startup programs Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 13, 2025

Panda Dome review

Panda Security, a Spanish antivirus company, has introduced various cybersecurity innovations since its founding, including daily signature updates in 1998, behavioral monitoring in 2004, and cloud scanning in 2007. It offers several plans for home users: Panda Dome Essential, Advanced, Complete, and Premium, each with increasing features such as firewall protection, WiFi security, online shopping safeguards, and a Dark Web Scanner. All plans include a 30-day free trial. Panda Dome received an AAA award from SE Labs for a Total Accuracy Rating of 99% without false positives between October and December 2024, outperforming Microsoft Defender and Webroot but not achieving the perfect scores of Avast, Kaspersky, and McAfee. The AV-Test Product Review awarded Panda a score of 6/6 for protection and usability, and 5.5/6 for performance. However, Panda Free Antivirus had a higher number of false alarms in AV-Comparatives’ False Alarm Test. The Panda Dome Advanced plan, priced at .99 for the first year, includes parental controls and enhanced ransomware protection. It offers multiple scanning options and reasonable scan times. Its anti-ransomware features include behavior-based detection, file access control, and backup capabilities. Panda Dome Complete, priced at .99 for the first year, adds system cleanup tools and a password manager, allowing users to optimize system performance and securely manage passwords. It also includes file encryption and shredding features. Panda Dome Premium, priced at .99 for the first year, provides unrestricted VPN access, an update manager, and unlimited premium technical support. It allows secure browsing across over 60 countries for up to five devices and includes features to keep systems updated and secure.

Winsage

March 2, 2025

Microsoft now offers a free tool for Windows 10 and 11 users to refresh their PCs

Microsoft has introduced a free, built-in tool called PC Manager for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, aimed at optimizing system performance without the need for third-party software. After a successful launch in China, PC Manager is now available globally. Key features include: - PC Boost: Automatically clears temporary files, reduces RAM usage, and shuts down unnecessary background processes. Smart Boost identifies and removes files over 1GB. - Deep Cleanup: Targets outdated system files, browser caches, and the recycle bin to free up storage and improve performance. - Startup Management: Allows users to manage and disable unnecessary startup applications to enhance boot speed. - Process Management: Provides an intuitive interface to identify and terminate resource-hogging processes easily. - Large Files Locator: Helps users identify oversized files for better disk space management. PC Manager is currently available in multiple languages and is expected to expand further, with plans for future updates based on user feedback.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Windows 10 and 11 Users Can Now Clean and Refresh Their PCs with Microsoft’s Free Tool

Microsoft has introduced PC Manager, a free, built-in tool for Windows 10 and 11 designed to optimize system performance without the need for third-party software. After testing in China, it has been rolled out globally. Key features include: - PC Boost: Automatically clears temporary files, reduces RAM usage, and terminates unnecessary processes. Smart Boost identifies and removes files over 1GB. - Deep Cleanup: Targets outdated system files, browser caches, and the recycle bin to free up storage. - Startup Management: Allows users to disable unnecessary startup programs to improve boot speed. - Process Management: Provides an interface to quickly identify and close resource-hogging processes. - Large Files Locator: Scans for oversized files to help manage disk space. PC Manager is available in multiple languages and is expected to receive updates based on user feedback.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

9 SysInternals tools that should be built into Windows

Windows is a popular operating system known for its versatility but often lacks advanced troubleshooting and system monitoring tools. SysInternals is a suite of utilities developed by Microsoft for power users and IT professionals, offering enhanced control over systems. Key tools in the SysInternals suite include: - Process Explorer (procexp.exe): Provides a detailed overview of running processes, including resource usage and file access, and allows users to identify locked files and potential malware. - Process Monitor (procmon.exe): Records file system, registry, and process activities in real-time, with filtering options to diagnose performance issues and application errors. - Autoruns (autoruns.exe): Displays all startup programs and processes, allowing users to disable or delete unnecessary entries to improve performance and security. - TCPView (tcpview.exe): Shows active TCP and UDP connections, detailing which processes are using network connections, enabling users to manage network activity. - SDelete (sdelete.exe): A command-line tool for secure file deletion that overwrites data to prevent recovery, useful for safeguarding sensitive information. - ZoomIt (zoomit.exe): Enhances presentations by allowing users to zoom in on screen areas and annotate, beneficial for educators and IT professionals. - RamMap (rammap.exe): Analyzes physical memory allocation, helping identify memory leaks and inefficient usage. - PendMoves (pendmoves.exe): Lists files scheduled for movement or deletion upon reboot, aiding in troubleshooting file modification issues. - BgInfo (bginfo.exe): Generates a desktop background displaying vital system information, customizable for user needs. The integration of these tools into Windows would enhance its diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities, benefiting both everyday and power users.

Tech Optimizer

February 5, 2025

What to do if you think your PC has a virus

Signs that a PC may have a virus include noticeable slowdown in performance, unfamiliar applications appearing, frequent crashes or erratic software behavior, and overheating. To remove a virus from a PC, users should: 1. Disconnect from the internet. 2. Enter safe mode. 3. Run a virus scan with antivirus software. 4. Delete or quarantine infected files. 5. Clear temporary files using the Disk Cleanup tool. 6. Reset browser settings to default. 7. Check and disable unfamiliar startup programs in Task Manager. 8. Update the operating system and software. 9. Backup data regularly. To avoid future viruses, users should practice safe browsing, enable a firewall, download from trusted sites, and use a secure VPN connection.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

5 ways to make Windows 11 boot faster without new hardware

Windows can exhibit sluggishness during boot times, which can be improved without hardware upgrades or reinstallation. 1. Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager to enhance boot times. 2. Adjust the Fast Startup feature in Control Panel, as it can sometimes hinder performance. 3. Reduce the operating system selection timeout in System Properties to streamline booting for users with multiple operating systems. 4. Uninstall unneeded applications to free up resources. 5. Ensure sufficient free space on your SSD, as full SSDs can degrade performance.