I recently performed a complete software reinstall my old notebook computer so Kate could use it. I unfortunately had to reload it because when I went overseas it was configured to use on the DoD network. That was very cool that they did this for me so I could use the internet in the barracks. What wasn’t cool was when I left the network administrator didn’t remove all of the domain administrator settings. He gave my login local administrator powers, but with all of the configurations active, I was unable to control many things on my own computer.
I searched desperately for a way to solve my problem. I knew if I reloaded my computer I would lose Office 2003, which was loaded by the network administrator. I tried a lot of things, but time ran out and Kate needs a computer since hers decided to stop working. Thanks to my good preparation I could easily reload it because I have a XP Pro CD that I’ve been saving for an emergency.
What I’d like to share with everyone are the useful tools I install on my computers that are completely free.
Windows Defender
This application from Microsoft will help defend your computer from spyware and browser hijackers. It has realtime protection and will scan your computer daily.
Ad-Aware SE Personal
This is another application to help defend your computer against spyware. The free version doesn’t provide realtime protection or automatic scans, but this is a very trusted application. It’s probably the best anti-spyware programs out there.
Page Defrag
File fragmentation slows down your computer. Especially when your vital system files are fragmented. Normal defragmentation tools don’t defragment these system files because they’re protected when in use. This tool will operate when your computer is booting up before Windows is loaded and it is very quick.
PowerToysXP TweakUI
On this page you’ll find a lot of useful tools, but you definitely need TweakUI. It gives you easy access to many settings buried in Windows. The most useful I think is found under ‘Common Dialogs/Places Bar’. When you save or open a file from an application a window opens to file the location. On the left it provides buttons to quickly switch to some locations. With TweakUI you can control what locations appear on the left.
Another useful setting is found under ‘Templates’. When you right click on your Desktop or in Explorer and look under the ‘New’ menu, you’ll see a list of filetypes you can quickly create. With TweakUI you can control what filetypes appear on that menu. It seems like every application likes to add an option to that menu, so it’s nice to have a way to control that.
AVG Free
Last, is AVG free. This is a completely free anti-virus application. It will automatically update and scan your computer. Grisoft has been offering AVG Free for years and they have an excellent reputation. Their personal use version is offered free to advertise their business and network programs. I’ve been using AVG for years and haven’t had a problem. Ask yourself, do you want to pay $50 a year for an anti-virus program when there’s a free one that gets the job done?