Essential Software for any Windows PC - Page 6

Blackraven · 09-07-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MdX MaxX

Question: What's one of the best anti virus softwares? It doesn't have to be free. If I were to get a new PC, I would probably go with Norton, but I know the mainstream probably isn't the best... What do you guys recommend?

Kapersky is the best atm (if you're willing to pay)

If you want something for free, then download AVG Free Edition

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As regards to the most popular ones, I too thought that Symantec (makers of Norton) and Network Associates (makers of Mcafee) were the BEST in the business of computer security.

It turns out, the more popular they became, the more sucky their products became. (sad but it is true)

Just a few of my two cents on this.

ellipse · 09-08-2008, 06:24 AM

I second the McAfee one. That thing takes forever to start, sucks up loads of processes, randomly crashes computers. . .grrrr. . .

I prefer a HOSTS file and a healthy dose of common sense. You're on your own for the latter, but the former can be found here:

Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File

Read the instructions carefully.

**dieKatze88** · 09-08-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellipse

I second the McAfee one. That thing takes forever to start, sucks up loads of processes, randomly crashes computers. . .grrrr. . .

I prefer a HOSTS file and a healthy dose of common sense. You're on your own for the latter, but the former can be found here:

Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File

Read the instructions carefully.

Or use Spybot Search and Destroy, it does that for you.

MdX MaxX · 09-08-2008, 06:18 PM

So actually, I downloaded Avira to check it out (and the whole site and program got a complete makeover a few hours later, lol) and it seems like it's doing it's job. So I'll stick with that. If I happen to get an Inspiron Notebook for my birthday I'll use Vista's Firewall and spyware Protection, unless there's something better out there that's free.

EDIT: Don't you have to pay for Spybot?

Geschpooklichkeit · 09-08-2008, 07:50 PM

Only if you want to donate.

Blackraven · 09-09-2008, 07:35 AM

Strangely.

In the past

I used to believe that download accelerators were like a godsend.

Heck, I still remember that real download accelerator whatever it's called and I thought that it was nifty.

I mean, the ability to pause long-ass downloads was indeed a miracle (esp. during the days of slow-ass dial-up internet).

I wasn't even a teenager back then so yeah I was easily amazed as to what it can and did provide (or so I thought)

------
Unfortunately,

I later realized that it wasn't as flawless as I thought it would be (some downloads were corrupted and became erroneous).

Worse, during some certain times, it appeared that it became a common feeding ground for spyware programs on my old computer back then.

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Thankfully, the use of faster broadband internet removed the need for such.

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P.S.

On another note

Is it advisable to download registry cleaners?

Obviously, my instinct tells me that's a yes........but as something as complexed and as fragile registry modification is (like how changing just ONE character in a given registry key can already have major effects on the system itself)

So what do you guys think?

Geschpooklichkeit · 09-09-2008, 09:39 AM

I've never bothered with registry cleaners, but any good one should only remove what is necessarily erroneous and keep backups of everything it touches.

Valex · 09-09-2008, 09:30 PM

Ad-Aware SE is pretty good, I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned

MdX MaxX · 09-10-2008, 03:39 PM

One more question: What's a good program for Freeing up RAM? Does Firefox's RAMback clear all of the RAM or just the browser's cache?

EDIT: Forget RAMback, it apparently doesn't work with FF 3.0.1. Any other good RAM-freeing programs?

Geschpooklichkeit · 09-10-2008, 07:39 PM

Outertech - computer memory and cache optimization, tuneup and internet utility software

**dieKatze88** · 09-10-2008, 11:20 PM

If someone could remake the Real download manager with all the spy ware removed from it, I would use it again. Seriously, that program was great. It did exactly what it should, and nothing it shouldn't do, and did it quickly.

Blackraven · 09-11-2008, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieKatze88

If someone could remake the Real download manager with all the spy ware removed from it, I would use it again. Seriously, that program was great. It did exactly what it should, and nothing it shouldn't do, and did it quickly.

I agree.

Granted, I'm not sure as to whether it would return (even if Realnetworks is still generating profit atm).

But if ever it will (and if they get the damn bugs and flaws fixed), then it might just work indeed

ellipse · 09-12-2008, 04:21 PM

Er. . .does the Real Download Manager do something similar to this?

Blackraven · 09-13-2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellipse

Er. . .does the Real Download Manager do something similar to this?

Well yeah

That's the basic concept of the Download Manager.

It's something like the download manager utility thingy that IGN/Gamespy uses (when you download something from their site).

That's basically it

The legend of ZAKU 0079 · 09-17-2008, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MdX MaxX

One more question: What's a good program for Freeing up RAM? Does Firefox's RAMback clear all of the RAM or just the browser's cache?

EDIT: Forget RAMback, it apparently doesn't work with FF 3.0.1. Any other good RAM-freeing programs?

If you have XP and have no more than 2GB's of RAM under the hood, this app did wonders for me and my old PC which only had 512MB of RAM, and helped me reclaim RAM with a couple of clicks.