patndoris TechnoGeek

From time to time, I like to take a moment to share the utilities I feel every user should consider.  All of the ones I’ll recommend have a free version.  However, in some cases, I feel strongly enough about supporting the development of the program that I’ve purchased a full version.  in those cases, the full version is a one time upgrade price, not a yearly subscription price. 

1.  Microsoft Security Essentials.  This is the best anti-virus program I’ve used.  It’s light on resources, stays up to date, and works well.

2.  Malwarebytes. The free version is wonderful to scan and remove possible malware threats.  However, this is one of those cases where I really do believe the full version is worth the price.  Whereas in the free version, it is an on-demand scanner which the user must remember to run, the full version will run at startup, can be set to automatically update and scan on a preset schedule.

3.  WinPatrol.  WinPatrol does the work so you don’t have to be an expert.  You can remove/disable startup programs; manage services, remove active tasks; expose hidden files; manage cookies and filtering; monitor and restore file type associations; monitor host files and start pages, and more.  Try out the free version, and I’m sure you’ll agree that supporting WinPatrol by upgrading to a WinPatrol PLUS is definitely worth it.

4.  Filehippo Update Checker.  One of the best ways to keep your computer malware free, and running it’s best, is to keep your essential programs up to date.  Filehippo is a fantastic site, offering an array of free programs.  Their free update checker helps you stay current for programs you have installed that are also offered on the site.  Even if you don’t choose to run it at startup, you can run it on demand - and I suggest you do so regularly.  As I’ve said before, Java, Flash and Adobe Reader should always be updated to the latest version for security reasons.

5.  RevoUninstaller.  Hands down the best uninstaller around.  It gets rid of leftover files and helps keep your machine clean and free from the clutter that can occur over time.  The Pro version can even do a forced uninstall of difficult to remove programs and offers extended searching for leftover files.  It also offers an array of additional features.  Many of them are standard Windows features, but having them all located in one place makes it easier to use them.  I do believe this is worth the price of an upgrade.  The Pro version offers fully 64-bit support for Vista and Windows 7.  You can upgrade at a discounted price by doing so from within the free version. 

While there are certainly other utilities I suggest for many users (depending on the circumstances and their computer abilities), these are the ones that are simple to setup, and with the upgraded versions of the ones listed, can pretty much be left alone to do their job with little to no user interface.  If you prefer the free versions, they are all wonderful, and I certainly used them as free versions for many years before I decided to upgrade.  it just means you’ll need to remember that some of them are on demand and you’ll have to run them when you want them.