CCleaner v2.07.575 (4-28-08)

New update to one of the most reliable free daily use tools out there. You can use the internal updater only be sure to look for and uncheck the ‘Install Yahoo Toolbar’ option if to avoid installing it. If you don’t use it, you should!

This release adds Firefox 3.0 support including history and cookies which had been moved into a more complex database structure. Additionally we’ve add a good range of performance tweaks and bug fixes for foreign language versions.

CCleaner v2.07.575

• Firefox 3.0 support added.
• Fixed bug where figures were missing for KB/MB sizes.
• Fixed bug where some IE cookies were being missed.
• Improved scan time accuracy.
• Internal memory management improvements.
• Registry settings moved to HKCUSoftwarePiriformCCleaner.
• Fixed bug where CC could get locked in System Tray.
• Renamed MSN Messenger to Windows Live Messenger.
• Added MS Office Picture Manager to applications.
• Fixed uninstaller tool bug on 64-bit OS.
• Minor GUI improvements.
• Minor bug fixes.

CCleaner Slim (No Toolbar) 2.07.575
CCleaner (With Yahoo Toolbar) 2.07.575
CCleaner Portable 2.07.575

Installing and using CCleaner

• Double click on the ccsetup.exe file to start the installation of the program.
• Select your language and click OK, then Next.
• Read the license agreement and click I Agree.
• Click Next to use the default install location.
• Under Install Options, choose all the default settings
• Click Install then finish to complete installation.
• Double click the CCleaner shortcut on the desktop to start the program.
• On the Windows tab, under Internet Explorer, uncheck Cookies if you do not want them deleted. (If deleted, you will likely need to re-enter your passwords at all sites where a cookie is used to recognize you when you visit).
• If you use either the Firefox or Mozilla browsers, the box to uncheck for Cookies is on the Applications tab, under Firefox/Mozilla.
• Click on the Options icon at the left side of the window, then click on Advanced.
  uncheck Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours.
• Click on the Cleaner icon on the left side of the window, then click Run Cleaner to run the program.
• Caution: Only use the Registry feature if you are very familiar with the registry.
• Always back up your registry before making any changes.
• Exit CCleaner after it has completed it’s process.

WinPatrol 2008 By BillP Studios

One of the best just got better!

As a MULTI PURPOSE SUPPORT UTILITY WinPatrol replaces multiple system utilities with its enhanced functionality. WinPatrol PLUS provides easy to understand descriptions of over 18,000 programs.

As a robust SECURITY MONITOR, WinPatrol will alert you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission. WinPatrol PLUS includes our unique, patent pending R.I.D. technology.

WinPatrol uses a heuristic behavioral approach to detecting attacks and violations of your computing environment. Traditional security programs scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. You’ll be removing dangerous new programs while others prepare to update their definition/signature data files.

WinPatrol.com
What’s New with Version 15.0.2008.0
Compare WinPatrol FREE and WinPatrol PLUS
Download WinPatrol 2008 V15.0.2008.0
WinPatrol Help
BillP Studios Spyware Blog

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0

Basic antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows available to download for free. Limited features, no support, for private and non-commercial use only.

AVG Download Page

The computer I was trying to install this on kept getting an error that it couldn’t create a Registry key. I tried twice and that was enough. The machine now is running Avast! Home Free.

My recommendation is if you have AVG antivirus and are thinking of upgrading to the new 8.0 version save yourself the time and install Avast! Home Free instead. Besides the bad decision by Griftsoft to include the Yahoo! “Security Toolbar” the makers of AVG are in my opinion heading down the same road as Symantec and steadily creating a bloated product that will eventually slow many computers down to a crawl. Thanks for the years of protection Griftsoft, but I am now using and recommending only Avast!.

Clean Up Your Windows XP Memory, With a Single Shortcut

You may know that Windows XP is not the best operating system when it comes to memory management. People often resort to restarting the computer, in order to clear certain areas of the memory. This however is not necessary.

In just a few steps you can create a shortcut that will save time, and headaches.

Simply follow the following instructions, and execute your new shortcut when you’re computer is seeming slow on the memory side of things.

Right click on desktop and choose New > Shortcut
Copy/paste this piece of code in the location box:

%windir%\system32\rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks

Save the file.

That’s it. Whenever you feel there may be some memory issues with your computer just click on your new shortcut.

ESET SysInspector

SysInspector is a standalone, portable utility designed to show you information about your computer with a emphasis on finding viruses and malware.

Like many other system information tools, SysInspector will show you your running processes, network connections, running services and specifications.
However, what makes SysInspector different is that it has a slider which filters the risk level. On the lowest setting it’ll show you everything (for example, known good processes), but as you slide it to higher risk levels it only shows you items that it finds highly suspicious.
The lowest level shows everything, the middle levels show only third party objects and other items that don’t come with Windows. The highest level shows items that could be potentially dangerous such as unknown items that are set to start during boot-up, and other unknown items in strange areas.

Downloads: – 3.67mb

Download from Official Site (32-bit version)
Download from Official Site (64-bit version)

Data Loss – Recovery & Prevention

Most recovery programs work in much the same way. You need to select the disk where the lost files are located and let the program analyze the content of the disk. Then select the file you want to recover and provide a location where you want to save that file.

Install a data recovery program just in case!

Be prepared beforehand! Installing any software after data loss will increase the risk of the lost data being overwritten. A recovery program installed now is good insurance for your data.

Free recovery software

• DiskDigger – Recover any type of files from any type of drive, flash drive or memory card.
• Free Undelete
• PC INSPECTOR File Recovery
• PC INSPECTOR Smart Recovery – Specializes in flash card/drive recovery.
• Recuva – From the makers of CCleaner.
• Undelete Plus
• Roadkil’s Unstoppable Copier – Great for recovering files from scratched CD’s or defective floppy/hard disks.

Commercial recovery software
Commercial recovery software will increase the chances of recovering important data. It’s not free but can be well worth the price.

• Active@ UNDELETE – Has great reviews with demo results before you buy.
• DiskInternals Mail Recovery – Recover and repair Windows email! (Demo).
• OfficeRecovery.com – Data recovery software for email, databases and office productivity.
• PC Tools File Recover
• Recover My Files – Has great reviews with demo results before you buy.

What to and not to do

Use your system as little as possible until you recover all of your lost files.
The more activity taking place on your hard disk, the greater chance that some of your lost data will be over written.
If you are trying to recover files from a media card, stop using that card immediately.

• Turn off any applications you don’t need.
• Because they will write to your disk don’t launch any unnecessary programs.
• Avoid browsing the web.
• Don’t restart your computer.
• Don’t do a disk defrag or run a disk cleaner.

After the recovery

• Check that everything correct.
• If you’ve recovered applications, check that they still run.
• If you’ve recovered documents, check that your words are still there.

Even the best recovery software can’t guarantee 100% results. Some parts of your files may have been overwritten, meaning that other data was saved to that location on your disk.
After recovery they might contain invalid information. Depending on the type of file involved, partially recovered files like this can be usually recovered by commercial software.

Prevention tip - Make backups

The first and most reliable way to avoid accidental deletion or other forms of data loss is to make regular backups of your important files. User error isn’t the only way you can loose important data, photos, schoolwork or projects. You can experience a sudden power outage or power surge or even a dead hard drive.Note: In case of hard drive failure, don’t keep your backups on the same drive you are backing up. Use another drive or burn them to a CD.

There are also free and paid online storage sites. A few offer up to 5GB of free space and include sharing.

Note: With any free storage site read the fine print. Some allow larger amounts of space but they limit uploads per month (1GB or less). In other words you can’t get large files uploaded all at once. The free sites listed below have had no upload limits that I have noticed.

Free online storage

• Mp3Tunes.com – Unlimited free storage of your music collection.
• MyOtherDrive.com – Store up to 5GB of files.
• Windows Live SkyDrive – Microsoft 5GB free.
• Xdrive – AOL 5GB free.

Note: With free storage you need to sign in once and a
while. If not then they may purge your account to due to inactivity.
Below are just a few.

Commercial storage

• Carbonite.com – Backup your entire hard drive automatically.
• GoDaddy.com – Paid plans, as low as $5.99 a year for 50MB, sync between multiple computers.
• IBackup – Anywhere from 5GB to 300GB of storage.

Free backup software

• Cobian Backup
• Karen’s Replicator
• SyncBack

Use a Power Strip/Surge Protector

Be sure you have a reliable Surge Protector. These can be found at most retail stores and come in many varieties. Do some comparison shopping and pick the one that suits your needs. These are invaluable, not only to your data but to all of your computer components.

Posted in Uncategorized. Leave a Comment »