PC Performance Apps

[ReeseHyde]

I just wanted to bring up a few apps that I use and LOVE to boost performance and reduce the lag on my computer. If you have any more that you use, list them in this thread and I'll add them to the list:

1. O&O Defrag Pro (I use Server, but Pro is way cheaper and almost as good) -- This program is absolutely phenomenal at defragging disks.
Price: $44.95 (Professional); $249.95 (Server; Single License)

2. Advanced Registry Optimizer 5 -- This program is the best Registry cleaning/fixing/optimizing tool there is. I absolutely love it.
Price: $29.95

3. Vista Battery Saver -- Vista-only (hence the name) program that really should come preinstalled on all laptops. Download here.
Price: Free!

4. Auslogics Software--These guys have six products, all of which suit this thread perfectly.
Prices: Free to $39.95

5. Spybot Search & Destroy--The best spyware elimination program according to PC World, PCMag.com, and others.
Price: Free!

6. CCleaner--Removes unnecessary files from your computer (Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Registry Cleaner, etc.).
Price: Free!

7. McAfee Total Protection--Think of it as CCleaner plus Spybot S&D, plus amazing spam and virus protection, and more! This is one of my absolute favorite programs in existence.
Price: $49.99/year but well worth it.

Again, please let me know of any others that you use and I will add them to this list.

People running Vista should also check out this page and anyone running Windows should check out this site.

[Dave21]

Thanks for the list.

Other applications that are freeware that should be looked at is spybot S&D and CCleaner.

[law99]

Auslogics free defrag
CCleaner has a Reg cleaner with backup-free
BlackViper?
Start>Run>msconfig>Startup, only allow what is necessary

For XP but Vista should be similar, post #9>

http://amazingtechs.com/index.php?showtopic=28243

[IonicBond]

I use only a few, trusted programs for 'maintenance'. I've found after much experimentation over the years that I don't need anything else.

(1) Diskeeper Pro. Currently using the 2008 version http://www.diskeeper.com
All my drives (500, 500, 160 and 250 GB ) are in perfect shape at the file system level. I don't even notice Diskeeper is running...best defragger I've used.

(2) AVG 8 Free. http://www.grisoft.com
This is the only AV program that has been nearly 100% trouble free. No conflicts, no instability, no resource-hogging. Kaspersky is also excellent and probably better than AVG, but I don't face virus threats that require anything more powerful than AVG. Opera and my router are my first lines of defense.

(3) Spybot S&D. Nothing more needs to be said... http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

(4) Ccleaner. Very handy little tool, but use with care.

(5) Opera. I cannot imagine life without Opera; yes, I am that much of a fanboy
It's fast, highly customizable and extremely secure, all the while using a fraction of the resources of FF or IE. www.opera.com

No registry cleaners or optimizers for me, thanks!

[Lespaul20]

CCleaner and Spybot are good. I don't think I would pay a for a defragger for home use. I'm a little leery of that Vista battery saver. From what I got the from the website it that it shuts down Aero and Sidebar.

[glc]

I use the registry cleaner in CCleaner and have never had a problem with it. I also like SuperAntispyware better than Spybot S&D these days, and the antispyware built in to AVG 8.0 Free ain't too shabby either.