Xmetalfanx Optimization Section

This will Combine some items that are a located in the links on the left, so if you want more information, please check out my sub-pages in this section

(NoTE: after working on a family members computer, I found that XP-Antispy also works (new versions anyway) on Vista) Run a program called XP-Antispy to get rid of default problems in Windows XP, as well as change settings to protect your privacy and your system
Get a Program Like Startup Mechanic (or you can go to run and type in "msconfig") ... this program will show you what programs are running in the Background at startup, and in some cases, show you a description of them, for "confusing entries". I do find that some of them are all wrong... like my antivirus being detected as "a special" modem driver..
Get programs like Spybot and SpySweeper to scan for Spyware. This is software that tracks where you go on the web, what you search for and some keyloggers can even track your password. I recently tried SpySweeper again, and although i am a HUGE fan of Spybot, Spysweeper did pick up some left over files and reg entries from a spyware, Spybot SAID it got rid of on my system about 2 weeks ago. Lavasoft's Ad-aware did not detect it,even before I ran Spybot the first time. While Pest Patrol I don't know about.
Get a Program called Spyware Blaster. This doesn't actually detect spyware but rather prevents certain Active-X scripts from installing spyware in the first place. It also has an updating host file that will prevents certain types of ads (not a popup killer) from displaying, by adding them as "local addresses" to your host file.
** Get a Good Antivirus. Not all AV's are equal.
- Some that I recommend are:
  - AVG
  - Kaspersky *
  - Bit Defender *
  - F-Prot Dos Scanner
  - F-Secure (does have a TON of background services)
- Some Anti-virus Scanners I do NOT LIKE are:
  - Mcafee (detects Poorly)
  - Norton (better then Mcafee but same problems still, and a RESOURCE HOG !... this (even IF, it was good may protect a system.... but it slows even fast computers down so much, you'd think its a virus itself)
  - PC-Cillin (no comment on detection... just had a fight with the CEO on a Public forum (not the PC-Cillin forum) on him telling me what AV i "can like" and "recommend". I will always refuse to use this program from now on)
Get a Firewall. Hardware ones are the best, although there are many Software one.
1. Some good ones to try are:
  - Outpost, Zone Alarm (free or pro), Sygate, Tiny/Kerio, Neowatch (pre-mcafee version)
2. Software Firewalls to Avoid are:
  - Mcafee Firewall, Norton Internet Security, and Black Ice, among others.
  - Many users feel safe with these programs, while they actually offer poor protection and a false sense of security. I think many like Mcafee and Norton are very bloated (take up alot more system power and space then is really needed) for a firewall anyway.
If are experiencing reboots after a BSOD, that is most likely caused by a windows setting that tells the system to reboot on "failure"... .to turn this off, go to the start menu and then RIGHT click "my computer"... go to "Advanced", then click "Settings" under "startup and recovery" ... under "system failure" you will see a check in the box, next to "automatic restart"... uncheck it and your computer will not restart after BSOD all the time... this will NOT PREVENT you from getting a possible BOSD.