Avast WEBforum
Other => General Topics => Topic started by: Avast Eagle on July 16, 2009, 04:31:48 PM
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I just formated my laptop (AMD Dual 64x2, 1.6Ghz/ Nvidea GeForce 6 6100 256vram shared/ 1gb memory ram)
I would like to know the important software i should check after doing this,
dont even know if this comes with Java and all its important updates,
also want your opinion on the esential software that arent heavy
and most light as possible like a good firewall along with avast that isnt heavy.
All recomendations are apreciated, thanks in advance ^^
(i know few, just want to make sure im not missing anything after hearing some opinions from dear avast team)
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1. avast
2. firewall (Online Armour (http://www.tallemu.com/free-firewall-protection-software.html), PCTools (http://www.pctools.com/firewall/download/), Outpost Firewall Free (http://www.filehippo.com/download_outpost_firewall/)).
3. MBAM for on-demand scanning only.
4. SpywareBlaster won't take resources.
5. a good browser (like FF with NoScript).
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Thanks for the recommendation, i will add the few rest that i decided to use too:
6. SuperAntiSpyware
7. Advanced SystemCare (quite useful on optimizing system at 1st configuration of windows)
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I still got only IE8 with Google Toolbar-Safari 4-Avast!-Malwarebytes-Windows Defender-Windows Vista Firewall-UAC-Windows Update Automatic and all run fine here without lag or bug. I also clean recently manually and with my clean up of disk with Vista. Also there no junk files. And i got all i need so im happy :)
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6. SuperAntiSpyware
Ok. But will you use the free version? If so, I think MBAM will do the job.
7. Advanced SystemCare (quite useful on optimizing system at 1st configuration of windows)
I used to use and recommend it. I don't do anymore. I hate freewares that become sharewares.
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Like i have for me is enought and Tracking Cookies arent dangerous. If its was really i think all would have a Tracking Cookies Scanner :) But its not dangerous for now a day. Just dont worry. I got all i need me and i used it for many years and no problem at all. If you think that your start is slow you can alway go to Run and type MSConfig and go to Startup and clean up what you didnt need in Start :)
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...
7. Advanced SystemCare (quite useful on optimizing system at 1st configuration of windows)
I used to use and recommend it. I don't do anymore. I hate freewares that become sharewares.
If you insert a valid license key, it will turn into the pro version, just like the case in avast home. Soo??
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If you insert a valid license key, it will turn into the pro version, just like the case in avast home. Soo??
Advanced SystemCare was called before Advanced Windows Care and it was a fully freeeware. All features are present in a free program.
Then a lot of them became only part of a shareware program only.
This thing Alwil team never did. And I hope they never will.
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If you insert a valid license key, it will turn into the pro version, just like the case in avast home. Soo??
Advanced SystemCare was called before Advanced Windows Care and it was a fully freeeware. All features are present in a free program.
Then a lot of them became only part of a shareware program only.
This thing Alwil team never did. And I hope they never will.
I hope the same thing as well. (unless that ex-CEO of Symantec changes some policy stuff ;D)
And yes, the deep registry cleaning feature and some defragment feature are restricted. The useless aoutomated-care function is already unavailable in the free version. The deep registry cleaning feature may cause some stability problems or even worse. And the defragment tool is useless as well, the free smart defrag tool is better. So the free version is pretty enough i think. ;D And of course they should eat some money by their pro version by restricting some useless (maybe harmful) functions. :P
Btw, on Raymond's blog there is a license key which was for 6 months, now it has expired. But if you insert that license info into ASC just when internet connection is off, you won't be notified that the license isn't valid because the activation process will be done without connecting to Iobit servers. So you can use it without time limitation. ;D I know some of you guys may say that it is not ethical, however, i just wanted to inform you. ;D
http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2008/12/08/free-iobit-advanced-systemcare-pro-v3-license-key-codes-exclusive-for-raymondcc-readers/
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You might want to consider adding to Tech's list:
Secunia PSI, (http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/) (to monitor software - including Java - is correctly patched/updated)
Revo uninstaller, (http://www.revouninstaller.com/) (that sometimes does a much better job at finding orphaned remnants of unwanted programs than the programs own uninstaller does)
I still got only IE8 with Google Toolbar-Safari 4-Avast!-Malwarebytes-Windows Defender-Windows Vista Firewall-UAC-Windows Update
The user is asking concerning XP, not Vista. There is no UAC; the firewalls are quite different.
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I hope the same thing as well. (unless that ex-CEO of Symantec changes some policy stuff ;D)
Please... please... He must have enough competence to know here we are NOT Symantec.
And of course they should eat some money by their pro version by restricting some useless (maybe harmful) functions. :P
They could do what they want. But what I hate is that when features start to be free and then migrate to the Pro. There are a lot of applications that did this (bad) policy: ZoneAlarm, WinSnap, Advanced SystemCare...
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Sorry for extending the subject on ASC, but i just want to state a few things more. Advanced Windows/System Care has changed dramatically with the version 3. The defrag tool was unavailable in version 2 (so was the enhanced defrag feature). And the deep registry cleaning function wasn't available as well, there was just a basic registry tool in both the pro and free versions. So these two features have started to be paid functions. We can say the same thing for some system tools which came with v3. But on the other side, they changed their policy that the free version should be fully functional except the automated care function. You may be right on this aspect. (i don't know about the other examples you stated, but as an another example i can say that AVG has dropped its antirootkit capability which was avaliable in previous free versions).
By the way, for the one who opened this topic, i suggest him/her use KeyScrambler Free because it's really useful for online shopping.
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There was just a basic registry tool in both the pro and free versions.
Well, I used that tool and it was a good one. Now you don't have the feature available anymore.
For me, a freeware that become a shareware.
So these two features have started to be paid functions.
I don't think so.
We can say the same thing for some system tools which came with v3. But on the other side, they changed their policy that the free version should be fully functional except the automated care function.
Exactly. We had the features for free, just only manual. Now we don't have the features for free.
You may be right on this aspect. (i don't know about the other examples you stated, but as an another example i can say that AVG has dropped its antirootkit capability which was avaliable in previous free versions).
Another negative point to AVG. They give for free, then they remove :P
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lol is it worthy to get Advanced System care Pro when Free version does everything already?
Deep scan registry doesnt seem too good to use that always.
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lol is it worthy to get Advanced System care Pro when Free version does everything already?
Deep scan registry doesnt seem too good to use that always.
Deep registry scan caused me troubles. It is better not to mess up with registry.
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The weird thing with ASC for me is that the bloody thing runs on it's own and "fixes" your pc the first time you start the program, ok i would understand if it would only scan but to go fixing up on it's own that is a bad policy IMHO. The registry cleaner is way too aggressive, i wouldn't use it. The shortcut cleaner is rubbish, doesn't work properly on 64 bit systems. The descriptions of the tweaks it uses are very very poor(and the free version doesn't have all of them btw). For me this program is a no go. Used to use it but i got fed up with all the bugs and the feature limitations of the free version. Infact if i look back at my experience with this company, i've always had problems with bugs in their products. There are better programs out there if you ask me. TuneUp probably being the best and safest one to use. The only tweaking program i would dare to recommend to a n00b.
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The weird thing with ASC for me is that the bloody thing runs on it's own and "fixes" your pc the first time you start the program, ok i would understand if it would only scan but to go fixing up on it's own that is a bad policy IMHO.
Just press "Stop" button then.
The registry cleaner is way too aggressive, i wouldn't use it.
You can disable the deep registry scan function. On my systems the deep scan hasn't done any bad things though. But i agree that it is aggressive (this may be a good feature for ppl who wants such a feature). And disabling that function may be a good choice for those who complain about it. TuneUp would do kinda the same thing with ASC (without the deep scan) on registry fixing. But when it comes to comparing these two programs, TuneUp registry cleaner is way weaker than the one of ASC (when the deep scan is on). And if you want you can make ASC safer depending on your choice. But TuneUp doesn't have such an option, it is just weak (imo).
The descriptions of the tweaks it uses are very very poor(and the free version doesn't have all of them btw).
I don't think we need a long description about the modules. It does just what the name of that module says. The program isn't installed on my system now, but there must be a help part in the program. You can take a look at there.
Used to use it but i got fed up with all the bugs and the feature limitations of the free version.
TuneUp doesn't have even a free version. lol And the free version of ASC would do what you want (in a safe way) because the deep registry scan feature comes disabled and you aren't used to play with settings i think. ::)
Infact if i look back at my experience with this company, i've always had problems with bugs in their products. There are better programs out there if you ask me. TuneUp probably being the best and safest one to use.
Go TuneUp!!
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Just press "Stop" button then.
I was talking about the default behavior of the program running before the user has set it up. Considering it cleans the registry, changes windows settings and deletes files that is not reasonable to me. And i am not alone. A better way would be to just do an initial scan and let the user review and then "fix" the items it finds.
You can disable the deep registry scan function. On my systems the deep scan hasn't done any bad things though. But i agree that it is aggressive (this may be a good feature for ppl who wants such a feature). And disabling that function may be a good choice for those who complain about it. TuneUp would do kinda the same thing with ASC (without the deep scan) on registry fixing. But when it comes to comparing these two programs, TuneUp registry cleaner is way weaker than the one of ASC (when the deep scan is on). And if you want you can make ASC safer depending on your choice. But TuneUp doesn't have such an option, it is just weak (imo).
I am not obsessed with cleaning the registry you know, it's usually a dangerous and an unnecessary thing to do. I wasn't even talking about the deep registry scan, i always used the free version and i never used the deep scan. It's the normal and regular one that is already too aggressive. I usually don't use registry cleaners and when i do i review each registry item they find before cleaning because i don't trust them in the slightest. There were quite a few totally legit registry keys i've had to put on the ignore list with ASC. But then no registry cleaner is totally safe not even CCleaner or TuneUp. Best to avoid them unless you are an advanced user and know what you are doing. I wouldn't fit you into this category since your logic(it finds more so it must be better) proves you are clueless when it comes to the windows registry and cleaners.
I don't think we need a long description about the modules. It does just what the name of that module says. The program isn't installed on my system now, but there must be a help part in the program. You can take a look at there.
I was talking about the system optimization category and the tweaks it applies to your system. There are absolutely no descriptions available on the tweaks. Nothing in the help files either.
TuneUp doesn't have even a free version. lol And the free version of ASC would do what you want (in a safe way) because the deep registry scan feature comes disabled and you aren't used to play with settings i think. Roll Eyes
I said the program is buggy as i've come to expect from IOBit(this is the main reason i dumped it) and i don't like them pulling features out of the free version like my buddy Tech explained to you. And don't flame bait please cause i won't go into a TuneUp vs IOBit flame war with you. I use neither of these two programs on my system as i don't have a need for them.
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Infact if i look back at my experience with this company, i've always had problems with bugs in their products. There are better programs out there if you ask me. TuneUp probably being the best and safest one to use.
Go TuneUp!!
What is your problem honestly ?
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But then no registry cleaner is totally safe not even CCleaner or TuneUp.
I never had problems with CCleaner. It's not a deep cleaner.
I said the program is buggy as i've come to expect from IOBit(this is the main reason i dumped it) and i don't like them pulling features out of the free version like my buddy Tech explained to you.
Well, I've used it until it became a shareware. I'm using iobit defrag (until it became a shareware...).
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The authors of CCleaner have made it as safe as possible as they obviously understand that cleaning the registry can cause more harm than good. You gain nothing by cleaning the registry, it only makes sense to clean it if there are conflicting registry keys leftover by some previous program that now conflict with other programs, good example are some av's leaving all kind of mess behind in the registry(and then poor Tech and David have to link people to symantec uninstaller all day long so their avast! installs start working again). ;D Using Revo uninstaller is a good way to prevent any programs leaving anything behind and it totally eliminates the need for using a registry cleaner imho.
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Firstly, i didn't say "it finds more so it must be better", so that's not my logic. Also i don't use the deep scan feature. But i still don't find the registry scan (without deep scan) aggressive. And user has a chance to look at them before fixing them. If i'm caring about what i'm doing, then i'm fine, and i said i didn't had any troubles so far. Furthermore it solves some problems. Should this comment make you fit me into sth? anyway
If you don't use "Care" button, you can see what will be done to your system before the fixing process. For instance, for system optimization part: Just go to "Diagnose System" page, press "Scan". Then you may see something like "x problems found" in system optimization part. Click on it and you'll exactly see what will happen to your system.
I don't see any bugs or errors in the program, just works smoothly (version 3.3.4). Maybe in the previous versions you had some bugs, as i didn't use it for some time.
Btw, today i was getting "no disk" error and it fixed it fortunately. Actually the system optimization works well and fixes many problems (it also helped me a few times in the past).
Here i don't aim to discuss on which is better or sth else. You just criticized the program like it is so bad and does cause lots of dangerous cases. And then saying that it has restrictions in the free version, then "TuneUp probably being the best and safest one to use" (which has no free version) lol. You criticized the program without knowing some parts of it, I found your criticisms unfair, you compared it with other products, all these stuffs make you seem like you are just bashing the program. That's why i mentioned TuneUp a few times and made such a comment. :)
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Using Revo uninstaller is a good way to prevent any programs leaving anything behind and it totally eliminates the need for using a registry cleaner imho.
Revo is not a panaceia. It does not clean everything if after the uninstallation you need to boot. Sometimes, the own removing procedure could do a better job, just after boot, than Revo. If the uninstallation requires boot, follow Revo, take notes of the files and registry keys listed in Revo but do not delete then. Procedure with booting. Well, this is my experience specially with antivirus and firewalls, programs that are installed deeply in the computer.
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mevcit: I already told you i am not going to fall for your flame baits.
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Using Revo uninstaller is a good way to prevent any programs leaving anything behind and it totally eliminates the need for using a registry cleaner imho.
Revo is not a panaceia. It does not clean everything if after the uninstallation you need to boot. Sometimes, the own removing procedure could do a better job, just after boot, than Revo. If the uninstallation requires boot, follow Revo, take notes of the files and registry keys listed in Revo but do not delete then. Procedure with booting. Well, this is my experience specially with antivirus and firewalls, programs that are installed deeply in the computer.
Yeah for security software it's best to use their own uninstallers. The majority of vendors seem to offer standalone uninstall tools for their software(which we both know well don't we ;) ).
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mevcit: I already told you i am not going to fall for your flame baits.
::) Ok, i tried to explain some parts (description of system optimization actions, etc) of ASC that you don't know about and therefore criticized your criticisms. You may call this "flame baits" and even may call me evil. ::) alright, it will be the best to sleep now. lol good night guys..
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mevcit: I already told you i am not going to fall for your flame baits.
::) Ok, i tried to explain some parts (description of system optimization actions, etc) of ASC that you don't know about and therefore criticized your criticisms. You may call this "flame baits" and even may call me evil. ::) alright, it will be the best to sleep now. lol good night guys..
Infact you explained nothing to me that i don't already know and you really haven't answered my critics of the program since you misunderstood all of my posts and are making wild assumptions about the meaning of my words and my knowledge of the program. Which is why i can't be bothered with you cause i don't have the energy nor the will to argue with you(or anybody else that is that thick-headed for that matter). Sorry you will have to find someone else to argue with. Good night.
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i can't believe im still awake although it is 5:15 am here. ;D
Let me attach a few pics:
(http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7782/81304737.png) (http://img223.imageshack.us/i/81304737.png/)
(http://i26.tinypic.com/ziobw4.png)
Like the case in these pics, we can first see the changes (before fixing) for all the other modules as well. Hope this helps. For the other subjects, i won't say anything else. By the way im not arguing, just stating my opinions and discussing, but you're insulting. whatever, my thick head won't get those at least. lol and this was my last post on this subject.
c ya babe
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mevcit stop replying to me. Just stop. I repeat myself: you have misunderstood ALL and i mean ALL of my posts and their meaning/point. Don't try to explain how ASC works to me as i know the program far better than you OK ? I've already told you i don't want to go there why do you keep pushing ? As for insulting don't play dumb with me you have been posting to me like i am some sort of an idiot with every post you make so stop it please. Before i really start insulting. I won't be so nice then anymore.
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:-*
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(http://i26.tinypic.com/ziobw4.png)
Configuring WaitToKillApp or WaitToKillService can cause program, or worse, system instability because if the program does not close within the allotted time [5 seconds is to be set accdg. to your screenshot], program is forcefully closed therefore, data losses.
This will be insignificant if you have a very high end PC but still, some programs need more than 5 secs to close.
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I will not use anything from IoBit as they test their applications as freeware first then when the problems are identified by users they are fixed then they release the update as Pro shareware:
http://www.calendarofupdates.com/updates/index.php?s=6b8ae30088d9e7b85e0ba29359ac7a07&act=calendar&cal_id=1&code=showevent&event_id=44514
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lol is it worthy to get Advanced System care Pro when Free version does everything already?
Deep scan registry doesnt seem too good to use that always.
Deep registry scan caused me troubles. It is better not to mess up with registry.
Could this be a suspicious fela for my dear windows installer?
The only reason i use Advanced System Care was for the system optimization,
altough some things i could configure manualy and some not, but what thanks for the info about not messing with registrys, i learned my lesson IMO, i dont know why but seems my dear "windows installer" was a victim eitheir to this or microsoft great crapy updates.
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I will not use anything from IoBit as they test their applications as freeware first then when the problems are identified by users they are fixed then they release the update as Pro shareware:
http://www.calendarofupdates.com/updates/index.php?s=6b8ae30088d9e7b85e0ba29359ac7a07&act=calendar&cal_id=1&code=showevent&event_id=44514
I feel the same... hope they keep the defragmenter tool out of this policy, otherwise, bye bye...
Otaku Ichise, haven't you said that the installation of XP was from the scratch? Did you use ASC in it? ???
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Yeah for the system optimization lol... Is ASC that bad...?
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Yeah for the system optimization lol... Is ASC that bad...?
Well, it could change registry, and, maybe something related to Windows Installer. I'm not sure and I don't want to make FUD.
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One thing im almost certain is that windows update does screw "windows installer",
now can depend on what version of XP we install too, i definitly was cursed by microsoft.
This one reason now that i should learn to install and use Linux OS.
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This one reason now that i should learn to install and use Linux OS.
Go with Kubuntu. KDE interface is very intuitive and similar to Windows. The learning curve is not that high (talking about interface, not Linux concepts).
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Wubi (http://wubi-installer.org/) is the easiest way to go for Ubuntu and/or Kubuntu. The Wubi installer will put C:\install.exe on your computer. Mbam (when using Windows) will detect C:\install.exe as a Trojan. It's harmless, you can either have mbam ignore it or put it in quarantine.
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Thanks for the advice Tech & rdmaloyjr
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If you want to practice, indeed, wubi will be very useful.