What free software can I download to make my computer faster?

Question

-Please give details in what the software exactly does.
- Please don't give anti-virus stuff( Firewalls and anti-spyware is fine)
- Thanks in advance if you are going to help me.
- I do have Windows XP service pack 2(1GB memory and around a 160GB hard drive)

Answer 1

1. Windows Defender (Anti Spyware):

It checks and removes spywares and adwares.
Download: http://www.download.com/Microsoft-Windows-Defender/3000-12771_4-10598014.html?tag=lst-0-1

2. Ad Aware SE: (Spyware and Adware Remover software)
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10399602.html?tag=lst-4-1

3. Spyware Balster (Prevents spywares from being installed)
http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/3000-8022_4-10486084.html?tag=lst-4-4

4. CCleaner (Cleans unnecessary files and junks, highly recommended)
http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10592746.html?tag=lst-0-1

5. Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner:
http://www.download.com/Bazooka-Adware-and-Spyware-Scanner/3000-8022_4-10377953.html?tag=lst-4-8


Now, let me give you a list of some simple tasks which, if you do with patience, will increase the overall performance speed of your system:

1. Run Disk clean-up. Then delete unused files. (start>program>accessories>sys... tools> disk clean-up)
2. Check for disk errors. (right click on a disk-drive>properties>tools >error checking, then restart)
3. Run disk defragmenter, no matter what it says.
4. Delete cookies. (you can do it from your browser options: tools>internet options)
5. Delete cache or temporary files. (you can do it from your browser options) or, click on 'start", 'run', type 'temp' then click ok. Whatever shows up, just delete.
6. Delete all history files and search history. (you can do it from your browser options, or, CTRL + H, then delete)
7. Empty recycle bin.
8. Delete unused icons & short-cuts from anywhere including desktop.
9. Uninstall any software or game that you use only once or twice in a week.
10. Delete temporary internet files. (you can do it from your browser options: tools>internet options)
11. Delete all recent files. (click on start, click run, then type "recent", delete all the files which show up)
12. Run a full virus scan. If any threat found, eliminate that completely.
13. Run a software which can remove any spyware or adware.
Like: Ad Aware, Windows defender etc.

Answer 2

I actually know of no software that will make your computer run faster. The best way to make your computer run faster is to uninstall any software that you don't really need. Anything that loads on your computer when you start it is going to slow it down. There are a few memory management programs that help windows to better handle memory, but usually at the expense of hard drive access. Your motherboard and processor are the most key devices that will determine how fast your computer runs. I have a 2.26GB processor on a 133 mhz bus ASUS P4B533 with 1GB memory running xp sp2 & 2X 200GB HD's. I would compare this to a 3.0GB intel system any day, but core2duo would kick my butt.

Answer 3

There is a Program called Disk Defragmenter build into Windows XP which can increase your computer ability to access data. All you have to do is choose the disk drive you want to sort to make it more productive. You can do it once a month or how ever often you like.

Start Button > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter

A disk defragmenter is a computer program designed to increase access speed (and sometimes increase the amount of usable space) by rearranging files stored on a disk to occupy contiguous storage locations. Disk defragmenters are available for many platforms, the most common being those included with operating systems (i.e. Microsoft Windows), utility packages (like Norton Utilities), or other standalone defragmenters (like PerfectDisk or Diskeeper).

Defragmentation (or defragging) is a process that reduces the amount of fragmentation in file systems. It does this by physically reorganizing the contents of the disk in order to store the pieces of each file close together and in order (contiguously). It also attempts to create larger regions of free space using compaction to impede the return of fragmentation. Some defragmenters also try to keep smaller files within a single directory together, as they are often accessed in sequence.

Answer 4

I can give a few links that offer free virus and spyware removers...!You may be having a virus or spyware installed on your PC. Norton, AVG , Avast are free antivirus software. Ad-aware, Ewido are free spyware removers. You can download free softwares at
http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html

Answer 5

go here and click

http://rudebox.editboard.com/index.htm

How To - Antivirus,Firewalls,Spyware Removal Tools

then click total protection... these things will also make ur site faster

Answer 6

1) basic spyware removal tools:
spybot search and destroy-
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
lavasoft adaware-
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5

2) you could defragment your computer- located under system tools, under accessories on the start menu.

3) you could attempt to overclock your cpu. which means to have your computer run tremendously faster by telling it that it's faster than it is. mainly, it increases the clock speed of your processor. it is commonly done by the multiplier in your bios, or on the motherboard. for beginners you could try-
http://www.cpuid.com/clockgen.php

Answer 7

Well
If you want to download Ccleaner you can download it here for free http://bit.ly/1rXpJc5
It's a must have program.
Have a nice day

Answer 8

Go to the link "www.bartman1.blogspot.com". I've tried it at the office on two PCs and it worked.

Make sure you follow each step.

Answer 9

adaware se...gets rid of the junk mail spybots.

Answer 10

http://www.xp-smoker.com/
Great program. Only Free trial, but you only really need to run it once or twice anyway.