Dental Health International Nederland
Protecting and speeding up Windows for computer amateurs.
I wrote this page to lend you a hand in keeping your system running smoothly without the need of having knowledge of the ins and outs of the Windows register, the size of data packages, the ports of your computer, the appearance of cookies that help advertisers on the net and other features that only experts are aware of.
The trouble with Windows is, that it collects all kind of unnecessary files and information. In the course of time this becomes a load that will slow down your machine. Moreover your Windows machine can rather easily be entered by intruders scumming around the net. They can take a look around inside your computer and even worse, mix things up in a way that you would not like to happen to anyone. So I'd like to present to you a virusscanner, a firewall, a site to test this firewall and some cleaning stuff.
The programs I recommend are merely to prevent that trash comes into your computer and in case it's inside, to help you clean your machine. There may be better programs that I am not aware of, but in one respect they are excellent. They are all for free!
Name
|
Let's start with some safety measures.
|
Download
|
Housecall
|
A good start for safety might be a free online virusscanner.
The company itself tells us:
Give your PC a check-up while you surf the Web!
HouseCall is a demonstration of the power of Web-based technologies that Trend Micro is developing to make deployment and management of virus protection in corporate settings fast and easy.
|
|
Zone Alarm
|
This program prevents curious computers and/or people to look inside your computer. It warns you when a program inside your own computer tries to connect to another computer. It's a guard dog standing at the gate of your computer, with special attention for its backdoor.
|
|
Shields UP!!
|
I really cannot continue without telling you about Shields UP!!
Steve Gibson tests whether your system is vulnerable to intruders.
When you have arrived on this page, just click on Shields UP. (..simple)
|
|
Privacy
|
Privacy is a hot item nowadays. A firewall is a must, you cannot download files without scanning them with a virusscanner.
|
|
 |
Has your system collapsed? Don't worry. Recover it on the fly.
|
|
ScanReg
|
Windows ME and XP have a system restore capability.
But did you know that Windows98 has (a bit) of that capacity as well?
Get your system started in the DOS mode and type <scanreg /restore>
Don't tell anyone: Windows stores old Registers and you can put them back in case your system has collapsed! Recovery without reinstalling Windows completely!
|
More information about scanreg at Microsoft:
|
|
Now let's speed up your system by removing all kinds of trash!
|
|
Ad-Aware
|
The developers say:
Ad-aware is a free multi spyware removal utility that scans your memory, registry and hard drives for known spyware and scumware components and lets you remove them safely. It is updated frequently.
What should I add to this?
|
|
jv16 Power Tools
|
This program really washes your computer clean.
-Scan the registry for invalid and obsolete registry entries
-Remove leftover registry entries
-Search for zero-length files
-Search for duplicate files
-Search for Temp files
-Search for Invalid shortcuts
Take a look at the site of Jouni Vuorio, the programmer.
I can recommend you to use this program.
|
|
WinPatrol
|
WinPatrol reports what programs your computer loads and runs anytime you reboot. Keep your system slim and fast by skipping unwanted and/or unneeded programs. The use of this program is free, but it doesn't harm to register for a really low fee. The bonussus you will receive when registering are well worth it!
|
|
RegClean
|
Windows' own registry cleaning software is no longer available at Microsoft. However the Create Windows website offers you an original Microsoft RegClean.
|
|
Intelli Dial Up
|
It sets some things in Windows in such a matter that your modem connection is really going faster. How? It has something to do with data packages. I only know that it's simple to use and it works!
(A hint: Don't forget to change settings when you change from modem to cable or else your ratings will be slower instead of faster.)
|
|
Clean System Directory
|
Clean unused DLLs out of your Windows System directory. For experienced users. Not for WinME, WinNT, Win2000 or later.
|
|
System Restore Remover Pro
|
This is for the Windows ME users. I personally don't like the system restore option from Windows ME. It consumes CPU power and uses a lot of disk space. System Restore Remover Pro is just a simple switch to switch this option off in ME. Speed regained!
|
|
Defrag
|
Fortunately Microsoft offers a great program as well. When you have cleaned your system with the above mentioned programs, it's time for a nice finishing touch. Defrag puts all fragmented files together and in a nice order, so that Windows or your hard disk can access information faster.
|
Go to START, go to RUN,
type defrag and ENTER
|
Swap File
|
Still not satisfied. Here's a trick for diehards. It takes a little work, but it's worth the effort.
|
|
Absolutely Free
(thank you Frank)
|
OK So you are the one that wants the ultimate.... Then it's time to use the Window washer from Microsoft. (Windows 95 and 98 only)
|
Did you know that help desks refuse to open attachments from incoming e-mail. Why? Well, most viruses are packed into these attachments. Why not act like the professionals. Never open attachments!
Of course you already have a good virus scanner installed, haven't you?
If you have any comments and/or additions, mail me: postmaster@dhin.nl
Comment:
The real reason why I have put this page together lies in the fact that I use an old Pentium I machine. Loading this machine up with all kinds of programs slows it down very much. I try to avoid all kinds of helpful programs that use CPU power and swallow memory. By keeping my machine clean it works pretty fast.
I did install ZoneAlarm, but I do not use a virusscanner in the background, because this scanner slows down my machine very much. Furthermore I use the Windows 95 operating system. It uses less resources. In my opinion it's best to use the operating system that 'belongs' to your processor. Pentium I - Windows 95, Pentium II&III Windows 98 SE, Pentium IV - Windows XP.
So do not try to put a big motor into a small car. And.... in real life most people do not drive a Ferrari.
If you have a modern 1Gbyte or 2Gbyte AMD Athlon or Pentium IV computer, this page doesn't apply to you.
But I think there are not too many Ferrari like computers used in developing countries, so after all these hints might be helpful to some of you.
And when you own a small network or think of building one you should try FREESCO.
With a FREESCO box between you and the Internet you can enlighten the work of your clients (=computers in your network) and do most firewalling and deleting of annoying ads and pop-ups before it even reaches your computer.
PS Do not forget to go to Microsoft to get all kind of essential (safety) updates for your system:
The most simple method is to visit Microsoft at : http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/default.htm
Microsoft scans your computer to find out which updates you need and gives you an advice. You are automatically redirected to the page for your own Windows version. There you can choose for yourself which updates you want to install.
But for 95 and 98 users who want to look around for themselves there is:
All Windows operating systems - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.mspx
Windows ME and Windows XP have their update mechanism built in in the operating system.
This page is linked to from STARTPAGINA.NL