Links to very helpfull programs for your computer. PLEASE SHARE YOURS!

1cheater · Feb 15, 2003

I decided to start this thread today in hopes that everyone would share links to software which would help our computers run better, faster and more efficiently.

I have been haunted by spyware for the past 4 years and have yet to find a program that will get rid of it (without getting a PHD on the subject).

Just so those who have never gone through this headache before have an understanding of this "virus", spyware is basicly bugs that are put on your computer after you download freeware (kaza) from the internet. This spyware tracks every thing you do on the internet. It sends pop up advertisements that directly corrlate with your internet surfing activity. Spyware also runs in the backround when your on the internet depleting your computer's memory resouces and slowing you down.

Why is spyware so hard to get rid of? Spyware attaches it self to your windows system files, registery files, program files, cookies and makes it pretty much impossible for even an intermediate computer person to get rid of.

To make a long story some what short, I have been hunting for a spyware removel program on the net for the past 4-5 years and have yet to find 1 that is easey to understand and that picks out only the spyware that needs to be uninstalled for removal. I came upon a great program that does just that, it picks out only the spyware software and safely takes care of the problem. It even automaticly saves what you get rid of in a perged file so if by mistake you get rid of somthing that messes with your PC you can go back and get that file back.
The name of the program is Spybot, site is http://security.kolla.de/news.php?lang=en...By the way, after I got rid of the Spyware my computer's memory went from 70% at start up to 83% and after the memory boost progam below it went to 90%

Also one more program to add. This proggie is a memory booster and restorer. This program helps your computer run faster by stopping memory leaks and memory mis-use..
http://www.softpile.com/Utilities/System_Tools/Review_09412_index.html

Please share your computer nightmares, solutions and programs...

Hope these programs are helpful..

By the way, I'm the orange cat

[This message was edited by #1cheater# on 02-15-03 at 07:12 PM.]

freak · Feb 15, 2003

Spybot is a very good and easy to use setup.

Ad-aware runs right behind it.

As far as the speed boosters and whatnot, that is a temporary fix. The best solution is to add more memory.

Actually some of the best tools are already on your computer.

Recommend to do a defrag every week, and scan disk as well. Scan disk first to clear out any errors then scan disk.

freaksforum.com

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.

1cheater · Feb 15, 2003

Thanks Freak..

I do Defrags and scan disk probably 2 times a month and added memory, but my windows 98 1st edition does not support alot of memory added on. I have 320MB of RAM and can't use it all. I think I only use like 270 or somthing, atleast that's what a tech told me..

Thanks again for the info.

By the way, I'm the orange cat

TTinCO · Feb 15, 2003

Freak nailed this one....spybot, ad-aware, scandisk, defag...

You can also go to find, files\folders & delete *.tmp & *.chk.

Beyond that, spend $600 & get a new machine that is probably 10x as fast as what you have.

RED WINGS SUCK!

miaplus3 · Feb 15, 2003

thanks - i'm trying the memory boost now

Hamberg · Feb 15, 2003

get someone to build you one or upgrade your hard drive and processor. A good idea to is click start run and type msconfig to get rid of some start up programs. This day and age 40 gig or better should be your hard drive if you can afford it get an ibm hard drive they have a lower risk of crashing.

1cheater · Feb 15, 2003

Thanks Hamberg,my neighbor builds computers and has offered to buil me one, new hardware or a new system isn't an option right now. I have a 98 Gateway, got ripped off, I know, back then $1600 compared to nowwa days PC's it's garbage! lol Have to cut corners where i can when it comes to this POS computer I have, but it works.

Just an FYI, with that Spybot program you can change your start up items by going to toolz/system start up.

By the way, I'm the orange cat

Hamberg · Feb 15, 2003

#1cheater# upgrading it will not hurt all you need is a new motherboard and processor you can even work good with a 700mhz system and a 40 gig hard drive places near my house charge like betweeen 200-300.

1cheater · Feb 15, 2003

Thanks for the info Hamberg

By the way, I'm the orange cat

1cheater · Feb 15, 2003

Another great program is Windowwasher..

It automatically cleans you cookies,windows run and find history,temp files,document history, recycle bin and there's add on features to clear cache's on Windows media player, Real One player and tons of other applications.. This program will clear a ton of crap off your computer and also add to speed. It also has the ability to render files that you clean unrecoverable such as private info like banking info and such.http://www.webroot.com/wb/downloads/index.php

By the way, I'm the orange cat

Oceans11 · Feb 16, 2003

If you have enough memory you can disable virtual memory in windows.
This forces your stuff onto RAM and makes it much faster.
It also makes your comp. less stable, and more prone to crashes if you're multitasking.
So I tend to only use it when Im gaming, or doing something specific for a few hours.
(I use 384 mb ram btw.)

eek

1cheater · Feb 18, 2003

Just wanted to keep this thread alive.. ANYONE have any helpful programs or advice?

By the way, I'm the orange cat

Guest · Feb 18, 2003

free ONLINE virus protection update all the time...forget Norton or mcafee....this is free I use it all the time never need to buy programs

free online virusscan

1cheater · Dec 1, 2003

TheOldBallgame · Dec 2, 2003

Don't use memory managers or boosters if you run XP or 2000. They'll do more harm than good.

A key component to computer speed and efficiency is RAM. If you're running XP, you should have a minimum of 256 megs, and 512 is better. If your computer doesn't support 133 speed DRAM, you should consider getting a computer that does.

Get a good Antivirus program. If you have broadband, get a firewall, as well. A link to a good package that contains both is Norton Site . Look for Norton Internet Security.

forgi · Dec 2, 2003

If you don’t want to be part of the current DOS-Attacks but aren’t the tech-guy himself download the most simple Software Firewall i know. Good old Zone Alarm.

www.zonelabs.com

Free, simple and protects your PC 98%.

Anyone who’s on ADSL or Cable and doesn’t run at least a SW-Firewall should be sued for stupidly helping any attackers.

greetz
forgi

EveryGamblersDream · Dec 2, 2003

Also check out different browsers as we all know IE is full of security issues.

Some good browsers available at:

www.mozilla.org

www.opera.com

www.myie2.com

BillDozer · Dec 2, 2003

buy a barebones system off ebay. You have to know whos legit and not selling used parts. Any DDR mobo with a 300 watt power supply and 700 mhz for 150 shipped should suit your needs. U need to come up with a new piece of ram and should be good to go.

Oceans11 · Dec 2, 2003

Stuff I use

http://www.lavasoft.nu/
http://www.camdevelopment.com/cam_unzip/download.htm
http://www.firetrust.com/products/mailwasherpro/
http://www.faberbox.com/fabertoys.asp
http://camtech2000.com/Pages/Ultimate_Startup_Manager.html
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?lang=en&page=beta-spybot
http://www.zonelabs.com/

Some are free, some not.
The best place for freebies is computer mag cds/dvds.

Everyone should have a firewall nowadays, not only for blocking port sniffing but to block cookies that can actually communicate info from your comp to the originator.

1cheater · Dec 17, 2003

Nice tip for improving your surfing speed..

Speeding up your browsing by increasing your cache size.
You can have Internet pages download faster if you devote more of your hard drive space to storing web documents. To do this, you need to increase your memory and disk caches. If you have some extra hard drive space and wish to do this:

Open up Internet Explorer.
From the Tools menu click Options.
Click the General tab.
Click Settings.
Now simply drag the slider to a desired percentage.
Click OK to save your settings. You can test it out ans see how much you improve on speed and adjust it accordingly.

B]ALSO....[/B]

Improving browsing performance for Internet Explorer.
You can improve Internet Explorer's browsing performance by disabling graphics, sound, music, video, and other multimedia files. This will allow you to browse faster and more efficiently if you are just interested in getting text. To do this:

Click Options from the View menu.
Click the General tab (it should be the default tab).
Now you can deselect the options you don’t want to have from the Multimedia section. This way you can speed up your browser performance.
Another option is to disable ActiveX controls and plug-ins. To do this:

Click on the Security tab.
Deselect the options you want here (preferably all 4).
Click OK to save your settings.

All these tips can be found at COMPUTER TIPS