Any free or low cost shareware to save registry, compact, clean-disk/reclaim space, remote connectio

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joe Donaldson
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J

Joe Donaldson

Any free or low cost shareware to save registry, compact,
clean-disk/reclaim space, remote connection?


I was laid off some time ago and am actively seeking employment with
little success thus far in 6 months-Manager of IT type.

I have been asked by a few friends and associates to help them clean
out their PC, bring patches up to date, remove viruses and so on.

I am an avid user of Norton SystemWorks Professional, Sygate Pro,
Sypware Guard, Spyware Blaster, RegCleaner (not Microsofts) and
WinRescue (saves compacts registry). I rely on Ghost and a removable
USB drive for disasters.

To help some of my associates I will recommend they purchase some of
these programs. However where I need some help is if there are a few
programs that are either very inexpensive or free:

1. Anti-Virus I could use GRISoft but they do not do a job of removing
or quarantining the file. Any ideas besides OEM Norton disks?

2. As for a Registry backup/compact tool like Superwin.com WinReescue
which stores registry and a lot of other info, compacts registry, can
restore from a DOS Boot--I have not found a subsitute yet.

3. Any alternative to Norton Ghost that is free or cheap?


4. Remote connection to Windows 98, Win 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP?
How can I accomplish this from home to cable/dial up users without
investing in a package lick PC Anywhere or the like that might cost
the client about $50 a pop?


Goal: Make a little money, educate the consumer, keep things legal
without copying software.

Thanks so much in advance,
Joe
 
Joe -
Decent tool for remote control - includes ability to
transfer files between units - ultraVNC - I turn on the
Low Accuracy check box at the "host" end, and choose low
speed options from your end on bad connections - screen
clarity suffers, but you have control and can see things
1st hand. You will have to figure out how to configure
from behind a router for you to access them - you could
create an in-bound VPN for them to connect to you when they
need help, perhaps, etc. otherwise they will have to
physically bypass a router or you have to learn how to open
proper ports, etc. Not something I've tried to do.

I can't recall the names of free AV s/w - you already
mention GriSoft - AVG - but I've heard good things about it
- never used it

Push your clients to use a low-end router on broadband
connections - this is crucial. Don't leave the settings as
default - set a standard for anyone you support and stick
with it - including the admin pwd - choose an IP for the
unit so as to not be easily guessed based on the brand and
manually set a pool of DHCP addresses. Don't even need the
on-board firewall enabled - but it can help - router based
f/walls can get in the way on some corporate VPNs, etc, but
you have to feel that out.

You already do some of this, but I recommend handing out
and coaching on Spybot S-n-D, Ad-Aware, HiJackThis, Mozilla
Firefox replacement browser, Spywareblaster, ZoneAlarm, etc
- many of the things you'll see recommended by the regulars
in these rooms...

HTH - let us know

Nate
 
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