Comments on: Clean and Maintain Your Windows Computer for Free http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/ personal finance tips, tricks, and commentary Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:24:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: stephanie http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-154561 stephanie Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:57:24 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-154561 hi im stephanie and i need to know how to clean out my computer hi im stephanie and i need to know how to clean out my computer

]]> By: Ferret http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-136206 Ferret Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:37:15 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-136206 @Peter - If you seriously think IE is as secure as Firefox, you don't need to be in IT. @Rory - I think the purpose of the post was to make the computer work better, not to obtain one that freezes more than Windows Vista and, even on its best days, can't do what a PC can. Drink all the Mac kool-aid you can find. (Psst...it's actually anti-freeze!) @Hope - Zone Alarm causes strange issues. Avast is faster than AVG 8, though AVG 9 promises to fix that. Ubuntu Linux is only for those who do zero gaming and are okay with learning alternatives to pretty much every office app in existence. For browsing, it's great. For everything else, it takes a lot of work to get it doing what you want it to do. @Peter – If you seriously think IE is as secure as Firefox, you don’t need to be in IT.

@Rory – I think the purpose of the post was to make the computer work better, not to obtain one that freezes more than Windows Vista and, even on its best days, can’t do what a PC can. Drink all the Mac kool-aid you can find. (Psst…it’s actually anti-freeze!)

@Hope – Zone Alarm causes strange issues. Avast is faster than AVG 8, though AVG 9 promises to fix that. Ubuntu Linux is only for those who do zero gaming and are okay with learning alternatives to pretty much every office app in existence. For browsing, it’s great. For everything else, it takes a lot of work to get it doing what you want it to do.

]]> By: Jay http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-136200 Jay Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:28:40 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-136200 Don't forget nCleaner 2nd for turning off widows firewall and windows defender...also use the start up manager to only have essentials start up with your computer. It seems like every program you install wants on the startup list. Don’t forget nCleaner 2nd for turning off widows firewall and windows defender…also use the start up manager to only have essentials start up with your computer. It seems like every program you install wants on the startup list.

]]> By: Hope http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135918 Hope Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:14:57 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135918 PS-I have wondered about Linux for a very long time now, how would one go about switching from Windows to Linux? Actually I'd love a Mac, but can't afford it at the moment. I'd appreciate any comments anyone could offer about Linux. Thanks PS-I have wondered about Linux for a very long time now, how would one go about switching from Windows to Linux? Actually I’d love a Mac, but can’t afford it at the moment. I’d appreciate any comments anyone could offer about Linux.
Thanks

]]> By: Hope http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135917 Hope Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:13:19 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135917 Hi, Thanks for the tips, I really appreciate them. I use just about everything you listed except I also use Zone Alarm on my XP and I just use the Windows Firewall on my Vista (it just seems to work better for me I guess. I don't have to wonder if I should allow or deny something, Windows does it for me, is this ok?) Anyway, I also use AVG, but it does slow my computer down a bit, is Avast any better at that? There are I think two others you mentioned that I need to check into, but still I do appreciate your information. Hi,
Thanks for the tips, I really appreciate them. I use just about everything you listed except I also use Zone Alarm on my XP and I just use the Windows Firewall on my Vista (it just seems to work better for me I guess. I don’t have to wonder if I should allow or deny something, Windows does it for me, is this ok?) Anyway, I also use AVG, but it does slow my computer down a bit, is Avast any better at that? There are I think two others you mentioned that I need to check into, but still I do appreciate your information.

]]> By: Rory http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135879 Rory Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:51:29 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135879 How about just getting a Mac? How about just getting a Mac?

]]> By: Rodney http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135845 Rodney Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:53:11 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135845 what's the best way to start cleaning out an affected pc? what’s the best way to start cleaning out an affected pc?

]]> By: Peter http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135739 Peter Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:50:59 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135739 Enough is enough: http://pcworld.about.com/od/virusesphishingspam/The-Ultimate-Browser-Security.htm #28 "Ask any knowledgeable computer guy... especially if he's..." WOW! That was sexist! Enough is enough: http://pcworld.about.com/od/vi.....curity.htm #28 “Ask any knowledgeable computer guy… especially if he’s…” WOW! That was sexist!

]]> By: The Biz of Life http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135728 The Biz of Life Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:52:26 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135728 I cleaned my Windows PC for good-- because I was tired of doing virus and adware scans, defrags, etc.-- and replaced Windows with Ubuntu Linux. Best move I ever made. Everything is free. Browse with Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome, whichever strikes my fancy. Not to mention the immense satisfaction of giving Windows the flush. Life's an adventure. Dive in the water's fine. I cleaned my Windows PC for good– because I was tired of doing virus and adware scans, defrags, etc.– and replaced Windows with Ubuntu Linux. Best move I ever made. Everything is free. Browse with Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome, whichever strikes my fancy. Not to mention the immense satisfaction of giving Windows the flush. Life’s an adventure. Dive in the water’s fine.

]]> By: Paul in NJ http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135671 Paul in NJ Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:59:03 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135671 @El Cid: There's no question that IE is _the_ prime entry point for viruses and such. Ask any knowledgeable computer guy, especially if he's involved in network security. My browser of choice is Opera, which is free and which predates Firefox by several years. IMO, it's more developed. It's also designed for those of us who prefer the keyboard to the mouse. @El Cid: There’s no question that IE is _the_ prime entry point for viruses and such. Ask any knowledgeable computer guy, especially if he’s involved in network security.

My browser of choice is Opera, which is free and which predates Firefox by several years. IMO, it’s more developed. It’s also designed for those of us who prefer the keyboard to the mouse.

]]> By: Advicehound http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135622 Advicehound Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:52:36 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135622 Thank you so much for this great list! It has been a lifesaver for those of us who are not techies. Just to let you know I'm spreading this link around to my friends. Again, thanks! Thank you so much for this great list! It has been a lifesaver for those of us who are not techies. Just to let you know I’m spreading this link around to my friends. Again, thanks!

]]> By: Peter http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135579 Peter Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:48:13 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135579 (El Cid) It's an emotional interest... or could it be a financial interest in Firefox? Nah, I doubt it. Some folks take to things so strong that they want everyone to share their passion--sort of like a religion. I enjoy Nickels’ financial column; but as a website designer bent on compatible web design for any browser, I bristle when someone uses their platform to promote a particular browser. Like I said, it's the browsing habits, not the browser that causes the problems. (El Cid) It’s an emotional interest… or could it be a financial interest in Firefox? Nah, I doubt it. Some folks take to things so strong that they want everyone to share their passion–sort of like a religion. I enjoy Nickels’ financial column; but as a website designer bent on compatible web design for any browser, I bristle when someone uses their platform to promote a particular browser. Like I said, it’s the browsing habits, not the browser that causes the problems.

]]> By: El Cid http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135545 El Cid Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:42:41 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135545 It is difficult to take your advice to heart when you seem to insist that Firefox is more secure than Internet Explorer. It is difficult to take your advice to heart when you seem to insist that Firefox is more secure than Internet Explorer.

]]> By: Greg http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135542 Greg Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:50:12 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135542 Matt: Great list, I will be trying some of the recomendations. Recently I was hit with a virus while running Norton. It failed to pick it up. I found Avast while dealing with the situation and loaded it. Not only did it pick up the virus in question, it also found 4 more on my machine. I have to admit however, that Norton refunded my over $100 when I complained! It never hurts to ask! Matt:

Great list, I will be trying some of the recomendations.

Recently I was hit with a virus while running Norton. It failed to pick it up. I found Avast while dealing with the situation and loaded it. Not only did it pick up the virus in question, it also found 4 more on my machine.

I have to admit however, that Norton refunded my over $100 when I complained! It never hurts to ask!

]]> By: Mitch http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135538 Mitch Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:06:56 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135538 I really enjoyed this list. Thanks much. I would like your impression of Chrome. I have been using for 6 months now and love it. I am downloading FireFox now, per your instructions, but would like a write up on Chrome. I really enjoyed this list. Thanks much. I would like your impression of Chrome. I have been using for 6 months now and love it. I am downloading FireFox now, per your instructions, but would like a write up on Chrome.

]]> By: Eric http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135535 Eric Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:31:46 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135535 Are there problems with Google Chrome vs using Firefox? I've really enjoyed my experience with Chrome over my limited time with Firefox? Just Curious... Are there problems with Google Chrome vs using Firefox? I’ve really enjoyed my experience with Chrome over my limited time with Firefox?

Just Curious…

]]> By: TH http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135529 TH Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:21:45 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135529 Thanks for the list! I like freeware, but being computer clueless made it hard to identify good ones to use. My computer has already started to run faster just from peeling off Mcafee (the resource hog that it was!) Thanks for the list! I like freeware, but being computer clueless made it hard to identify good ones to use. My computer has already started to run faster just from peeling off Mcafee (the resource hog that it was!)

]]> By: Peter http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135524 Peter Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:07:42 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135524 All the cool kids use Firefox? Maybe, but all the others are using IE, well at least the ones visiting our corporate website where IE has over 80% of the share, and Firefox with less than 10%. What's important is not the browser you use, but rather the browsing habits you develop. Signed Un-cool IT Manager a.k.a. Computer Nerd. All the cool kids use Firefox? Maybe, but all the others are using IE, well at least the ones visiting our corporate website where IE has over 80% of the share, and Firefox with less than 10%.

What’s important is not the browser you use, but rather the browsing habits you develop.

Signed Un-cool IT Manager
a.k.a. Computer Nerd.

]]> By: Bobby http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135520 Bobby Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:14:41 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135520 Great list. I also swear by Firefox as the browser ne plus ultra. Great list. I also swear by Firefox as the browser ne plus ultra.

]]> By: KC http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135517 KC Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:22:26 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135517 I'm not a kid and I never was cool, but I recommend Firefox. I had a big problem using Explorer - had some sort of virus. I was really frustrated and couldn't get it off without paying for someone to do it and I would lose use of my computer for a few days, at least. I downloaded Firefox and have been using it ever since. Its been 2 years and no problems. That nasty Explorer virus is still on here somewhere, but I haven't had a problem...because I don't use Explorer anymore. My computer runs as well as it did when it was new (3 years ago). I’m not a kid and I never was cool, but I recommend Firefox. I had a big problem using Explorer – had some sort of virus. I was really frustrated and couldn’t get it off without paying for someone to do it and I would lose use of my computer for a few days, at least. I downloaded Firefox and have been using it ever since. Its been 2 years and no problems. That nasty Explorer virus is still on here somewhere, but I haven’t had a problem…because I don’t use Explorer anymore. My computer runs as well as it did when it was new (3 years ago).

]]> By: kenyantykoon http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135506 kenyantykoon Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:47:46 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135506 does anyone still use IE?? i have the browser installed but every time i open it, it crashes. i use mozilla and i think that microsoft is in real big trouble does anyone still use IE?? i have the browser installed but every time i open it, it crashes. i use mozilla and i think that microsoft is in real big trouble

]]> By: MLR http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135502 MLR Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:38:36 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135502 I'm going to second the use of No Script with Firefox. It really takes a great browser and makes it almost impenetrable! Great add on. Avast is a great AV and pretty much annually outdoes Norton in virus detection. I think this past year Norton detected 95% of virii in a test and Avast detected like 99.7%. Or something. I just remember it was A LOT better. A few tips for the readers in re: to your defragging advice: 1) Do not expect to see a noticeable performance increase unless you do a lot of installing/uninstalling, deleting, etc and your drive is old. However, it will make less work for the drive which could lengthen it's life. 2) Run Scan Disk first. Otherwise read/write errors can show up during the defrag and cause issues. If there are file system errors and scan disk fixes them, otherwise usable files may become unusable. So you should try and do a scan disk every once in a while to keep things on the up and up. 3) Again: data corruption can result. It's an accepted risk of moving gigabytes of data around on a drive. 4) The above issue could be remedied using a real time defragmenter (I know Diskeeper has one, I used it at one time), but then you are sacrificing performance. Can't have your cake and eat it too! :) I’m going to second the use of No Script with Firefox. It really takes a great browser and makes it almost impenetrable! Great add on.

Avast is a great AV and pretty much annually outdoes Norton in virus detection. I think this past year Norton detected 95% of virii in a test and Avast detected like 99.7%. Or something. I just remember it was A LOT better.

A few tips for the readers in re: to your defragging advice:
1) Do not expect to see a noticeable performance increase unless you do a lot of installing/uninstalling, deleting, etc and your drive is old. However, it will make less work for the drive which could lengthen it’s life.
2) Run Scan Disk first. Otherwise read/write errors can show up during the defrag and cause issues. If there are file system errors and scan disk fixes them, otherwise usable files may become unusable. So you should try and do a scan disk every once in a while to keep things on the up and up.
3) Again: data corruption can result. It’s an accepted risk of moving gigabytes of data around on a drive.
4) The above issue could be remedied using a real time defragmenter (I know Diskeeper has one, I used it at one time), but then you are sacrificing performance.

Can’t have your cake and eat it too! :)

]]> By: Aaron http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135501 Aaron Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:24:26 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135501 So all this talk about maintenance and no mention of running Windows update or setting your computer to automatically download and install critical updates. That would close more holes than anything. So all this talk about maintenance and no mention of running Windows update or setting your computer to automatically download and install critical updates.

That would close more holes than anything.

]]> By: Bruce http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135498 Bruce Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:30:03 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135498 I use all the same except I use IOBit Smart Defrag instead of Defraggler. I use Ccleaner to clean up temps, but for a registry cleaner I use EasyCleaner because I feel Ccleaner and the others are too liberal. I've never seen any entries that EasyCleaner finds that I wouldn't want to get rid of. And you left out a firewall, for which I use Online Armor. I use all the same except I use IOBit Smart Defrag instead of Defraggler. I use Ccleaner to clean up temps, but for a registry cleaner I use EasyCleaner because I feel Ccleaner and the others are too liberal. I’ve never seen any entries that EasyCleaner finds that I wouldn’t want to get rid of. And you left out a firewall, for which I use Online Armor.

]]> By: Eric http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135497 Eric Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:06:54 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135497 I know everything on that list...guess I'm on the right track! I know everything on that list…guess I’m on the right track!

]]> By: lee http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135495 lee Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:58:20 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135495 I'm with you on using freeware applications. There are some very good ones out there. I've got a few to add to the list of recommended freeware: 1) Online Armor- firewall protection & a good alternative to Comodo 2) Avira- quick & thorough anti-virus protection 3) Recuva- file recovery from the folks at CCleaner 4) Smart Defrag- works better for me than Defraggler 5) Spybot Search & Destroy- old reliable 6) SIW (System Information for Windows)- everything you want and need to know about your computer I’m with you on using freeware applications. There are some very good ones out there. I’ve got a few to add to the list of recommended freeware:
1) Online Armor- firewall protection & a good alternative to Comodo
2) Avira- quick & thorough anti-virus protection
3) Recuva- file recovery from the folks at CCleaner
4) Smart Defrag- works better for me than Defraggler
5) Spybot Search & Destroy- old reliable
6) SIW (System Information for Windows)- everything you want and need to know about your computer

]]> By: Million Dollar Journey http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135493 Million Dollar Journey Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:09:55 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135493 Another free program that's effective for reducing spyware is Spybot Search and Destroy. Another free program that’s effective for reducing spyware is Spybot Search and Destroy.

]]> By: Matt SF http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135491 Matt SF Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:05:08 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135491 Posts like these are why computer idiots (like me) are always uber friendly with the computer geniuses (like you)! Thanks MattJabs!!! Posts like these are why computer idiots (like me) are always uber friendly with the computer geniuses (like you)!

Thanks MattJabs!!!

]]> By: Tom @ Canadian Finance Blog http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135490 Tom @ Canadian Finance Blog Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:49:17 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135490 Great list of programs. Another thing I like about a lot of this free software... it often doesn't bog down your pc like the more bloated software you could pay for. I switched from Norton to Avast, huge speed improvement. Great list of programs. Another thing I like about a lot of this free software… it often doesn’t bog down your pc like the more bloated software you could pay for. I switched from Norton to Avast, huge speed improvement.

]]> By: lostAnnfound http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135486 lostAnnfound Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:15:09 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135486 I have been using Firefox for over year & really like it. Unfortunately, I ended up with one of the worst viruses I have ever seen. Even my local computer guy was surprised by this one. After cleaning out my laptop he installed MalwareBytes & Avast anti-virus. He also installed XoftSpySE, a free spyware program which works great. Knock on wood, haven't had a problem since. I have been using Firefox for over year & really like it. Unfortunately, I ended up with one of the worst viruses I have ever seen. Even my local computer guy was surprised by this one. After cleaning out my laptop he installed MalwareBytes & Avast anti-virus. He also installed XoftSpySE, a free spyware program which works great. Knock on wood, haven’t had a problem since.

]]> By: GM http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135483 GM Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:21:27 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135483 Good list...thanks. Any thoughts on spybot? Will one of the suggested software be work instead? Good list…thanks. Any thoughts on spybot? Will one of the suggested software be work instead?

]]> By: Matt http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135482 Matt Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:19:24 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135482 No mention of Comodo? Great free antivirus now, also includes free personal firewall. http://personalfirewall.comodo.com No mention of Comodo?

Great free antivirus now, also includes free personal firewall.

http://personalfirewall.comodo.com

]]> By: Chris I. http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135480 Chris I. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:03:58 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135480 You might like to look into the recently released Microsoft Security Essentials http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/ to add to your arsenal of free antivirus / antispyware / antimalware tools. You might like to look into the recently released Microsoft Security Essentials http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/ to add to your arsenal of free antivirus / antispyware / antimalware tools.

]]> By: George@Moneylounge.net http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135479 George@Moneylounge.net Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:41:35 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135479 I usually install both avast and avg on my computers. I also like using the NoScript addon for Firefox, it takes a while to configure it for the sites you trust, but completely worth it in my opinion. I've heard good things about Ccleaner and Defragger, but have never used them. I'll also have to try out MalwareBytes. Thanks for the list! I usually install both avast and avg on my computers. I also like using the NoScript addon for Firefox, it takes a while to configure it for the sites you trust, but completely worth it in my opinion.

I’ve heard good things about Ccleaner and Defragger, but have never used them. I’ll also have to try out MalwareBytes.

Thanks for the list!

]]> By: John DeFlumeri Jr http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135478 John DeFlumeri Jr Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:36:49 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135478 Good info on keep the computer healthy, and thank you! Good info on keep the computer healthy, and thank you!

]]> By: Peter http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135477 Peter Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:36:09 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135477 I use all the same software as what you mentioned up above, except I use AVG anti-virus as my anti-virus software. I love it! I've never had a virus or spyware get by it! I use all the same software as what you mentioned up above, except I use AVG anti-virus as my anti-virus software. I love it! I’ve never had a virus or spyware get by it!

]]> By: Baker http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/08/clean-and-maintain-your-windows-computer-for-free/comment-page-1/#comment-135476 Baker Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:32:03 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3587#comment-135476 I'd be nothing without my Ace Utilities... that software is a life saver! I’d be nothing without my Ace Utilities… that software is a life saver!

]]>