Direct MP3 Download: Podnutz Episode 6: Carey Holzman’s PC Toolkit
- Special guest Carey Holzman from Computer America
(The nation’s longest running, nationally syndicated radio talk show on computers) - Great Windows optimization tools
- Acronis TrueImage
- Don’t put your HD in the freezer!
- Norton and Mcafee
- Surf the Internet saftely
- Open DNS
- Tips when taking your computer in for service
Show Notes
Computer America Radio Show Monday -Friday 10p-12a EST
http://www.computeramerica.com
http://www.computeramerica.com/listen.htm
Dial-a-fix
(re-registers Windows dll files/registry fix)
http://www.dialafix.net
PC Decrapifier
(Removes Dell & other manufacturer trial ware)
http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/
OphCrack
(Bootable CD that automates the cracking of passwords for all of the Windows XP accounts on that PC.)
http://ophcrack.sourceforge.net/
SourceForge
(Great reliable resource for free tech software tools)
http://sourceforge.net/
Acronis True Image with plug in Universal Restore
(Rebuilds the HAL, recovers data and creates bootable Cds. Not free.)
http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products/ATIES/universal-restore.html
Spinrite – Carey gives Thumbs Down
(Recovers data from failing HD onto the failing HD)
http://www.grc.com/intro.htm
Covered: Show Some Respect!
Do not put clients harddrives in a freezer!
Condensation = water.
Norton Security Suite- Carey gives Thumbs Down
(Too robust. Bogs system down)
http://www.symantec.com/norton/internet-security
SeaGate SeaTools
(Test a possible failing HD – not manufacturer specific)
http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools/
SeaGate SeaTools Tutorial
(read before running – screencaps too!)
http://seagate.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/seagate.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3898
MemTest86
(bootable CD that diagnoses memory modules for problems)
http://www.memtest86.com/
Glary Utilities
(Safe registry cleaner and removes empty folders)
http://www.glarysoft.com/gu.html
CCleaner
(Another Mild registry cleaner for Windows. Per Carey: run reg cleaner several times cleaning as you go until it says you are clean. BONUS! Allows you to remove programs from add/remove programs that are still listed but were removed manually.)
http://www.ccleaner.com
JV16 Windows Registry Cleaner
(Not Free from $12.95-$29.95)
http://www.macecraft.com/
Registry First Aid
(Can break some HP software)
http://www.rosecitysoftware.com/reg1aid/
Instead of cleaning your registry:
Compact or Defragment it for faster speeds
Compact Outlook and Outlook Express folders
Microsoft User Profile Hive Cleanup Service
(Runs as a MS Service and enables faster shutdown times)
http://tinyurl.com/6m4qp7
**actual link**
http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?FamilyID=1b286e6d-8912-4e18-b570-42470e2f3582&displaylang=en
Learn how to:
Clean your internet temp files via quick run command
Set the space allowed for these files to free up future HD space
Optimize your System Restore options for HD space.
Common Misconceptions:
Difference between Apply/OK when making system changes.
Learn how to:
Optimize virtual memory settings
Configure Windows to not reboot at error but to show the diagnostic error message
LogMeIn Rescue
(Provides instant remote support to customers – Not free)
https://secure.logmein.com/
UltaVNC Single-Click
(Reverse VNC for remote access)
http://www.uvnc.com/addons/singleclick.html
CrossLoop
(Remote access for tech support)
http://www.crossloop.com/
RealVNC
(Remote access for tech support – no one needed on the other end to allow. Requires static ip address)
http://www.realvnc.com/
Rent @ Geek
(Uses LogMeIn to test your worthiness before hiring)
http://www.rentageek.com/
SpywareBlaster
(Disables Java/ActiveX Applets that are known malware on known harmful websites)
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com
AdAware & Spybot – Carey gives Thumbs Down
(These are reactive programs. You need preventive programs)
http://lavasoft.com/
http://www.safer-networking.org
ThreatFire — gets along with AV programs
(Do not BLOCK pop-ups– prevent them!)
http://www.threatfire.com/download/
Free AntiVirus AVG and Avast
http://free.avg.com/
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
Norton Removal Tool
(Removes instances of Norton on your PC)
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
Open Office
http://www.openoffice.org/
Learn how to install an honest *repair* version of Windows
that saves your data!
Open DNS
(Learn how to use open DNS for safe internet browsing)
http://www.opendns.com
Show notes by CitizenX of www.Tanjents.com
