How to Set Up Free Computer Maintenance Software
Cleaning and fixing computer problems can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor indeed. Having a legitimate PC tech clean up and repair your computer can also be very expensive. Having good habits and a scheduled software maintenance plan will prolong the life of your computer and can keep repair expenses down. There are some great free software applications that you can use to clean up your computer and fix problems.
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Instructions
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AVG Free
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Download and install AVG Anti-Virus Free (see "Resources" below). AVG Anti-Virus Free is an extremely powerful virus scanner.
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Install the AVG watchdog toolbar. This is optional, but it helps to keep your Internet browsing safer.
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Set up a maintenance schedule when prompted by the install wizard. Schedule weekly scans to run when you are away from your computer. This will automate virus scans so you don't have to manually do it every week. Finish the installation. If you would like to run a scan manually; run AVG Free, and from the opening menu, select "Scan Now."
Glary Utilities
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Download and install Glary Utilities (see "Resources" below). Glary Utilities is a freeware program designed to clean up and optimize your PC. Its simple-to-navigate menus and "one-click-maintenance" options make this program a must-have.
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Run Glary Utilities when the installation is complete. From the main menu, select the 1-Click Maintenance tab. A list with check boxes will appear. Check all of the boxes and click the "Scan for Issues" button.
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Click "Repair Problems" when Glary Utilities is finished scanning your computer.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
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Download and install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (see "Resources" below). This program will remove spyware and malware from your computer quickly and effectively. Malwarebytes, however, does not have a scheduler or real-time protection in the freeware version.
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Begin the initial scan of your hard drive once you have finished the installation. This can take up to an hour and a half. When the scan is complete, repair the problems Malwarebytes has detected.
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After the initial scan, you can select quick scan the next time you run the program. This takes about eight minutes to complete and is very thorough.
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Tips & Warnings
While these free programs will help with optimization and virus and malware removal, nothing beats having discretion while browsing the Internet and installing programs. Avoid shady websites, advertisement banners and downloading from P2P applications such as Limewire.
Glary Utilities has many more options available under the Modules tab. This program includes many powerful tools, such as a registry defragmenter, a file shredder and a memory optimization tool.
Some of the advanced tools in Glary Utilities require some know-how to use safely. Make sure to back up your system before using any tools that can potentially cause problems.
