How To Clean Up My Computer And Keep It Running Smooth

Backup or Restore Wizard tool.
While there are many files and folders windows will not delete or clean it is a very useful tool.
"Back Up First"
Back up your computer before you run any system tools or do any troubleshooting. This is not just an over-cautious warning. Some of the steps I recommend in this column can cause pre-existing but hidden problems to surface, which may keep your computer from starting. Windows XP includes Backup, a tool that helps you protect your data.

Must Read Instructions:
Restore Your Computer's Performance with Windows XP
By Tony Northrup, Windows XP Expert Zone Community Columnist

It covers:

• 1.Clear Out Forgotten Programs
  
• 2.Free Up Wasted Space
  
• 3.Defragment Your Computer
  
• 4.Disconnect Unused Network Connections
  
• 5.Remove Autostart Programs

Windows XP does not completely clean up computer of all issues.
There are things such as broken registry entries that stay on your computer after deleting programs. Also Applications, missing shared DLLS,
MUI cache, Active X and Class Issues All take up your computer space and slow performance.

This software completes the job Windows XP does not finish. Its a must have for complete computer cleaning.

Advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts and more... also comes with a comprehensive backup feature.

Removes temp files and recent file lists (MRUs) from many apps including Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, Microsoft Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip and many more...

CCleaner is a freeware
system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware.

CCleaner has proven itself as a very safe registry cleaner also. Cleaning Missing shared dll' and 'Unused file extensions. You can back up everything before deleting with one click.
To use, simply press the "Scan for Issues" button and once completed press the "Fix Selected Issues" button. You will be prompted to backup and helped throughout the process. Recommended.

Complete guides, information,and featrues visit:
How To Clean up My Computer with CCleaner

They ask for a donation which is entirely up to you.

Computer starting slow? When your computer starts it takes all your files and folders and puts them in order significantly slowing start up time. To keep them in order download Microsoft Bootvis.Restart your computer. You should see a separate screen for the program putting your files in order. This will give you much faster boot time.

You only need to run this once after that it is automatic.

To recover data on hard disk
Stellar Information Systems Ltd. Data Recovery Service Gurgaon | Hard Drive Recovery Software Download

Stellar Information Systems Ltd. [an ISO 9001:2000 certified company] has pioneered the concept of data recovery in the Indian sub-continent. Incorporated in the year 1993, we have over 100,000 customers spread across 137 countries. We have received numerous awards and recognitions for our hard disk products and file recovery services.

Hard Disk Data Recovery Services In India | Stellar Data Recovery

Symantec pulls "Norton" 2009 patch after error reports

Follow here to article and update fix.

Symantec is providing a fix for customers who got error messages after a patch deployment went awry for some Norton users, the company said on Tuesday.
The problem started last Wednesday when Symantec deployed patches for Norton AntiVirus 2009, Norton Internet Security 2009, and Norton 360 v3 via LiveUpdate. Some customers received error messages saying that there was a problem with the Symantec Service Framework.

Before you hire anyone to fix your computer and spend hundreds of dollars, visit this two sites.
You can usually get the help to fix any problem there.
Windows Vista Help
Tech Arena Forum
If you still have problems feel free to e-mail me and I will get back to with the proper resource to fix the problem. This will save you a lot of valuable time and money .

Anti-virus software and comparison charts.
This is a list of notable antivirus software in the form of a comparison table.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia virus comparison table

The Following are Programs distributed with spyware
Bonzi Buddy, Dope Wars, EDonkey2000, Grokster
Kazaa, Morpheus, RadLight, WeatherBug
Sony's Extended Copy Protection involved the installation of spyware from audio compact discs through autorun. This practice sparked considerable controversy when it was discovered.

SpyEagle is a spyware program that is disguised as an Antivirus program.

The recent proliferation of fake or spoofed antivirus products has occasioned some concern. Such products often bill themselves as antispyware, antivirus, or registry cleaners, and sometimes feature popups prompting users to install them. This software is called rogue software.

Some known offenders include:

AntiVirus 360, Antivirus 2008, Antivirus 2009, AntiVirus Gold, ContraVirus, Errorsafe (AKA system doctor), MacSweeper, PAL Spyware Remover, Pest Trap PSGuard, Spy Wiper, Spydawn, Spylocked, Spysheriff, SpyShredder
Spyware Quake, SpywareStrike, UltimateCleaner, WinAntiVirus Pro 2006, WinFixer
WorldAntiSpy

These nasty bugs not only slow your computer but some even freeze it up, some steal your information, while other gather information.

Definitions

What Is a Virus?: A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. A computer virus attaches itself to a program or file enabling it to spread from one computer to another, leaving infections as it travels. Like a human virus, a computer virus can range in severity: some may cause only mildly annoying effects while others can damage your hardware, software or files
What Is a Worm? Just like regular worms tunnel through dirt and soil, computer worms tunnel through your computer's memory and hard drive. A computer worm is a type
of virus that replicates itself, but does not alter any files on your machine. However, worms can still cause havoc by multiplying so many times that they take up all your computer's available memory or hard disk space. If a worm consumes your memory, your computer will run very slowly and possibly even crash.
What is a Trojan Horse? A destructive program that masquerades as a benign application. One of the most insidious types of Trojan horse is a program that claims to rid your computer of viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer. They masquerade as regular programs such as games or disk utilities. But if they are run, these programs can do malicious things to your computer.
What is a Rookit? A rootkit is a software system that consists of a program or combination of several programs designed to hide or obscure the fact that a system has been compromised. An attacker may use a rootkit to replace vital system executables, which may then be used to hide processes and files the attacker has installed, along with the presence of the rootkit. A rootkit is intended to seize control of the operating system. Rootkits frequently masquerade themselves as other files and/or deliberately hide files from programs that are used by legitimate administrators to hunt for viruses.
What is Spyware? Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware, which interferes with networking software commonly causes difficulty connecting to the Internet.
What is Malware? Short for malicious software, is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code. The term "computer virus" is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware, including true viruses.
Software is considered malware based on the perceived intent of the creator rather than any particular features. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, most rootkits, spyware, dishonest adware, crimeware and other malicious and unwanted software.Data-stealing malware is a web threat that divests victims of personal and proprietary information with the intent of monetizing stolen data through direct use or underground distribution. Content security threats that fall under this umbrella include keyloggers, screen scrapers, spyware, adware, backdoors, and bots.

Check safety and performance issues

on your PC with free online scanners

right from your browser.

HouseCall - Trend Micro USA

Tested and tried for integrity. This online scanner scans your PC for a wide range of Internet security threats including viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware. HouseCall identifies and fixes vulnerabilities to help prevent re-infection. ( click the full version download link and another page will come up. At the bottom of that page click the launch button from there you will start online scanning.)

Windows Live OneCare

Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a free service designed to help ensure the health of your PC.

FREE or PROFESSIONAL

SUPERAntiSpyware is in the position to locate, analyze and remove "zero-day" threats as they appear on the market. We often update our definitions and rules several times per day to ensure that users have the most up to date protection available.

Technology developed by our team has been featured in Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek and has received numerous 5-star awards and reviews around the Internet.

1. Detects and Remove Spyware, Adware and Remove Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers, Parasites, Rootkits, Rogue Security Products and many other types of threats.
2. Light on System Resources and won't slow down your computer like many other anti-spyware products. Won't conflict with your existing anti-spyware or anti-virus solution!
3. Repairs broken Internet Connections, Desktops, Registry Editing and more with our unique Repair System!

Top notch Real Time Protection
FREE or PROFESSIONAL

There are tons of antivirus programs out there to choose from. (further down the page is a link to a comparison list) You can search around all day long and it will make your head spin.
I have tried many programs and found Avast to be my pick for the top.
Protecting about 80 million consumers around the world.
avast! antivirus Home Edition is available free of charge for non-commercial home use ONLY.

It is necessary to register before the end of the initial 60 day trial period. Following the registration you will receive by e-mail a license key valid for a period of 1 year. After you have downloaded and installed the program, the license key must be inserted into it within 60 days. The registration process is very easy, and it will take you only a couple of minutes.

For complete guides and manuals PDF visit
How To Clean up My Computer with Avast

CNET Download.com has awarded avast! Home Edition the coveted five star rating.

101 Fantastic Freebies:
avast! Home Edition is Winner in the security software category.
Along with many other awards.
ALWIL Software is a Czech-based company from Prague, established in April 1991. It develops and is a vendor of the award-winning avast antivirus.

The interface is simple, but pleasant-looking and well-organized. Tabs live just below the oversized logo, with few options per tab to keep down the clutter.

The app has some nice features rolled in, too. It supports multiple drive scanning including networked drives, context menu options including a scan-on-demand for individual files, and the FileAssassin option under the More Tools section for removing locked files.

Key Features>

• Support for Windows 2000, XP, and Vista (32-bit only).
  
• Light speed quick scanning.
  
• Ability to perform full scans for all drives.
  
• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Protection Module. (requires registration)
  
• Database updates released daily.
  
• Quarantine to hold threats and restore them at your convenience.
  
• Ignore list for both the scanner and Protection Module.
  
• Settings to enhance your Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware performance.
  
• A small list of extra utilities to help remove malware manually.
  Multi-lingual support.
  
• Works together with other anti-malware utilities.
  
• Command line support for quick scanning.
  
• Context menu integration to scan files on demand.

The following are links to the MalwaerBytes screen shots.

1. Main Window
   
2. Settings Tab

Reviews from FileForum:
One of my better purchases, the signatures are updated several times a day, light on resources, I run it in the background along with Super Anti-Spyware. They reside happily together and seem to catch all Spyware etc between them. Highly recommended.

Clearly one of the best antispyware that I've tested. I'm regularly cleaning infected computers. Usually Kaspersky + Malwarebyte + Autoruns are doing the job. In some cases, I made use of other tools like sdfix, smitfraud (mainly)

FREE or Pro version.
Download Here