| > > All of that kind of thing could be broadly regarded as crapware. | > >It's not necessarily all bad software, but it's all stuff you don't | > >need and definitely shouldn't pay for. | > > | | What do you use? Just for my info. I won't criticize, just learn. | What do I use for....cleaning? I don't. I don't use any cleaners, AV, or "malware hunters". As I was explaining above, I view Registry cleaners and general system cleaners as more or less scam software. There are things that can improve speed, which I listed in an earlier post, but "cleaning" the Registry isn't one of them.
In terms of security, I'm careful of what I do online and rarely enable script. I also don't install anything from Adobe (Reader or Flash) and don't have Java installed. So I guess you could say I use caution.
On XP I use the last free version of Onlne Armor as a firewall. On Win7 I think I'm using Private Firewall. I'm very concerned with both privacy and security. I don't allow anything to go out that I'm not instigating, which includes updaters. I don't allow any software to self-update. That seems like a reckless and unstable approach to me, and it's allowed software companies to have their products in a constant state of semi-beta.
I don't think that no one should use AV. I think I already explained my view on that kind of thing. For people who are not going to deal with security issues, AV is probably the next best thing, even though it drags on the system.
In terms of cleaning, I empty all TEMP folders occasionally; I reinstall a clean disk image once every year or two. (I keep an image with all the basic software installed and configuration done.) I don't install much that I don't really need and avoid bloatware of any kind. I also avoid any additive programs, like browser toolbars added by free software, useless crap that's set to run by printer installers, ISPs, etc. I have two programs set to run at startup: the firewall and a mouse program. Most people have a dozen or more startup programs running. I also keep the running services down to a bare minimum.