Must Have Programs To Keep Your Comp Running Smooth

[Clarkey]

Hi Guys, I'm wondering what the must have applications you use to keep your computer running smooth are?

I'm assuming the following:

-Anti-Virus (I'm using AVG which is free, is there a better one?)
-Some kind of Registry Cleaner
-Some kind of Ad/Spyware Cleaner

If you can give me some suggestions for the above items and any additional programs that would be great. Also, how often should a defrag be done?

[flamesfan6]

Originally Posted by Clarkey

-Anti-Virus (I'm using AVG which is free, is there a better one?)

I use Kaspersky and I find it very good, runs in the background, no problems on the 3 computers i use it on.

I will suggest waiting for futureshop/bestbuy deals on kaspersky internet security, its regular 70 bucks, but there are a few times a year it goes down to 20/30... well worth the money in my opinion.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by Clarkey

Hi Guys, I'm wondering what the must have applications you use to keep your computer running smooth are?

I'm assuming the following:

-Anti-Virus (I'm using AVG which is free, is there a better one?)
-Some kind of Registry Cleaner
-Some kind of Ad/Spyware Cleaner

If you can give me some suggestions for the above items and any additional programs that would be great. Also, how often should a defrag be done?

You neglected to say what version of Windows you are using.

I'm starting to hear some bad things about the newer AVG becoming a bloated nuisance. I tend to prefer Avast, but if you are comfortable with AVG and aren't having any issues, you're fine.

Say NO to the registry cleaner. At best, it is a waste of time. At worst it will screw your system.

[REDVAN]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

You neglected to say what version of Windows you are using.

I'm starting to hear some bad things about the newer AVG becoming a bloated nuisance. I tend to prefer Avast, but if you are comfortable with AVG and aren't having any issues, you're fine.

Say NO to the registry cleaner. At best, it is a waste of time. At worst it will screw your system.

How new are you talking? I got the newest one a few months ago I think, and since then my computer blows.

[HotHotHeat]

http://www.apple.com/ca/macosx/

Sorry, too easy.

[PsYcNeT]

Common sense is my best tool.

I have no anti-virus, no software firewall, and no anti-spyware except HijackThis! and Malware-Bytes (which is not enabled for full scan to save processing power. It's basically there just in case).

Honestly, don't click on random crap, don't go to questionable sites, don't open stupid emails and don't download illegal software from poor trackers/p2p.

Works pretty well.

Or yeah, get a mac. Have fun playing games from 3 years ago.

I guess the biggest thing, get a second harddrive to keep all your important stuff on. If your primary gets a virus, reformat the sucker! It takes like, 25 minutes with Vista.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

http://www.apple.com/ca/macosx/

Sorry, too easy.

This really annoys me. I bought a MacBook Pro because of people constantly spouting propaganda like this, but OS X is just as good/ty as Vista.

[cKy]

Avast is awesome and has a free home version. I also use "Super Anti Spyware" for all my extra spyware needs. CCleaner to clean up all the junk temp files and registry stuff.

[Vulcan]

I like Diskeeper Lite, it's a free version of their defragmenter and it works fast in the background. It also tells you when you need to defrag. The Lite version doesn't work on Vista though.

I use Shaw Secure because it's free for Shaw users. It's a bit of a resource hog but it's kept me pretty much free of any intrusions.

I only use Internet Explorer if I have to and use Firefox 99.9% of the time.
For Add-ons I use Adblock Plus and it's sped up my surfing as I no longer get hung up waiting for some cookies to load. Thanks to the poster who suggested that.I also use CookieSafe to block third party tracking cookies. This doesn't help your computer but I also like Forecastfox which gives me a readout on my weather on the bottom of my page.

[MRCboicgy]

FireFox
Avast
SpyBot S&D
+ not doing too many stupid things (i use torrents for my...anti-loneliness treatment)

computer still works great after 4 years.

[Cliche]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

http://www.apple.com/ca/macosx/

Sorry, too easy.

No Steam/GOG support.

[OBCT]

Here is an idea of the software I'd install on my own computer in order to keep it running smoothly. Bear in mind that some applications require more experience than others to use (ie. sometimes it is difficult to know which scan results to remove and which to ignore with the registry cleaners; as such, it is best to be cautious when deleting entries).

avast! loads on start up and is always left running for the real-time protection. [Anti-Virus]
CCleaner is run about once a month. [Registry Cleaner]
Ad-Aware is run about once a month. [Adware/Spyware Cleaner]
Spybot Search & Destroy is run about once a month. [Adware/Spyware Cleaner]
Glary Registry Repair is run every few months or as needed. [Registry Cleaner]
Auslogics Registry Defrag is run once or twice a year. [Registry Defrag]
Windows Disk Defragmenter is run once or twice a year. [Drive Defrag]
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is run only as needed. [Adware/Spyware/Virus Cleaner]

In my testing most of these programs have been equally effective with XP and Vista.

[Torture]

I used to have Avast on my parents computer but I had a lot of problems with it. Uninstalled Avast and put AVG on and haven't had a problem since.

On my computer I have AVG and Lavasoft Ad-Aware, but that's it. I don't have any problems, but I'm pretty smart about what I click on.

[Buff]

I use Avast!

I actually don't need a virus scanner, I don't think any virus scanner I've ever used has ever picked up a virus in over 8 years. However I keep it on just in case. It's easier to do a simple click to verify that a file should be quarantined than to do some virus cleanup after you're infected.

I used to use AVG until the did something with the way they scan and it really slowed down my network speeds. I think they've since done something to fix it, but avast! seems to work better for me anway.

[llama64]

OS X

hehehe

edit:

awww damnit, someone beat me to it.

In any case, here is what I do on my Vista desktop:
- Keep the system updated with the latest security updates.
- Run Window's Defender every week.
- Run Window's Disk Defragmentor every month.
- Never, ever use Internet Explorer for anything.
- Use Pidgin instead of MSN
- Use a firewall on an external router
- Enable User Access Control and pay attention when a program requests elevation. If a program requires too much, find a better programmed alternative.

I don't use a virus scanner since in my experience they cause more problems then they prevent. I don't recommend this for anyone who does a lot of file sharing though...

Basically, using legit software from sources I trust, and keeping my system clean of extreneous software does all the work of ensuring it remains smooth running. The big thing about Vista that I really enjoy is that it requires far less maintenance then XP does. Windows 7 is going to be an even bigger step in that direction.

[ricosuave]

all of the above, and i also use these:
http://www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml
http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb896653.aspx
http://www.revouninstaller.com/
http://majorgeeks.com/download4181.html
http://www.auslogics.com/disk-defrag

and if you have multiple cores/processors:
http://www.mlin.net/SMPSeesaw.shtml

i also use this to slipstream and otherwise customize windows installs:
http://www.nliteos.com/