Keep Computer Junk-Free

Last week we talked about how to clean unwanted programs off new and not-so-new computers. Now that you computer is all clean and shiny inside, I'll show you how you can keep it that way.

Prevent unpleasant surprises
I'm going to assume that you are already taking the basic safe-computing precautions. You have an up-to-date anti-virus program you have a firewall and it's turned on and you regularly collect and install Windows Updates so your Operating System is as protected as it can be. If your computer lacks any of those protective layers, you should take a look at this list. Then come back here!

Besides the programs listed in that previous column, you can control junk in two ways. First, by keeping it from getting in, and second by ferreting out what manages to get in.

To keep junk out, I am finally comfortable again recommending Windows Defender. Windows Defender is a free program from Microsoft that protects your computer from spyware. It will detect and remove unwanted, potentially harmful software. It runs in the background all the time and is available for Windows XP SP2 system, and for Vista. You can download it here.

No one program can possibly catch everything. So for removing what does manage to get past the gates, I recommend running Ad-Aware SE Personal or Spybot Search & Destroy every week or so. Both programs are free, although you can make a donation.

Keep track of what starts up
Last week I mentioned Autoruns, a useful program for monitoring what is starting up with Windows. I heard from several people who were grateful for the recommendation and from several people who were confused by the overwhelming amount of information offered. If you found Autoruns to be less than helpful, you might take a look at What's Running, available here. It presents much the same information, but organized in a friendlier way.

Once you have decided what to keep from starting with Windows, you will find that many programs just add themselves to the startup routine without asking your permission. How rude! If you have a program like TrendMicro Internet Security or Symantec Security Suite, you can monitor your startup programs from there. If you don't, there are several free startup monitoring alternatives.

I use Startup Inspector and Startup Monitor, available here. The database is a good resource to help you decide what to allow in your startup. Then, the monitor will alert you every time something tries to change the configuration. You can allow or deny permission. A similar program, also called StartupMonitor, works in much the same way. That is available here. All are free.

Use "custom install" for new programs
When you install a new program, and even when you update an existing program to a new version, you should choose "custom install" over "typical" or "default" when given a choice. Many reputable software vendors include "extras" like tool bars, search bars, and other junk in their typical installations. Other software vendors include malware, plain and simple. Yes, you've got Defender and Spybot or Ad-Aware to help, but not installing this junk in the first place is even better. Even if you end up installing everything a typical install would do, you have a chance to see what it is before you install it. If you ever have to uninstall the program, you'll have a good idea what went in there with it, and a better chance of getting rid of it all.

Uninstall programs properly
If you want to uninstall a program from Windows --- any program --- you should make every effort to uninstall it properly. If you don't, you are sure to leave behind some sort of residue that will eventually come back to haunt you! A previous column (http://rlis.com/columns/column32.htm) explains how to do this. If you like more information about a program than is available in the standard "Add/Remove Programs" control panel item, you might like NirSoft's "My Uninstaller" available free here. After you uninstall a program, I recommend running a Registry Cleaner.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.