Recommended Tools for Windows -> AVG Anti-Virus

This is a free anti-virus. It is not as comprehensive as some (McAfee or Norton), but is good enough for most users. You can't beat the price. I've also found that this program is easier on the system. I will share in a separate post some difficulties I had with McAfee when using network shared files and folders. The ultimate solution was to use AVG instead of McAfee.

AVG Free download site

When installing the program, accept the default settings until you get to the screen for the AVG Security toolbar. Uncheck this setting.

After the install is done, it will want you to configure. I did not select to have it collect information while browsing the internet (I don't want anything like this slowing me down). I set the daily scan to run at 12:15 AM (when I should be off the computer). This will work as long as you don't turn your computer off at night. You can turn off the daily scan if you want to run it manually. Read More!

Recommended Tools for Windows -> Wise Registry Cleaner

Having a large or error full registry can slow down system startup and cause crashes or program failures. This program will clean out a lot of the registry junk and fix problems.

When installing this program, on the "Newsletter" screen, unselect the option to get email. On the "Select additional tasks" uncheck the selections. When prompted to get disk cleaner, decline this as well.

The download site has the option to get the Free version or the Pro version. Try out the free version.

Wise Registry Cleaner Download Page Read More!

Recommended Tools for Windows -> System Explorer

Many times performance problems can be resolved by understanding what programs are hogging your precious system resources. This tool helps to figure those things out. I ask my friends and family members to install this so that when it comes time to figure out and solve a problem that we can use it to assist in the troubleshooting process.

This is a very good tool to see what is running and taking resources on your computer.

When installing, accept defaults until you get to the screen for "Select additional tasks". On this screen, I suggest unselecting everything. This will enable the program to run only when you want it to run. Since you will run this only when you want to figure out what is going on with your system, it is fine to select it from the start menu.

System Explorer Download Page Read More!