Free apps for your computer

POSTED: June 9, 2012 1:00 a.m. Computer Care: Free apps are fine, but some are worth paying for

	Computer Care: Free apps are fine, but some are worth paying for By Arthur Glazerglazer.tech@gmail.com POSTED: June 9, 2012 1:00 a.m. The easiest way to get a program on your computer is to download it by clicking on a link. Unfortunately, that’s also the easiest way to get your computer infected. Instead of having the program come to you, you should go to the program. If you know what you want, search for and download it. To stumble across random links or respond to blind email solicitations could prove to be detrimental. I’m all in favor of free software; I have plenty. But sometimes you need to buy a program. You’ve got a lot invested in your computer and it should be properly protected. Would you use free oil for your car, hoping that it would work? How about an unknown additive for your engine claiming to increase your gas mileage? By using unproven random software for your computer, you take a similar risk. Sometimes you just have to buy an app. Free anti-virus programs abound on the Internet and many do a decent job. But they only look for viruses. I still remove more malware than viruses from clients’ computers. You can get around massive infections by increasing your protection. Go out and buy an Internet Security Suite that checks your system for all kinds of ailments. Get additional utilities to complement those applications. You still need to remove junk files, tune the registry, adjust system settings and tweak your Internet connection. There are many good utilities to be had. The free ones are adequate, but only tell you of what you may have on your system. You need to pay to get the full version to make the necessary adjustments. Many of them are teasers, just trying to intimidate you. You may see a pop-up warning you of impending doom or that you have 47 errors in your registry. (They tell everyone the same number.) A program that you didn’t install or run can’t tell you anything about your computer. I’ve said it before, but Windows does not advise you of infections. It’s not part of its job. That’s what the utilities are for, so don’t be fooled by a pop-up that looks like it’s from Microsoft. Chances are, it is not. The free version of Advanced System Care is on my system. It does a decent job, but I think the full app would do a better job considering the extra tools it offers. Probably better still is Iolo’s System Mechanic. It has been around for a long time and has increased its versatility since I first tried it over a decade ago. This Swiss Army Knife of utilities has my back with a plethora of tool and utilities. It watches over the registry, hard drive, memory and Internet connection and more. Unlike many utilities that delete things and change settings without your input, Iolo explains what it is about to alter and let’s you opt out, should you desire to do so. As cautious a user as I am, System Mechanic has discovered programs that clandestinely found their way into my startup folder and warned me of them. Yeah, it was worth the price. The icing on the cake is that Iolo allows you to install it on as many home computers as you need to. I have not yet purchased the full version of Malwarebytes, but I think that one’s next. As good a job as the free version does, I look forward to experiencing the increased protection of the paid app. Uninstallers are something else we all should have. The Windows tool is weak and slow and it fails to cleanse the registry of remnants after eliminating a program. Revo is a good free choice. Advanced or Your Uninstaller are both good options if you want to buy one. Something else Windows lacks is a good device driver updater. Manufacturers are constantly updating their hardware with new drivers and they are free. Often though, the apps to get them are not. Again, sometimes you just have to buy a utility. SlimDriver Free and DriverMax are cost-free, although you do need to register the latter product to use it. Often with free versions, there are nag screens begging you to buy the product and the speeds at which they update your system are agonizingly slow. Find one that allows you to archive all of the drivers on your computer into a self-installing utility; you never know when you’ll need to use it. Remember, all downloads are free. If you do install programs from the Internet, there are the usual caveats. First, make sure the link you’re about to click on is legitimate. Then, watch the installer. Free apps are sponsored by other apps. They try to sneak in additional utilities, toolbars, screen savers and widgets. They may also attempt to alter your browser’s search engine or start page. Clicking “Next” and “OK” without scrutinizing what boxes are checked will get you into trouble. It’s also always prudent to create a system restore point prior to making any changes and to reboot the computer for those changes to take effect. Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly on the Business page and on gainesvilletimes.com.

Free Apps for your computer

Computer Care: Free apps can make your computer run smarter, better

By Arthur Glazer
glazer.tech@gmail.com


POSTED: May 14, 2011 12:30 a.m.

Over the past few years, I've advised you to update your operating system, renew your anti-virus, run a malware scan and defrag your hard drive. Not exactly a walk in the park, but necessary nonetheless.

Well it's time again for some system upkeep. Call it spring cleaning or consider it computer maintenance, but to ease the pain, I have some free apps for you. Some you may have seen before; some are new versions and some are new.

I am an appaholic. I'm always looking for programs to make my computing experience easier, faster and more enjoyable. But for every good program I find on the Internet, I find 10 bad ones. Usually, I end up uninstalling more than I keep.

Let's start with how Windows starts: with the boot process. I discovered a utility that is still in beta and released to the public for free. Soluto is an app that not only monitors the boot process, but advises what is necessary for the system and what is not. It allows you to remove it from the boot or delay when it runs. It is easy to use and can cut your boot time in half, depending on how much junk is in your startup folder. I cut about 30 seconds off of my boot time with Soluto. It's a keeper.

Advanced System Care 4.0 from the folks at Iobit has been around for a while, but the release of the enhanced new version boasts a new interface. It's now split into two separate programs; one for the quick fix and the other for a deep scan. For a free utility, it has lots of bells and whistles. Some new ones include right-click options for the recycle bin and a comprehensive uninstaller. It is worth the update.

Iobit also has a good free malware app called Security 360. It too, has many tools and in conjunction with a good anti-virus utility, will help keep your computer running smoothly.

There are a few good free anti-virus apps, two of which are Avast and AVG. I choose the latter only because it also offers a good utility to fix any major issues that may arise. Once discovered, it will allow you to fix the system once for free or they will sell you the program for unlimited use.

AVG does have a scheduler; the Iobit free apps do not.
Chrome by Google is still my favorite browser. I have never been an Internet Explorer fan and although I used to like Firefox, the new version is a bit cluttered and confusing. Chrome is fast and has just enough tools to make it a great browser.

Just like having two cars in your garage, I advise keeping two browsers on your system. Eventually, one will fail to get you somewhere. That's when it's time to back the other one out and take it for a spin on the Internet.

Ashampoo has some good free tools; all you need to do is register with them. Sure, it will yield some spam, but the quality of the apps makes it worth it. I like its CD and DVD burner. It offers many choices including data, music and video burning, as well as a disk copy option. See the website for a list of what they have to offer.

For comprehensive defragmentation, I like two apps. Iobit has Smart Defrag and Aulogics has Disk Defrag.
Malwarebytes has been a long-time favorite of mine. It's a great, free utility for finding rogue programs on your system.

Another old timer is Ccleaner. It will cleanse your computer of junk files, assist with cookies and keep your registry in order.

A new app I came across recently is FCleaner. It looks for junk files, has an uninstaller, a startup manager and gives access to Windows system tools. It works quickly and is easy to use.

Also new to me is Word Web, a thesaurus and dictionary for Windows. It can look up words from any program. It also includes pronunciations and usage examples.

For those who may not realize the difference between update and upgrade: Updates are free. Upgrades are usually an enhanced version of the program for a price.

Remember to turn off your AV program when installing any software and to turn off System Restore when scanning for viruses.

Keep your eyes open, know your sources and be safe online. Remember, all downloads are free. That doesn't make them free programs.

Keep in mind that most free apps lack two things: Support and a scheduler. But hey, they're free. Most good programs are intuitive; you can figure out how to use them. As far as a scheduler, well you'll need to remember to click the scan button when there is an issue.

If you want support and have scans run automatically, you'll need to shell out some bucks for the privilege.
Still, you can save a bundle as well your system by using the right apps.

Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly on the Business page and on gainesvilletimes.com.

Free Apps for your computer

Computer Care: Free apps are nice, but download them with care

By Arthur Glazer
arthur@glazerthepctech.com
POSTED: January 8, 2011 12:30 a.m.


It came to me the other day. The holidays are over, and I didn't get anything for you. So let's make up for it and start the new year with some good free applications for your computer. It's January and you don't have any money left anyway.

Some of these you may have heard of and may have installed, while others are nice, hard-to-find or didn't know-they-existed free applications. I will let you Google the apps for location, since many URLs can be quite lengthy.

If you don't feel like Googling each one, try PCWorld.com, cnet.com or download.com for these and lots of others. Just be sure to check to see if the app you want is indeed freeware and not shareware or a pay version.

The main difference between free and paid versions is no support and no schedulers.

Most will work in XP, Vista and Windows 7 but it's always a good idea to check prior to installation.

Advanced System Care, the free version is one of my favorites so let's start with it. It is a Swiss Army Knife utility in that it cleans, optimizes and fixes. One of its tools fixes the Windows registry. There is also a Pro version with more bells and whistles.

Use caution with many of the other registry utilities on the Internet. Some are overly aggressive and you can get yourself into trouble messing with the registry. There is no "undo" button. Once you delete a value, it is gone, so be certain you don't need it.

IObit Security 360 checks your system for all types of malware and stays resident while you work.

Ccleaner and the new CC Enhancer work with your Recycle Bin to reduce clutter.

Chrome and Firefox are browsers, like Internet Explorer, but faster. You can have multiple browsers on your computer. If one stops working you have a backup. It's like having two cars in your garage. They will both get to the interstate.

Well, Internet Explorer and Chrome or Firefox are like a Ford and a Chevy or a Honda — they will each get you to the Internet. Only issue is one wants to be in charge. You need to choose a default browser, but it doesn't mean you have to only use it. Use them all. You can change defaults at any time.

AVG, Avast and Avira are anti-virus applications and all offer solid free versions. Pick one. Unlike other programs, you can only have one AV program on a system.

OpenOffice is a great free alternative to Office. It is a suite of similar-type programs.

Download of the Day is a website, not a program. You sign up for a daily e-mail and they send a link to a different free program, utility, game or screensaver each day.

Phrase Express is perhaps my favorite utility. It saves a phrase, sentence or paragraph that you type with one keystroke. Very cool.

RoboForm is the best password manager on the market. Find the free version that works with a smaller list. DriveImage XML is a free Ghost-like app that images your disk or partition.

BootSafe gets you quickly into Safe Mode. Eusing Free Internet Window Washer does just that. SuperAntiSpyware, the free version, is also just what it says.

IMG Burn and Image Burn for ISO and similar file writing to CD/DVD. Belarc Advisor tells you all that is installed on your system, with keys. Malwarebytes is a superb free anti-malware utility.

I need to add a caution about installing these. Often they sneak in other apps. Look at every checked box before you click "Next" or "OK." Many will add a toolbar to your browser; change your search engine or home page or add a whole new program.

Know what you are getting. Some apps have partial functionality. Others are full-blown programs but will limit use by time. Some fix only certain issues. Some look like Windows with the Microsoft-like logos to make you believe it is legit, but they are not.

A pop-up advising you of errors before you scanned for any is bogus.

Never click on a blind link. I've repaired countless computers with severe malware infections from clients attempting to download free programs. The so-called programs are in fact infectious malware. They are disguised as utilities and spread infection once you click on them, so beware.

Just because a website or e-mail says a download is free, doesn't necessarily mean it is a free program. (Most downloads are free.) They make you pay once you try to use it. As always, caveat emptor, although which technically is buyer beware, but you get the idea.

Once you download and install what you want, save it to an outside source. You may need it again if your system crashes or you change computers. Put those downloads on an external hard drive, flash drive or burn them to CD or DVD.

Remember what they are, where you put them — and who gave them to you.

Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly. Arthur welcomes your computer questions and ideas for future columns.