[lynn P.]

Is there a safe, effective but free computer cleaner available. I tried to install one already but then it tried to get me to pay for the actual cleaning. So now I'm wary of trying again. I also wanted to ask what does a cleaner do different than Malware and anti virus - what exactly does a cleaner do??

[Perna]

If you have a Windows machine, I'd just use "Disk Cleanup" that is part of your accessory/file system tools. Here's how it works, what it does: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310312

[lynn P.]

Yes I found it, thanks Perna. Does this clean everything?

[Miracle1986]

Start menu - Accessories - System tools - Disk clean up (for Windows Vista... should be close to the same for other windows programs)

[lynn P.]

Thanks Miracle1986 - I just found it and edited my post above. I also had a problem with an icon called Hotbar but I got rid of it earlier. I thought since I have Malware and Panda Security I wouldn't get bad stuff coming through....it's frustrating. Thanks again.

[FooZe]

Virus and spyware scanners specialize in different kinds of problems. No one does it all. Most of the ones advertised as "cleaners" seem to be moneymaking scams -- especially the ones that tell you unasked in a scary popup ad that there's a virus on your computer.

For spyware, I've been using Spybot Search and Destroy. It's free but they invite donations.

For virus protection I'm currently using Avast! which DocJohn recommends here. I added lots of replies to that thread detailing the problems I was having with Avast!, possibly because of my older Windows version. By now I've reached an uneasy truce with Avast! where I only let it do part of its thing and in return, it doesn't cause too much trouble with my system.

[lynn P.]

Thanks for the information Fool Zero. Wouldn't it be nice, if there was a way to protect our computers 100%......it's so annoying.

[(JD)]

I use Avast for virus countering, and from Lavasoft ... ad-aware. Both free.

http://lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

[Miracle1986]

The pop-ups that you get with Avast that tell you a new version is available can get annoying though.
And in order to upgrade to the new version, you have to pay (of course )

[FooZe]

Originally Posted by Miracle1986

The pop-ups that you get with Avast that tell you a new version is available can get annoying though.

I don't get those popups, probably because of one or more of my settings. There's an option (under Settings ) for updating automatically, or asking first, or letting you ask at your convenience.

And in order to upgrade to the new version, you have to pay (of course )

I've been getting regular updates to the virus database for free. I haven't checked for an update to the program in months. If there were one, and it did cost, I might not even bother. In the ten months or so I've had Avast, it hasn't exactly endeared itself to me.

[(JD)]

I don't get popups for a new version either, but I do get the notice when the program's been updated. It catches a whole lot more than Norton and McAfee. But it still misses some which is why I also use the ad aware too!

[ECHOES]

For specific issues and help, try www.techsupportguy.com. Very helpful place!

[Onward2wards]

I use Piriform's CCleaner. It is free to use but the maker accepts donations. Here's a link to PCWorld's review of it and download page.

[trance]

try this app...http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm...it's free and it cleans your registry...
open the program about half way down you will see clean the registry...click on it and checkmark invalid sevices...it will clean it out good and it leaves a backup in case something goes wrong...when it's done at the bottom you will see it says select...click on that and select all...right click and click on delete all...

[lynn P.]

Thanks Trance and thanks to everyone who responded here.

[Gus1234U]

i have had a great experience with AVG Security, it's free version works fine, and is unobtrusive and quick, and LIVE~ if you want to do a little bit more,, use your search bar, next to the Start button, and delete all TEMP FILES , they are just left overs from downloads,, Also,, if you want someone reliable to give you the skinny on all things techogeek,, try a sited called KimKommando... she's very reliable and spot on! best wishes,, Gus