To keep your computer trouble-free, utility programs make this chore easier.  The below utilities are used and recommended by the Senior Surfers "techies" who can provide you with instruction on the use of these programs at the Monday lab sessions.

These utilities are

Temp File and Cookie Removal - CleanUp
When was the last time you cleaned up your temporary internet cache?  Do you know how to do this?  With CleanUp, all you do is click once and this program will remove all your temporary files, internet cache and other unnecessary files that are clogging up your system. This link will take you to the Installation Warning page that recommends a full backup before using CleanUp for the first time. Read the warning and then click on CleanUp! 4.5.2 Download to download the program.

Back to Top

Anti-Virus Program - a must!

Caution:  You can only use one anti-virus program.  If you are using Norton, McAfee or AOL Security Edition, you should not install one of these free anti-virus programs.

      Avast                or                  AVG         

Back to Top

Spyware Removal
  NOTE: You can use more than one spyware removal tool.

           Spybot              and           Ad-Aware SE

Back to Top

System Information Program - AIDA32
Need to know what kind of memory your computer uses?  Or do you know your processor speed?  This program will tell you everything you need to know about the specifications of your computer.

Back to Top

Start Up Programs - Windows Startup Inspector
Is your computer slow to boot up?  Do you have a lot of icons in the lower right corner of your system tray?  If so, then you need to remove some programs from your start menu.  Startup Inspector will tell you which ones you need and which ones you don't need in your startup process.

Back to Top

Firewall - ZoneAlarm®
Internet-connected computers with broadband will likely receive 300 automated hacker attacks per hour, unless they have a firewall that makes them invisible to the Internet. When a new computer is put on the Internet for the first time, either have a firewall installed, or make it your first action to download ZoneAlarm. Note that Windows XP has a built-in firewall. Make sure it is de-activated before you install ZoneAlarm.

Note:  ZoneAlarm no longer supports Windows98.

Caution:  Unless you really understand firewall installation, you should only use one firewall software program.  If you are using Norton, McAfee or have activated the Windows firewall, you should not need to use one of these free programs.

Back to Top

Registry Cleaner - RegSupreme - free for 30 day trial then $12.95.

This program is also recommended, but costs a small amount after the free 30-day trial (but you can download and use fully for the initial tune-up).

Once you have downloaded and installed the recommended utilities, you can begin the first cleanup of your computer.  Depending on the individual use and condition of each computer, the time to accomplish this will vary from an hour or so up to six or seven hours.  There is no need to rush through the cleanup process - it can even be accomplished in increments.  The important point to remember is that in order to keep you computer running smoothly, you will need to perform maintenance on a routine basis.  The first cleanup will take much longer than any succeeding maintenance. Click on the arrow to review a suggested procedure for your initial tune-up.

Back to Top