[Slikkie]

Hi all,

Could someone please provide me with a list of must-have applications to keep my PC running at optimum efficiency? Things that will keep my PC fresh and in tip top shape.

Thanks,
Slikkie

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Hello Slikkie,

I have a few suggestions. You have some good items already listed in your signature. First you should use Windows Update to make sure your system is kept up-to-date. It might also be good for you to install a firewall utility. Thirdly, run disk cleanup and disk defragmenter once a week. Fourth, run the check disk utility once a month. Make sure you regularly run scans with your antivirus and antispyware programs with updated definitions.

I also like to use the FileHippo Update Checker and the Secunia Personal Software Inspector to make sure all my applications are up-to-date.

This isn't a comprehensive list, but if you need any other recommendations, please let me know.

Ax

[Ax238]

Hello Slikkie,

I have a few suggestions. You have some good items already listed in your signature. First you should use Windows Update to make sure your system is kept up-to-date. It might also be good for you to install a firewall utility. Thirdly, run disk cleanup and disk defragmenter once a week. Fourth, run the check disk utility once a month. Make sure you regularly run scans with your antivirus and antispyware programs with updated definitions.

I also like to use the FileHippo Update Checker and the Secunia Personal Software Inspector to make sure all my applications are up-to-date.

This isn't a comprehensive list, but if you need any other recommendations, please let me know.

Ax

[Slikkie]

Thank you for the reply Ax238.

Is there a good Open Source program that will allow me to defragment my disk? I don't like the default application in Windows XP. Also, should I use an Antispyware program if I have BitDefender Internet Security 2008?

Slikkie

Edited by Slikkie, 20 January 2008 - 12:17 AM.

[Ax238]

You're welcome.

jkDefrag is an open source defragmenter that you could use as an alternative. Also, I always think it's good to have multiple anti-spyware/anti-malware tools at your disposal, so yes I would say you should have a dedicated anti-spyware program as well. You may not need a firewall with that security suite though.

Ax

[Ztruker]

Let me add one suggestion here. System Restore is a tad flaky some times. I've found that if I regularly (I do this once a month) remove all restore points then create a new restore point, System Restore is very reliable. Perhaps this is luck but it's worked on multiple systems for me.

The key to doing this is to make sure your system is running correctly first, no malware, no performance problems, all hardware functioning as it should.

[Facedown98]

Slikkie, are you looking for all free programs, or are you ok with spending money? A lot of the essentials can be replaced with a free program which does about as good of a job, but I just wanted to see what your stance was on that.