Software that does more and pay for a program such as Norton AV.
Basically, AVG Free is a slightly dumbed down version of AVG Anti Virus. Great if you dont exactly do much on your PC, just read emails and surf the net. If you file share, you visit slighty dodgey websites I wouldn't reccomend it as you dont have all the tools to protect yourself.
AVG offers real time protection, Email Scanner and scaned my old Windows 98 SE Computer that had a 20GB and a slow processor in roughly 15 Mins:eek: although other AV Scanners would probably kill that computer if it wasn't sitting in bits in a cardboard box in my bedroom as they are rescources hogs when it comes to system scanning.
AVG Free can be downloaded here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
Or if you are worried about security more than most users, AVG Free isn't for you. I use Kaspersky AV on my Laptop, it offers excellent system scanning times and real time protection has saved me from many viruses. I cant remember how much I paid for it but run a search on google.
Norton Internet Security is the most popular protection software around for three reasons, itss made by a trusted company, its easy to use and it does pretty much everything. It can be bought alone or can be bundled with Norton Internet Security, or Norton System Works.
If you do not have Windows XP do NOT buy Norton Internet Security 2006 as it will not run and will install the 2005 version which can be bought cheaply any way.
Obviously I havent covered all the AV programs out there as that would take me hours, days probably.
I cant offer specific help with installing it as that would force me to buy all the software and would probably take me about a week to do. And I dont have the time or the money to do this. But basically Install it with all the bits and run a full system scan, then make sure real time protection and incoming email scanning is enabled (Out going email scanning wont really effect you as it just stops viruses from sending themselves to your friends). If you can enable Auto Update as this will save you time and money.
Firewalls
Probably the most important piece of security software you need! Why? Because it stops viruses and hackers getting in and your personal data getting out. Again like the AV there are two options the Money Saving Way and the high security way.
Personally I would go for the high security way everytime when it comes to AV Scanners and Firewalls because these are very important.
The money saving firewall (Zone Labs' Zone Alarm) Can be downloaded from here for free.
I use McAffe Firewall on my laptop as I got it free with a computer magazine, but my Desktop I use Norton Internet Security. Again both of these are excelent and there isn't much to chose between the two although McAffe offers come extra features when it comes to tracing any attacks you have had and can easily create a black list from previous attacks.
Again I cant offer specific help but make sure your firewalls is enabled, is set the the recomended security level (McAfee this is standard, I cant remember what it is in Norton). Never turn off your firewall unless you know what you are doing and Never turn it off if someone asks you to. If Auto Update can be turned on do it and never allow any programs to be given access to the internet that you dont know what they are or what they want to do.
Spyware And Adware
This is the cheaper side of things when it comes to security and is a little more simple to chose your software. Basically there are hundreds of spyware and adware scanners out there. Never pay for them as that is just a waste of time, you can get the same protection from free software.
Here is the list of software that should be in your Spyware Fighting Army
SpyBot Search and Destroy. http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Adaware http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/ (download the free version as you dont need the paid for real time protection as SpyBot S & D does this)
Windows Defener Beta 2 www.microsoft.com
Secretmaker (Doesn't scan for spyware but has some tools to protect your computer from pests such as spyware and others such as spam!) www.secretmaker.com
Spyware Blaster (This nice bit of kit protects your computer by preventing know spyware sites downloading their pests on your pc.) http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Run scans with these regularly! Enable real time protection in both Windows Defender and SpyBot S&D. And enable auto update in the software that can, although you will have to pay if you want auto update in spyware blaster.
NEVER DOWNLOAD ANY OTHER SPYWARE SOFTWARE AS SOME NICE PEOPLE OUT THERE GIVE YOU MALICOUS SOFTWARE THAT IS SAID "TO REMOVE ALL SPYWARE ETC. FROM YOUR SYSTEM" IT IS GARBAGE IGNORE IT!!!
Other security software
I use Peer Guardian 2 to prevent hackers, known spyware writers, schools and colleges, government agencies etc from gaining access to my pc. It is called a P2P firewall as it was originally designed for P2P File shares to protect them from sceuirty threats that this brings. But I would never use the net with this installed after what Ive seen this block.
It can be downloaded for free from http://phoenixlabs.org/pg2/
I also use a Proxy Program called Hide IP Platinum which is not free but you can get a free Proxy Program called JAP from http://anon.inf.tu-dresden.de/index_en.html
What does a proxy do?
Well a proxy hides your IP address from websites so in theory it is harder for a hacker to gain access to your computer because you are harder to find. Although your internet may lose speed when surfing and you may also not be allowed to access certain websites while the proxy is turned on.
Anti Spam
Spam (or unsolicted commerial emails) are anoying, but now they are becoming more malicious. Spam writers are now sending what is known as phising emails which attempt to trick less internet savy users by tricking them into giving bank and personal details by spoofing a banks website. The next version of all the top web browsers are planning Anti-Phising filters to help stop fishing.
There are many anti-spam programs out there and many are free. Norton Internet Security has its own Anti-Spam Program. Secret Maker than I mentioned above has its own anti-spam program that uses artifical inteligence as well as black and white lists.
You could also try Mail Washer http://www.mailwasher.net/
Stop Pop Ups!
These are very anoying and can be prevented easily. Download the google toolbar from http://www.google.co.uk/downloads/ make sure the Pop Up Blocker is switched on and have fun surfing without being anoyed!
Security Over Now go for performance!
Now that you have stopped all those kind people out their gaining access to your computer now its to speed up your pc so you can keep your nails long and your hair in.
Remove Crap
If you dont use a program why have it on your pc?
Uninstall programs that you dont use, you can do this in Add/Remove Programs that can be found in the Control Panel.
Also use Disk Cleanup to remove stuff that you dont need. To open Disk Cleanup click
Start
>All Programs
>>Accessories
>>>System Tools
>>>>Disk Cleanup
It will then scan your computer (taking about 5 mins) to find ways of removing stuff that is not needed on your pc. Select anything you dont want and contiue. Disk Cleanup will then remove anything you dont want on your pc.
Defragment your drives
Also in System Tools you will find something called Disk Defragmenter, run this about once a month and it will keep all the files on your pc together and therefor increase the speed of which files and programs are opened.
What is fragmentation?
Fragmentation occours when your computer writes files that leave slight gaps in areas of your hard disk drive. Then when more files are written it fills these gaps, but that slows your computer down when it wants to open files, it will also increase the load on your processor which is not good. Defragmenting about once a month helps stop this from happening and makes files all in the one big line, so your computer doesn't have to look round for where the files are stored on your Hard Disk.
If we ever get the the thanks button back please press it if you like what I have said or I have helped you with this as it took me a long time to write. If you need any help with anything covered her please dont hesitate to ask.
Edit: There are more detailed links to installing the security software here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=133269 but I have also included ways of tuning your pc. When I have time I will also show you have to remove cookies and surf more securely
Ok, to save alot of time for people I have decided to write a guide to removing pests. Unused Programs, cookies, temp files; blocking Pop ups, configuring firewalls and AV Software and all the rest.
Selecting your AV Software
Now there are two options to do here, you can either choose the free money saving option and go for AVG Free or go for the more Comprehensive AV Software that does more and pay for a program such as Norton AV.
Basically, AVG Free is a slightly dumbed down version of AVG Anti Virus. Great if you dont exactly do much on your PC, just read emails and surf the net. If you file share, you visit slighty dodgey websites I wouldn't reccomend it as you dont have all the tools to protect yourself.
AVG offers real time protection, Email Scanner and scaned my old Windows 98 SE Computer that had a 20GB and a slow processor in roughly 15 Mins:eek: although other AV Scanners would probably kill that computer if it wasn't sitting in bits in a cardboard box in my bedroom as they are rescources hogs when it comes to system scanning.
AVG Free can be downloaded here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
Or if you are worried about security more than most users, AVG Free isn't for you. I use Kaspersky AV on my Laptop, it offers excellent system scanning times and real time protection has saved me from many viruses. I cant remember how much I paid for it but run a search on google.
Norton Internet Security is the most popular protection software around for three reasons, itss made by a trusted company, its easy to use and it does pretty much everything. It can be bought alone or can be bundled with Norton Internet Security, or Norton System Works.
If you do not have Windows XP do NOT buy Norton Internet Security 2006 as it will not run and will install the 2005 version which can be bought cheaply any way.
Obviously I havent covered all the AV programs out there as that would take me hours, days probably.
I cant offer specific help with installing it as that would force me to buy all the software and would probably take me about a week to do. And I dont have the time or the money to do this. But basically Install it with all the bits and run a full system scan, then make sure real time protection and incoming email scanning is enabled (Out going email scanning wont really effect you as it just stops viruses from sending themselves to your friends). If you can enable Auto Update as this will save you time and money.
Firewalls
Probably the most important piece of security software you need! Why? Because it stops viruses and hackers getting in and your personal data getting out. Again like the AV there are two options the Money Saving Way and the high security way.
Personally I would go for the high security way everytime when it comes to AV Scanners and Firewalls because these are very important.
The money saving firewall (Zone Labs' Zone Alarm) Can be downloaded from here for free.
I use McAffe Firewall on my laptop as I got it free with a computer magazine, but my Desktop I use Norton Internet Security. Again both of these are excelent and there isn't much to chose between the two although McAffe offers come extra features when it comes to tracing any attacks you have had and can easily create a black list from previous attacks.
Again I cant offer specific help but make sure your firewalls is enabled, is set the the recomended security level (McAfee this is standard, I cant remember what it is in Norton). Never turn off your firewall unless you know what you are doing and Never turn it off if someone asks you to. If Auto Update can be turned on do it and never allow any programs to be given access to the internet that you dont know what they are or what they want to do.
Spyware And Adware
This is the cheaper side of things when it comes to security and is a little more simple to chose your software. Basically there are hundreds of spyware and adware scanners out there. Never pay for them as that is just a waste of time, you can get the same protection from free software.
Here is the list of software that should be in your Spyware Fighting Army
SpyBot Search and Destroy. http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Adaware http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/ (download the free version as you dont need the paid for real time protection as SpyBot S & D does this)
Windows Defener Beta 2 www.microsoft.com
Secretmaker (Doesn't scan for spyware but has some tools to protect your computer from pests such as spyware and others such as spam!) www.secretmaker.com
Spyware Blaster (This nice bit of kit protects your computer by preventing know spyware sites downloading their pests on your pc.) http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Run scans with these regularly! Enable real time protection in both Windows Defender and SpyBot S&D. And enable auto update in the software that can, although you will have to pay if you want auto update in spyware blaster.
NEVER DOWNLOAD ANY OTHER SPYWARE SOFTWARE AS SOME NICE PEOPLE OUT THERE GIVE YOU MALICOUS SOFTWARE THAT IS SAID "TO REMOVE ALL SPYWARE ETC. FROM YOUR SYSTEM" IT IS GARBAGE IGNORE IT!!!
Other security software
I use Peer Guardian 2 to prevent hackers, known spyware writers, schools and colleges, government agencies etc from gaining access to my pc. It is called a P2P firewall as it was originally designed for P2P File shares to protect them from sceuirty threats that this brings. But I would never use the net with this installed after what Ive seen this block.
It can be downloaded for free from http://phoenixlabs.org/pg2/
I also use a Proxy Program called Hide IP Platinum which is not free but you can get a free Proxy Program called JAP from http://anon.inf.tu-dresden.de/index_en.html
What does a proxy do?
Well a proxy hides your IP address from websites so in theory it is harder for a hacker to gain access to your computer because you are harder to find. Although your internet may lose speed when surfing and you may also not be allowed to access certain websites while the proxy is turned on.
Anti Spam
Spam (or unsolicted commerial emails) are anoying, but now they are becoming more malicious. Spam writers are now sending what is known as phising emails which attempt to trick less internet savy users by tricking them into giving bank and personal details by spoofing a banks website. The next version of all the top web browsers are planning Anti-Phising filters to help stop fishing.
There are many anti-spam programs out there and many are free. Norton Internet Security has its own Anti-Spam Program. Secret Maker than I mentioned above has its own anti-spam program that uses artifical inteligence as well as black and white lists.
You could also try Mail Washer http://www.mailwasher.net/
Stop Pop Ups!
These are very anoying and can be prevented easily. Download the google toolbar from http://www.google.co.uk/downloads/ make sure the Pop Up Blocker is switched on and have fun surfing without being anoyed!
Security Over Now go for performance!
Now that you have stopped all those kind people out their gaining access to your computer now its to speed up your pc so you can keep your nails long and your hair in.
Remove Crap
If you dont use a program why have it on your pc?
Uninstall programs that you dont use, you can do this in Add/Remove Programs that can be found in the Control Panel.
Also use Disk Cleanup to remove stuff that you dont need. To open Disk Cleanup click
Start
>All Programs
>>Accessories
>>>System Tools
>>>>Disk Cleanup
It will then scan your computer (taking about 5 mins) to find ways of removing stuff that is not needed on your pc. Select anything you dont want and contiue. Disk Cleanup will then remove anything you dont want on your pc.
Defragment your drives
Also in System Tools you will find something called Disk Defragmenter, run this about once a month and it will keep all the files on your pc together and therefor increase the speed of which files and programs are opened.
What is fragmentation?
Fragmentation occours when your computer writes files that leave slight gaps in areas of your hard disk drive. Then when more files are written it fills these gaps, but that slows your computer down when it wants to open files, it will also increase the load on your processor which is not good. Defragmenting about once a month helps stop this from happening and makes files all in the one big line, so your computer doesn't have to look round for where the files are stored on your Hard Disk.
If we ever get the the thanks button back please press it if you like what I have said or I have helped you with this as it took me a long time to write. If you need any help with anything covered her please dont hesitate to ask.
Edit: There are more detailed links to installing the security software here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=133269 but I have also included ways of tuning your pc. When I have time I will also show you have to remove cookies and surf more securely
0
Comments
-
Good stuff! I reckon a good number of PC problems could be avoided if people followed this guide. Gets my vote for a sticky too.
I have not tried them personally, but I have heard good reports of:-
http://www.comodogroup.com/products/free_products.html
who provide an alternative free AV and Firewall. Personally I'm not a fan of Zone Alarm, as previous versions did not play nicely with my PC. When the free Sygate firewall ceased to be supported, I bought Kerio, unfortunately *before* I found the site above.
Best of luck with your goals.
Regards,
White.0 -
Thanks Whitefiver, I dont personally like Zone Alarm either as it doesn't stealth your pc from hackers but its better than nothing.
I think Microsoft should make a security suite (however basic) that has AV, firewall etc to protect even the most simplest users that way they are more protected than they are now. I know SP2 does alot but its not enough, I have some very expectations for Vistas security features if not Microsoft's ears are going to be ringing by the sound of my voice
0 -
Can you do one for a mac please?
de do-do-do, de dar-dar-dar0 -
Sorry but Im not a Mac person dont like um never will lol0
-
Thanks - good advice.
My problem is the amount of programs running on Startup.
I know how to look at the items running - msconfig etc. I am also aware that I can have selective startup.
However when I look at all the exe. programs running I simply do not recognise them. e.g. AcroRd32, mpbtn, CAVrid etc etc. In all I have 59 processes running(377mb) and I don't know what are essential.
Now if it were down to me I would go trial and error by removing them from startup. However if my wife or children go on the computer and it doesnt behave exactly as it did last time, it is a disaster.0 -
Well with Spybot Search and destroy if you go into advanced mode, you can use the startup manager, if you view more details by clicking on the two << you will be able to see a description of the program and what it does although it does not recognise them all but it does most
Advanced mode can be accessed by clicking on mode at the top and selecting advanced.0 -
Bump :A 0
-
Cardew wrote:Thanks - good advice.
My problem is the amount of programs running on Startup.
I know how to look at the items running - msconfig etc. I am also aware that I can have selective startup.
However when I look at all the exe. programs running I simply do not recognise them. e.g. AcroRd32, mpbtn, CAVrid etc etc. In all I have 59 processes running(377mb) and I don't know what are essential.
Now if it were down to me I would go trial and error by removing them from startup. However if my wife or children go on the computer and it doesnt behave exactly as it did last time, it is a disaster.
Easy way of identifiying these names is through Google. Simply type the name in as it is in MSCONFIG. It will tell you what its from.....and from there you know if its safe, and ok to disable on startup.
acrord32 - acrord32.exe - Process Information
Process File: acrord32 or acrord32.exe
Process Name: Acrobat Reader
Horrible bloaty software, I'd remove this from starting up....You dont need it starting up with pc, only need it when you use .PDF's
mpbtn - mpbtn.exe - Process Information
Process File: mpbtn.exe
Process Name: Motive SmartBridge
mpbtn.exe is a process by Comcast Cable which allows a user to submit files to the Internet for support. This is a non-essential process. Disabling or enabling this is down to user preference. This could be taking up some of your bandwidth, never used it, dont see why you would need to submit files to internet for support. Could be a security risk..
cavrid - cavrid.exe - Process Information
Process File: cavrid or cavrid.exe
Process Name: eTrust EZ_Antivirus Component
Description:
CAVRID.exe is a process associated with eTrust EZ_Antivirus from Computer Associates. This process should not be removed to ensure that your system security is not breached.
I know it can take some time 1st time you do it, as you have 50 odd processers on startup. But once you have done it you can keep an eye on msconfig startup for other items added later, if you can get your proceesers down to about 30 you will prolly see the difference in performance.0 -
Can't agree with anyone who recommends norton - best function on norton is the uninstall routine.
The best spyware killer is webroot spysweeper. It isn't free but it's worth the payment. The free version of ad aware is not worth a lot. Go for spysweeper and you will save a lot of headaches.0 -
The reason why I recommended Norton is because, 1) its easy to use. 2) For beginner users its very simple to secure your system. 3)I haven't had any problems with it0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 350.4K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.3K Spending & Discounts
- 243.4K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.6K Life & Family
- 256.5K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards