Best Free Program Uninstaller. The Windows Add/Remove Programs applet in the control panel constantly annoys more advanced users with its limitations. Its load time and lack of features are parts of the problems to say the least. Thankfully, many freeware programs have emerged that allow for full deletion of programs, including those files, folders, shortcuts and registry entries that are left behind. Here is a list of my favorites, divided into two sub classes: application uninstallers and Windows uninstaller replacements. Go straight to the Quick Selection Guide The top pick for me is Revo Uninstaller, an uninstaller that works more uniquely than others.
It works by scanning a hard drive and registry for files that would otherwise be left behind. However, it's possible that a few registry entries and files can sometimes be left over after the process is finished. Revo can also act as a before and after uninstaller, but frankly this is not its forte. That said, I was very impressed by Revo. Revo Uninstaller 32 bit only. Best Performing (Speed and Memory Usage) Antivirus and Internet Security for 2010.
The Independent IT-Security Institute: Home User. Is your free AV tool a ‘resource pig?’ By Fred Langa A reader’s complaint about Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) spurred head-to-head comparison tests of AV-software resource usage. I put six popular, free antivirus tools through their paces and measured their impact on startup and shutdown times, disk space, and RAM use. Normally, reader letters appear in the LangaList Plus section of this newsletter. But sometimes, one comes along that warrants treatment in greater detail. One such letter is this one, from subscriber Bill Garfield: Get our unique weekly Newsletter with tips and techniques, how to's and critical updates on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows XP, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google, etc. Join our 480,000 subscribers! Get a real feel for Windows 8.1 with a wealth of tips in this step-by-step guide. I did not test these tools’ ability to detect malware.
Because MSE is completely free, I chose to compare it against programs that also are truly free — no strings (such as free trials of commercial programs) attached. Which FREE Antivirus is the Lightest on System Memory Usage?