This an That
Updated 10/03/07
Browsers
I recommend Firefox. A very good, clean, fast browser with "tabbed
browsing" to replace Internet Explorer.
Click here for download, setup link, and screenshots:
ffsetup.html
Noscripts for firefox.
A must-have extension which controls all aspects of Java
on web pages while browsing. You can Disallow or Allow per-session or
per-website. You can also Disallow Flash and other plugins. You can add
your own 'Allow' or 'Disallow' website lists from within the Options menu.
It is easy to setup and customizable
Noscript features:
http://www.noscript.net/features
Noscript screenshots:
nssetup.html
Noscripts for firefox download:
https://addons.mozilla.org/extensions/moreinfo.php?application=firefox&id=722
Thunderbird
An excellent POP3 email client.
Download:
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/
Thunderbird pics and setup:
tbird.html
If you must use Internet Explorer, this link is a must read
http://rcip.com/mitch/IE_OEsettings.html
Windows 2000 'services' tweaks
http://www.blackviper.com/WIN2K/servicecfg.htm
Windows XP 'services' tweaks:
http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
Windows Vista 'services' tweaks:
http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/servicecfg.htm
NOTE: Read carefully so you know what your changing and why!
(Click on the green colored name of any 'service' and you will see an explaination of that 'service').
7-Zip. (zip utility)
7-Zip download:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/sevenzip/
7-zip install: install using default settings.
7-Zip is a file archiver for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP.
Features:
- High compression ratio in new 7z format
- 7-Zip is free software distributed under the GNU LGPL
- Supported formats: 7z, ZIP, CAB, RAR, ARJ, GZIP, BZIP2, Z,
TAR, CPIO, RPM and DEB
- Fast compression and decompression
- Self-extracting capability for 7z format
- Strong AES-256 encryption in 7z format
- Integration with Windows Shell
- Powerful File Manager
- Powerful command line version
- Plugin for FAR Manager
- Localizations for 55 languages.
Ccleaner
A very good cleanup tool.
Ccleaner download and setup screenshots.
ccleanersetup.html
Power Defrag
A much better/faster Windows defrag utility. (Sorry but for Windows 2000 or XP only).
You will need to "create new folder" on your hard drive before you unzip and install the zip file. (You can name the new folder, as an example, "pwr defrag"). Be sure the file is unzipped to the new folder. Use the default settings during setup.
Power Defrag download:
http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Power-Defragmenter-Download-20185.html
PowerDefrag setup:
http://pwrdefragsetup.html
A MUST FOR ALL WINDOWS
DCOMbobulator
Article and download
http://grc.com/dcom/
Shoot the messenger
Article and download
http://grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm
UnPlug n'Pray
Article and dowmload
http://grc.com/unpnp/unpnp.htm
Karen's Whois
Query the 200+ top-level domain registries and Regional Internet Registries around the world, and returns information about Internet sites. Information available includes owner of domain name, and often owner's mailing address, email address, phone number, and fax number.
KarensWhois download
http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptwhois.asp
How to use w/screenshots
karenswhois.html
JV16 Power Tools (Warning: if your not comfortable working with your registry, do not install/use this program)
A good registry cleaner.
JV16 download. Note: Click on Download (2146 kB)
http://www.aplusfreeware.com/categories/LFWV/jv16Powertools.html
How to install/use.
jv16.html
Ntregopt. A 2000/XP registry optimizer.
Download (on the right hand side, click on the hot link 'server2', not 'aumha').
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/
Ntregopt setup
http://regopt.html
System Tests:
Firewall:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
Browser:
http://gemal.dk/browserspy/
http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/
Software:
http://secunia.com/software_inspector/
Registry Mechanic.
Registry Mechanic download. (Paid version)
http://www.pctools.com/registry-mechanic/
Registry Mechanic setup: (Free and paid versions)
regmech.html
