SELF-HELP CENTER
This section is a link to all the software I use and would recommend. All the software I use to clean is 100% free and available to the public. Below are the top software picks I recommend and a brief description of the purpose of the software. This page should empower you to learn the basics and perform your own Basic Computer monthly maintenance.
ANTI-VIRUS
While Windows Defender does a great job with blocking viruses and potential threats, I recommend AVG. It's free and ads an additional layer of protection. Keep in mind it's free, so ignore the occasional popup with ads geared toward selling their products.
CCLEANER
CCleaner is free but with limited capabilities. This software in free mode will scan and clean out all temporary files/folders, clear cookies, defrag your hard drive, etc. If you purchase this software, one major perk for the paid version is their Driver Scanner Tool. This will scan your computer to locate any device with missing our outdated software.
BRAVE
Want Chrome without all the intrusive spyware from Google? Brave is Chrome stripped down to it's core and beefed up with a robust ad blocking enhancements. This blocks malicious ads, pops ups, etc. It works so well, on YouTube you won't even know what an ad or commercial is anymore without paying for YouTube Premium.
MALWARE/SPYWARE
Defender and AVG help with viruses but lack in the Malware/Spyware field. This software will scan your entire PC and remove any Malware/Spyware. Again, it's free and will try to lock you into a trial that you can unsubscribe and use the software manually.
CRYSTAL DISK INFO
As bizarre as their website may appear, this is still one of the best Hard Drive failure detection software. It will tell you if your hard drive has failed or about to fail. Can't stress how critical this software is since it has saved several customers from losing data by early detection.
ADWCLEANER
(Malwarebytes)
Malwarebytes has a very strong standalone software called ADWCleaner that they acquired from another company. This doesn't need to installed and can be ran just from the file. It will do every thing Malwarebytes can do but also remove any malicious/intrusive factory software preloaded by the manufacturer.
NORDVPN
Unfortunately, this one is not free but needed in today's world. VPN's are fairly cheap ($100-150/year) and help encrypt and protect your online data usage. NordVPN also helps with blocking intrusive advertisements and pop ups on some sites.
TEAMVIEWER
This software is free and is what we use to remote into more rural customers. This allows us to establish a secure encrypted connection to allow me to visually assist you remotely. This allows for a 5 minute fix, to stay just that, a 5 minute fix without the drive time. Make sure to download the "Full Client" version.