Do note while all potential buyers will benefit from this piece, it is mainly targeted at individuals opting for an assembled PC.
An indicative price list at the end will help you budget accordingly.
Motherboard
The large circuit board into which the Central Processing Unit, memory boards and peripheral cards are plugged is referred to as the motherboard.
It is the most vital part of any computer as it holds and connects all your peripherals and add-ons to give you upgrade options and support for future technologies.
What you must know:
Check whether it comes with all the necessary options, support for upgradeability and extra slots for memory and other add-on cards.
Processor
Processor chips are primarily available in two brands -- INTEL and AMD.
The Intel chips range from the very basic Celeron chip to the Pentium series to the advanced Centrino processor.
AMD has a chip called Athlon, which is slightly cheaper than the higher end Intel chips.
Most users prefer Intel Pentium chips to Athlon as the latter heats up soon and isn't as efficient as a Pentium 4 chip. Also, the Athlon chip based systems need extra fans to cool the system.
The most preferred chip is the Pentium 4 2.4 GHz.
You might want to consider the Athlon chip with the motherboard would cost you about $70 less than its INTEL counterpart.
What you must know:
Though the processor speed plays a crucial role, you need not have the latest and fastest one available. If a processor with a slightly lesser core speed can do just as well for your demands, go for it.
Make sure the chips are box packed with a serial number to ensure they are original.
Random Access Memory
RAM is the amount of memory available for use by programmes on a computer.
The RAM chip comes in capacities of 128, 256, 512 MB, even 1 GB. Most computers function efficiently with 256 MB RAM, though a 512 MB RAM does offer you an edge.
As a thumb rule, always go in for a minimum of 256 MB RAM.
The cost difference between 256 MB and 512 MB is around $30.
The latest memory technologies in use are DDR RAM, RD RAM and the latest release of the DDR2 RAM.
What you must know:
Since it ensures the smooth running of your system, the more the better.
Make sure the memory capacity is upgradeable.
Make sure the RAM is original and opt for the DDR range of RAMs. Duplicate RAMs will not function on Windows XP operating systems.
The RAM comes with a year's warranty.
Hard Disk Drive
HDD capacity counts for a great deal.
A 40 GB hard disk is sufficient disk space but you may choose an 80 GB variant.
The brand SEAGATE is a very reliable brand for hard disks and is preferred by most computer manufacturers and assemblers.
What you must know:
The hard disk comes with a three-year warranty.
Monitor
Monitors are computer screens available in varied sizes, the most popular being the 15" and 17".
You can choose between a flat panel plasma screen and a regular desktop monitor.
A 15" monitor costs around $100 and the 17", between $150 and $200, depending on the type.
The Dynaflat type monitor is preferred to the conventional CRT type, which is technically referred to as the Cathode Ray Tube.
The plasma screen monitor is highly priced at about $400 plus.
The various brands for monitors are Samsung, Mercury and LG, to name a few. Samsung is the preferred alternative for monitors and is also the leading peripheral components dealer.
What you must know:
Monitors usually come with a three-year warranty.
Peripherals
These include the keyboard, mouse, web cam, printer, scanner, joystick, etc.
Samsung and Microsoft are the preferred brands.
Choose an optical mouse over the usual one. The price difference is marginal. The same applies for the Internet keyboard.
Don't opt for a wireless mouse or a keyboard as the sensors get spoilt with time. Besides, you have to charge the batteries every week.
Web cams can cost from anywhere between $20 and $100.
For printers and scanners, Hewlett Packard is the market leader. A domestic colour printer might cost around $100, though the cartridges are a tad expensive at $40 each.
What you must know:
Don't choose the cheapest printer in sight. You will spend the money you save in less than a year on cartridges.
Don't go for the ones cheaper than $30 as they have poor resolution.
Voltage stabilizers and Spike guards
If your locality has frequent power failures or severe voltage fluctuations, opt for a voltage stabiliser. This will prevent any damage that could reduce the life of your machine.
A voltage stabiliser can cost from $20 to $40.
Regardless of the locality and the power supply, opt for a spike guard. It will provide four power plug points for your computer and peripherals.
A spike guard is also called a transient suppressor. It will cost $20.
Effective File Management
Managing folders - Best tips that you can use to manage your folders:
First of all, be sure that the folder that you are going to manage contains only sub-folders and not any files. With the grouping facility (although you do not get enough facilities as in case of files) you can:
Show the folders in thumbnail view, be sure that the number of folders is small since it gets too large in thumbnail view and takes much space. (And you feel reluctant to scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the desired folder unless you have a scroll-ball in your mouse!). If any picture is stored in any of those folders you can see them as the folder template on the folder. If you have four pictures the folder will show as much as four pictures in Thumbnails view. I do not prefer this. I think showing only one picture template will make understand enough about he contents of the folder. Also it gives a cool look than that of four pictures!
Show the folders in icons view. This option is best in case you have almost 100s of folders. It allows you to see many of the folders at a time. But you will not get as much information as in case of the Tiles view. Here the Details pane comes into play! Use the Details pane, from where you can get info about folder type and the date created and more the particular folder. Also, when you pause your mouse on the folder you can see its size as well as some of the files stored in that folder.
Show the folders in Tiles view. This is the best, best and best option available if your folder contains not more than around 50 to 60 sub-folders. (Tiles view works quite fine with 80 sub-folders in my pc). It gives you great result both for a cool look as well as providing info about the folders. Perhaps the coolest file-management feature available only in Windows xp. If you are interested in the Tiles view, you are of my opinion.
The Details View, if you want details about a particular folder, you can switch to the Details view. The Details view is very helpful. It allows you to see details about the folders as well as takes minimum space to show the folders.
Make the habit of modifying the Choose Details. This one is very helpful in both cases of folders as well as of the files. The Choose Details allows you to modify how you want to arrange the icons. (The items you choose in Choose Details will be visible if your folders are in the Details view!).
Managing Files
Managing files with Windows xp has just got the best way. You have much more and more facilities when it comes to managing files with windows xp. The best way for managing them is by grouping. The kind of grouping depends on the type of files you have stored in your folder.
Does your folder contain files of more than one type?
Here, it depends on the kinds of file types stored on one parent folder. You may have stored (for example) excel as well as word files. Here you should use the grouping system and arrange the icons by the file Type. The view of the files depends on the number of the files stored. Small number means you can use the Tiles view.
Do not use the Thumbnails view in case of files other than images. This gives a bad look to the icons. The 24bit icons work with them but the 16 bit icons look to be exaggerated. The Tiles view is the best in this case, as I think. If you have files of the same types in the folder, you might be thinking to manage them such that they could show you the summary of the files. OK, you can do that. All you have to do is to specify its category and the comments in the Properties dialog box.
You don't have to edit single file at a time. You select all the files you want to modify and then arrange the icons by their properties that you have just edited and then poof!
Make separate folder for each file type- If you are to handle a lot of file types in a single folder, I will advice you to make separate child folders in the same parent folder. You may give specific names of the file types to the folder that contains the files and may apply icons which may tell you what kind of files are stored in the folder. This is a good way I manage my files in single parent folder.
What about the pictures folder?
If your folder contains pictures, I think the best is the Filmstrip view. The Filmstrip view option is only available only when you have customized the folder to be a picture or a photo album template. If you don¡¦t need to work with the names of the pictures, you can omit them.
This makes the folder look more 'colorful'. To remove the file names switch back to the Tiles View. Now, press the Shift key while clicking on the Filmstrip View option. You don't need to customize the My Pictures folder in My Documents, it's already customized.
What about the music folder? Usually, the My Music folder in My Documents is the default folder for storing your music files.
First of all, be sure that the folder that you are going to manage contains only sub-folders and not any files. With the grouping facility (although you do not get enough facilities as in case of files) you can:
Show the folders in thumbnail view, be sure that the number of folders is small since it gets too large in thumbnail view and takes much space. (And you feel reluctant to scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the desired folder unless you have a scroll-ball in your mouse!). If any picture is stored in any of those folders you can see them as the folder template on the folder. If you have four pictures the folder will show as much as four pictures in Thumbnails view. I do not prefer this. I think showing only one picture template will make understand enough about he contents of the folder. Also it gives a cool look than that of four pictures!
Show the folders in icons view. This option is best in case you have almost 100s of folders. It allows you to see many of the folders at a time. But you will not get as much information as in case of the Tiles view. Here the Details pane comes into play! Use the Details pane, from where you can get info about folder type and the date created and more the particular folder. Also, when you pause your mouse on the folder you can see its size as well as some of the files stored in that folder.
Show the folders in Tiles view. This is the best, best and best option available if your folder contains not more than around 50 to 60 sub-folders. (Tiles view works quite fine with 80 sub-folders in my pc). It gives you great result both for a cool look as well as providing info about the folders. Perhaps the coolest file-management feature available only in Windows xp. If you are interested in the Tiles view, you are of my opinion.
The Details View, if you want details about a particular folder, you can switch to the Details view. The Details view is very helpful. It allows you to see details about the folders as well as takes minimum space to show the folders.
Make the habit of modifying the Choose Details. This one is very helpful in both cases of folders as well as of the files. The Choose Details allows you to modify how you want to arrange the icons. (The items you choose in Choose Details will be visible if your folders are in the Details view!).
Managing Files
Managing files with Windows xp has just got the best way. You have much more and more facilities when it comes to managing files with windows xp. The best way for managing them is by grouping. The kind of grouping depends on the type of files you have stored in your folder.
Does your folder contain files of more than one type?
Here, it depends on the kinds of file types stored on one parent folder. You may have stored (for example) excel as well as word files. Here you should use the grouping system and arrange the icons by the file Type. The view of the files depends on the number of the files stored. Small number means you can use the Tiles view.
Do not use the Thumbnails view in case of files other than images. This gives a bad look to the icons. The 24bit icons work with them but the 16 bit icons look to be exaggerated. The Tiles view is the best in this case, as I think. If you have files of the same types in the folder, you might be thinking to manage them such that they could show you the summary of the files. OK, you can do that. All you have to do is to specify its category and the comments in the Properties dialog box.
You don't have to edit single file at a time. You select all the files you want to modify and then arrange the icons by their properties that you have just edited and then poof!
Make separate folder for each file type- If you are to handle a lot of file types in a single folder, I will advice you to make separate child folders in the same parent folder. You may give specific names of the file types to the folder that contains the files and may apply icons which may tell you what kind of files are stored in the folder. This is a good way I manage my files in single parent folder.
What about the pictures folder?
If your folder contains pictures, I think the best is the Filmstrip view. The Filmstrip view option is only available only when you have customized the folder to be a picture or a photo album template. If you don¡¦t need to work with the names of the pictures, you can omit them.
This makes the folder look more 'colorful'. To remove the file names switch back to the Tiles View. Now, press the Shift key while clicking on the Filmstrip View option. You don't need to customize the My Pictures folder in My Documents, it's already customized.
What about the music folder? Usually, the My Music folder in My Documents is the default folder for storing your music files.
Laptop Lcd Repair
Replacing a broken laptop screen is more often than not, a very easy project. If you have a broken screen, don't jump on ebay and sell it for considerably less than it's worth. Instead, go to ebay and try to find the replacement LCD, the entire cover for your computer, or even better, your computer with a blown motherboard but intact screen! The later case, you not only get a new screen, but extra memory, a backup hard drive and perhaps even a WiFi card you didn't have before. It helps to know your computer.
If you don't, do your research first. Some laptops have the LCD glued (epoxied) into the frame. In these cases it's usually much easier to replace the whole cover. Most don't have this problem though.
I'm going to show how easy it is with an Apple iBook G4. I've also replaced the screens on Panasonic, Gateway and other laptops just as easily.What we'll need, besides the replacement LCD of course, are the tools to open the display enclosure.
In this case, we'll need a tiny magnetic phillips screwdriver, a size 1.5 allen wrench and something to pry apart the snap together frame, The later can be a couple of small (tiny) flat edged screwdrivers, a metal ruler or paint scraper with the edge filed to a sharper edge, etc.
In my case, I use the tools that were included with a battery replacement for an iPod. The tools alone were worth the cost of the battery!
For some, a pair of tweezers would help.
Anytime we work on a computer, it's best to remove all sources of power first. In this case, that includes the power supply and the battery.
Don't forget to remove the battery! The next step is to remove the cover. Examine around the screen. Look at all the metal and plastic parts. In some cases, the screws will be obvious. In others, you my have to remove stickers or rubber plugs to access them. Failing to find them, do a Google search for a take-apart instruction for your specific computer.
In this case, there were four obvious 1.5 allen screws on the sides. So I just remove them. Note that I put my screws into an old ice cube tray. This is a handy way of keeping the screws in order of the steps they were removed. Makes putting things back together much easier.This computer's cover was also snapped together.
Using the prying tools, first separate the tabs holding across the top and work around and down the sides. The cover should just fall away.Judging from the distorted tape and plethora of fingerprints, I'd say someone's been here before! There's always tape!
It's purpose is to hold wires where they belong or metallic tape to connect RF shielding. Look over the panel carefully and make notes where the tape is and why. Now carefully remove any that interferes with getting the LCD out.
Note the shielding tape that's is screwed in here because we want to put it back the same way. Now, locate the screws along the sides of the LCD. There will be four to six of them and only on the sides. There's usually a nice notch in the casing allowing easy access to those screws.
Hmm... It's like they're meant to be replaced! :)
Remove connectors as you can access them. In this case, the display connector is under the metal tape on the back shield. There's also the inverter wire for the backlight in the lower left corner. Use a tiny screwdriver or tweezers to get these connectors free.There may also be some additional tape under the shield. Just note where it is before you remove it so you can put it back on the new LCD.
If, like me, you ordered the replacement display based on the Make and Model of the computer, you may have received a functionally equivalent LCD (different manufacturer). Don't trust the seller! Carefully compare the old LCD to the new to be sure that they match. There's no refund if you burn out the new LCD!
Different manufacturers will have similar part numbers usually. This helps, but also check that the connectors are in the same locations and match.This should be fairly straight forward. Just reverse the procedure of removing the old one.
Try to avoid touching the face of the screen. Some laptops have another screen in front of the LCD. This would make it hard to remove fingerprints!Note that the shield behind the LCD is sometimes a little tricky to fit. Take your time and make sure it's reinstalled the same way it was originally.
Replace connectors and tape wherever possible. Add tape if you need to. Also assure that all wires are where they belong. We really don't want to pinch and damage wires when we put the cover on.Now, put the cover back on the way it came off.
In this case I just closed the display, aligned and pressed the cover into place. Then I carefully examined the edges to verify that no wires are pinched and all gaps are closed. Then reinsert the screws, plugs, tape etc to return the display to it's original look. Now's the exciting part. Reinsert the battery and power.
Now turn it on.Hold your breath! It might take longer than you expect. If all went well... You'll see the display.
It should need no adjustments since it's unlikely the settings have changed since the old one was broken.Likely, because all power was removed for a period of time, you'll have to reset that time and date.
If you don't, do your research first. Some laptops have the LCD glued (epoxied) into the frame. In these cases it's usually much easier to replace the whole cover. Most don't have this problem though.
I'm going to show how easy it is with an Apple iBook G4. I've also replaced the screens on Panasonic, Gateway and other laptops just as easily.What we'll need, besides the replacement LCD of course, are the tools to open the display enclosure.
In this case, we'll need a tiny magnetic phillips screwdriver, a size 1.5 allen wrench and something to pry apart the snap together frame, The later can be a couple of small (tiny) flat edged screwdrivers, a metal ruler or paint scraper with the edge filed to a sharper edge, etc.
In my case, I use the tools that were included with a battery replacement for an iPod. The tools alone were worth the cost of the battery!
For some, a pair of tweezers would help.
Anytime we work on a computer, it's best to remove all sources of power first. In this case, that includes the power supply and the battery.
Don't forget to remove the battery! The next step is to remove the cover. Examine around the screen. Look at all the metal and plastic parts. In some cases, the screws will be obvious. In others, you my have to remove stickers or rubber plugs to access them. Failing to find them, do a Google search for a take-apart instruction for your specific computer.
In this case, there were four obvious 1.5 allen screws on the sides. So I just remove them. Note that I put my screws into an old ice cube tray. This is a handy way of keeping the screws in order of the steps they were removed. Makes putting things back together much easier.This computer's cover was also snapped together.
Using the prying tools, first separate the tabs holding across the top and work around and down the sides. The cover should just fall away.Judging from the distorted tape and plethora of fingerprints, I'd say someone's been here before! There's always tape!
It's purpose is to hold wires where they belong or metallic tape to connect RF shielding. Look over the panel carefully and make notes where the tape is and why. Now carefully remove any that interferes with getting the LCD out.
Note the shielding tape that's is screwed in here because we want to put it back the same way. Now, locate the screws along the sides of the LCD. There will be four to six of them and only on the sides. There's usually a nice notch in the casing allowing easy access to those screws.
Hmm... It's like they're meant to be replaced! :)
Remove connectors as you can access them. In this case, the display connector is under the metal tape on the back shield. There's also the inverter wire for the backlight in the lower left corner. Use a tiny screwdriver or tweezers to get these connectors free.There may also be some additional tape under the shield. Just note where it is before you remove it so you can put it back on the new LCD.
If, like me, you ordered the replacement display based on the Make and Model of the computer, you may have received a functionally equivalent LCD (different manufacturer). Don't trust the seller! Carefully compare the old LCD to the new to be sure that they match. There's no refund if you burn out the new LCD!
Different manufacturers will have similar part numbers usually. This helps, but also check that the connectors are in the same locations and match.This should be fairly straight forward. Just reverse the procedure of removing the old one.
Try to avoid touching the face of the screen. Some laptops have another screen in front of the LCD. This would make it hard to remove fingerprints!Note that the shield behind the LCD is sometimes a little tricky to fit. Take your time and make sure it's reinstalled the same way it was originally.
Replace connectors and tape wherever possible. Add tape if you need to. Also assure that all wires are where they belong. We really don't want to pinch and damage wires when we put the cover on.Now, put the cover back on the way it came off.
In this case I just closed the display, aligned and pressed the cover into place. Then I carefully examined the edges to verify that no wires are pinched and all gaps are closed. Then reinsert the screws, plugs, tape etc to return the display to it's original look. Now's the exciting part. Reinsert the battery and power.
Now turn it on.Hold your breath! It might take longer than you expect. If all went well... You'll see the display.
It should need no adjustments since it's unlikely the settings have changed since the old one was broken.Likely, because all power was removed for a period of time, you'll have to reset that time and date.
Data Recovery and File Recovery Tools
Data recovery is used when serious situations and accidents occur to your system, like when hard drives has been formatted, or if you accidentally delete a file that you really need, which is no impossible, or it can also be used when a virus enters your system and deletes some of your files and information. The great thing is that any data recovery software works sufficiently with most computers and operating systems.
You can use data recovery software to recover information from your local hard drive, your extra hard drive, a floppy disk, a removable or portable hard drive, memory cards, and in most cases you could even use it to recover information from old CD’s. In addition a hard drive crash is no match for data recovery software. The other great thing is that you will be able to recover basically every piece of information that was on you hard drive like your email messages, video files, music and photos and obviously your data files and documents.
There are two main ways of retrieving lost data using a data recovery software, one being when the file you are retrieving has been recently deleted, the other option is to recover everything that has been on the hard disk and from there you find what you are looking for.
There are many different data recovery software programs you can use to recover your files; some of them even let you browse through your deleted files to see what you would like to retrieve. There are processes that can recover and restore your deleted files in seconds! Once the data has been recovered from you hard drive you have the option to either save it to another folder on a different hard drive or storage device, or you can burn it directly to CD. Once your files have been successfully recovered by the data recovery software, all your information stays the same, which is to say that nothing will have been changed, even in the event of a virus overload, the file names and all the date will still be in tact.
Your lost files can be restored in one click and they can be stored by name, size or date of saving. A search session also gets saved to a disk file that is used later for reloading so that the drive will not need to be scanned again, which makes the restoration process so much easier and quicker.
Majority of the data recovery software programs are offered as free demo version. You can easily download the software from the internet and try how it works.
Here are Some:
File Scavenger
File Undelete/Data Recovery Utility
Our Rating:
(Excellent)
File Scavenger is a Windows file undelete and data recovery utility for NTFS and FAT/FAT32 volumes. It can recover files that were damaged by virus or accidentally deleted from Windows Explorer, the Recycled Bin, command line window, or a network share along with original folder names and file Create and Modified dates. Safely recover some of the files, old desktop shortcuts and more.
Restoration
PC Inspector Smart Recovery
PC Inspector File Recovery
SoftPerfect File Recovery
Above all are Freeware and Excellent Rated. Click Here to Download
You can use data recovery software to recover information from your local hard drive, your extra hard drive, a floppy disk, a removable or portable hard drive, memory cards, and in most cases you could even use it to recover information from old CD’s. In addition a hard drive crash is no match for data recovery software. The other great thing is that you will be able to recover basically every piece of information that was on you hard drive like your email messages, video files, music and photos and obviously your data files and documents.
There are two main ways of retrieving lost data using a data recovery software, one being when the file you are retrieving has been recently deleted, the other option is to recover everything that has been on the hard disk and from there you find what you are looking for.
There are many different data recovery software programs you can use to recover your files; some of them even let you browse through your deleted files to see what you would like to retrieve. There are processes that can recover and restore your deleted files in seconds! Once the data has been recovered from you hard drive you have the option to either save it to another folder on a different hard drive or storage device, or you can burn it directly to CD. Once your files have been successfully recovered by the data recovery software, all your information stays the same, which is to say that nothing will have been changed, even in the event of a virus overload, the file names and all the date will still be in tact.
Your lost files can be restored in one click and they can be stored by name, size or date of saving. A search session also gets saved to a disk file that is used later for reloading so that the drive will not need to be scanned again, which makes the restoration process so much easier and quicker.
Majority of the data recovery software programs are offered as free demo version. You can easily download the software from the internet and try how it works.
Here are Some:
File Scavenger
File Undelete/Data Recovery Utility
Our Rating:
(Excellent)
File Scavenger is a Windows file undelete and data recovery utility for NTFS and FAT/FAT32 volumes. It can recover files that were damaged by virus or accidentally deleted from Windows Explorer, the Recycled Bin, command line window, or a network share along with original folder names and file Create and Modified dates. Safely recover some of the files, old desktop shortcuts and more.
Restoration
PC Inspector Smart Recovery
PC Inspector File Recovery
SoftPerfect File Recovery
Above all are Freeware and Excellent Rated. Click Here to Download
Windows Malicious Files Start Up List
Close Program/Task Manager
This is NOT a list of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL) but a list of startup applications, although you will find some of them listed via this method. Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL identifies programs that are currently running - not necessarily at startup.
For a list of tasks/processes you should try WinTasks 5 Standard/Professional from LIUtilities or the list at AnswersThatWork. Therefore, before ending a task/process via CTRL+ALT+DEL just because it has an "X" recommendation, please check whether it's in MSCONFIG or the registry first.
An example would be "svchost.exe" - which doesn't appear in either under normal conditions but does via CTRL+ALT+DEL. If in doubt, don't do anything.
Operating System Differences
A number of entries are repeated due to the way that different operating systems display startup items. For example, WinMe lists "POPROXY.EXE" as "Norton eMail Protect" in both MSCONFIG and the registry whereas WinXP lists it as "Poproxy" in MSCONFIG and "Noeton eMail Protect" in the registry.
To avoid the list becoming too large, all VIRUSES are shown using the registry version which is common to all Windows versions.
Alternatively use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.
Key:
"Y" - Normally leave to run at start-up
"N" - Not required - typically infrequently used tasks that can be started manually if necessary
"U" - User's choice - depends whether a user deems it necessary
"X" - Definitely not required - typically viruses, spyware, adware and "resource hogs"
"?" - Unknown
Use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.
This is NOT a list of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL) but a list of startup applications, although you will find some of them listed via this method. Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL identifies programs that are currently running - not necessarily at startup.
For a list of tasks/processes you should try WinTasks 5 Standard/Professional from LIUtilities or the list at AnswersThatWork. Therefore, before ending a task/process via CTRL+ALT+DEL just because it has an "X" recommendation, please check whether it's in MSCONFIG or the registry first.
An example would be "svchost.exe" - which doesn't appear in either under normal conditions but does via CTRL+ALT+DEL. If in doubt, don't do anything.
Operating System Differences
A number of entries are repeated due to the way that different operating systems display startup items. For example, WinMe lists "POPROXY.EXE" as "Norton eMail Protect" in both MSCONFIG and the registry whereas WinXP lists it as "Poproxy" in MSCONFIG and "Noeton eMail Protect" in the registry.
To avoid the list becoming too large, all VIRUSES are shown using the registry version which is common to all Windows versions.
Alternatively use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.
Key:
"Y" - Normally leave to run at start-up
"N" - Not required - typically infrequently used tasks that can be started manually if necessary
"U" - User's choice - depends whether a user deems it necessary
"X" - Definitely not required - typically viruses, spyware, adware and "resource hogs"
"?" - Unknown
Use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.
| X | w32 | w32.exe | Added by the SOKEVEN TROJAN! | |
| X | W32.Scran | Scran.exe | Added by the NARCS WORM! | |
| X | w32alanis | mope.scr | Added by the SINALA WORM! | |
| X | W32Load | [random filename].scr | Added by the CASPID WORM! | |
| X | w32sup | w32sup.exe | Adult content dialler | |
| X | W32Tc | WTC32.scr | Added by the VOTE.D or VOTE.K WORMS! | |
| X | W3KNetwork | rundll32.exe w3knet.dll, dllinitrun | Advertising spyware. Check here for more info on this particular one | |
| Y | W75P2PSERVER | W75P2PS.EXE | Printer utility which is required in order to make the printer work correctly | |
| ? | W815DM | W815DM.exe | ?? | |
| N | Wanadoo Messenger.exe | Wanadoo Messenger.exe | Wanadoo ISP instant messenger client | |
| Y | WanMPSvc | WanMPSvc.exe | An AOL component, the Wan miniport (ATW) service. If you delete this and logon, AOL reports a problem with your internet connection, and reinstalling AOL doesn’t help | |
| X | WAPI | wts**.exe [* = random char] | PurityScan/Clickspring adware | |
| N | war-ftpd.exe | WAR-FTPD.EXE | War FTP Daemon from JGAA's Internet - FTP client | |
| X | Wardo | syslaunch.exe | Added by the ADLCICKER.G TROJAN! | |
| X | WareOut | WareOut.exe | Malware masquerading as a spyware and dialer remover, see here | |
| N | warez | warez.exe | Warez P2P client | |
| U | Warner | warner.exe | Also known as "CyberWarner". From G-Tek Technologies and pre-installed on some Packard Bell PCs. Protects critical files | |
| U | Warnet | warnet.exe | Warnet - system cleanup software | |
| U | Warning: do not remove it! | fpplock.exe | Part of Folder Password Expert by ZQS Software Team - "a software program to restrict access to the folders that contain your sensitive data" | |
| N | WARSVR | war-ftpd.exe | "War FTP Daemon - the original free FTP server for windows" | |
| U | WashAndGo - Cleanup of old Backupfiles | checker.exe | WashAndGo - temp file cleaner | |
| U | Washer | washer.exe | Windows Washer from Webroot Software. Useful utility that deletes safe to remove files, cookies, browsing history, etc. Available via from Start -> Programs. Disable within the program options - otherwise it is re-enabled in MSCONFIG | |
| N | Washerie.exe | washerie.exe | Cookie Washer for Internet Explorer from Webroot Software. Light version of Windows Washer, specific for cleaning the IE cache and cookies. Available via Start -> Programs | |
| U | washindex | washidx.exe | Windows Washer from Webroot Software. Useful utility that deletes safe to remove files, cookies, browsing history, etc. Available via from Start -> Programs. Disable within the program options - otherwise it is re-enabled in MSCONFIG | |
| X | Wast | wast.exe | Grokster ads updater | |
| N | Watch | watch.exe | Found to be used by a Trust USB scanner for auto starting the scanning software when the lid is lifted | |
| ? | Watch | 1200UBWATCH.EXE | ?? | |
| N | Watch Dog Program | watchdog.exe | For Compaq PC's. Associated with Compaq's internet services. Not required if you don't use services provided by them and may not be required even if you do | |
| N | Watchdog | Watchdog.exe | Definitely part of the Mustek scanner drivers and software (for 600 III EP Plus and maybe others), launches from the Startup folder in the Start Menu, but not required as they give instructions on removing it on their webpage | |
| ? | WatchDog | watchdog.exe | Part of Motorola "Mobile Phone Tools" v3 - in a "Mobiile Phone Tools" sub-directory of Program Files | |
| N | WaveTop Launcher | WaveTop.exe | WaveTop - "Get push content from TV without an Internet connection" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98 | |
| N | WaveTop Receiver 1 | N/A | WaveTop - "Get push content from TV without an Internet connection" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98 | |
| N | WaveTop Receiver 2 | N/A | WaveTop - "Get push content from TV without an Internet connection" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98 | |
| N | WaveTop Upload Manager | N/A | WaveTop - "Get push content from TV without an Internet connection" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98 | |
| N | Wbiff | Wbiff.exe | Wbiff! E-mail checker - automatically checks your e-mail and notifies you if any new e-mail has been received | |
| ? | Wbutton | Wbutton.exe | Related to the Wacom Penabled driver on Acer Tablet PCs. Appears to do nothing so is it required? | |
| N | WCESCOMM | WCESCOMM.EXE | Active sync for use with Windows CE based palm PC | |
| U | wcmdmgr | wcmdmgrl.exe | Web Driver delivery system for WildTangent on-line games. Periodically checks for updates - can be disabled within the programs control panel. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case | |
| N | wcmdmgr.exe | wcmdmgr.exe | Web Driver delivery system for WildTangent on-line games. Periodically checks for updates - can be disabled within the programs control panel. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case | |
| U | wcmdmgrl | wcmdmgrl.exe | Web Driver delivery system for WildTangent on-line games. Periodically checks for updates - can be disabled within the programs control panel. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case | |
| U | WCOLOREAL | coloreal.exe | Makes colours sharper and brighter, but will only work with coloreal capable monitors | |
| ? | WCPC | wintsvcc.exe | ?? | |
| X | WCPI | wintsvit.exe | PurityScan/Clickspring adware | |
| X | WCPS | Wint**.exe [* = random char] | PurityScan/Clickspring adware | |
| X | WCPT | wintsvtr.exe | PurityScan/Clickspring adware | |
| U | WD Button Manager | WDBtnMgr.exe | Button manager installed with a western digital external disk drive. Allows you to back up your system with one click | |
| X | WDInfo | wdinfo.exe | Added by the DLUCA.B TROJAN! | |
| X | wdskctl | wdskctl.exe | IEPlugin spyware | |
| X | wdwctrl | wdwctrl.exe | Added by the DLUCA.E TROJAN! | |
| N | WEATHER | WEATHER.EXE | Weatherbug provides current outdoor temperature in the System Tray, also weather alerts. Available via Start -> Programs | |
| N | WeatherCast | Weather.exe | Weather reporting in the System Tray. Available via Start -> Programs. Installed via Radlight | |
| X | WeatherOnTray | WeatherOnTray.exe | Hotbar's Weather Forecast tool for your desktop - adware | |
| N | WeatherWatcher | ww.exe | WeatherWatcher - weather reporting in the System Tray | |
| X | web | ******.exe [* = random char] | Added by a variant of the EASTO.A TROJAN! | |
| ? | Web Search | ?? | ?? | |
| X | Web Service | [random filename].exe | Added by the ADMINCASH TROJAN! | |
| Y | web3trap | web3trap.exe | PC-Cillin 2000 anti-virus software -> ActiveX filter. Guards against malicious ActiveX programs, etc | |
| X | webalize | webalize.exe | Searchcentrix hijacker | |
| N | WebArmyKnife | WAK.exe | Web Army Knife - a suite of web site developer's tools | |
| X | webassist | webassist.exe | Adware popup generator | |
| ? | Webcam Go Sti Service Application | wbcgosvc.exe | Control software for the portable Creative Video Blaster Webcam Go digital camera/PC web cam. What does it do and is it required? | |
| N | WebcamRT.exe | WEBCAMRT.exe | For Logitech Web Cams. Not required - camera works fine without it | |
| X | Webcelerator | webcel.exe | Webcelerator from eAcceleration speeds your Web browsing by both remembering where you have been and anticipating where you will go. Only needed if you find it improves web browsing. Spyware and troublesome - see here | |
| X | WebCheck | WebCheck.pif | Added by the CONE.C or CONE.F WORMS! | |
| X | WebCpr0 | WebCpr0.exe | Web_CPR/TopMoxie adware | |
| X | Webdav.exe | webdav.exe | IRC DDoS bot which gives the hacker full control over your system | |
| X | WebHancer Agent | whagent.exe | System Tray application that starts up Webhancer software. Software that optimizes your web browser and is also advertising spyware that you can find out about here | |
| X | webHancer Survey Companion | whSurvey.exe | WebHancer foistware - traffic measurement service that uses a client agent that is stealth installed on user machines, gathering detailed data about sites visited, their performance and, most important, what the user actually does while there | |
| X | WebInstall | WebInstall.exe | ClipGenie adware downloader | |
| X | WebInstall2 | WebInstall.exe | ClipGenie adware downloader | |
| N | WebKey | WebKey.exe | WebKey from JB Utilities. Utility to keep track of login data required when browsing the internet | |
| N | WebOutfitterTray | sttray.exe | Intel WebOutfitter service System Tray icon | |
| N | Webposition Gold 2 | wpsche~1.exe | Scheduler for Web Position Gold - utility to help optimize the position of web-sites in search engines | |
| X | WebRebates0 | WebRebates0.exe | WebRebates adware | |
| X | WebRun | [Trojan filename] | Added by the ADWARELOADER TROJAN! | |
| U | websaverlive | websaverlive.exe | WebSaver Live! is a companion program to Websaver that retrieves information from the Internet on a schedule and displays it on your screen when your computer is idle | |
| X | WebSavingsfromEbates | WebSavingsfromEbatesrun.exe | Web Savings From Ebates Software, a shopping tool that opens pop-up windows | |
| X | WebSavingsFromEbates0 | WebSavingsFromEbates0.exe | Web Savings From Ebates Software, a shopping tool that opens pop-up windows | |
| X | WebScan | DEFSCANGUI.EXE | eAcceleration Stop-Sign related - not recommended, see note | |
| N | webscan | stopsignav.exe | eAcceleration Stop-Sign related - not recommended, see note | |
| Y | WebScanX | WebScanX.exe | From McAfee VirusScan up to version 4.x. Provides functionality for VShield Download Scan and Internet Filter modules. Enables internet scanning. Guards against malicious ActiveX programs, etc | |
| X | websearch | wjview ...websearch.exe | "Web Savings" From Ebates Software, a shopping tool that opens pop-up windows | |
| X | WebSecureAlert | WebSecureAlert.exe | WebSecureAlert. "Can help protect your browser security and privacy". However, it's by GAIN Publishing, and will display pop up ads on your computer screen based on your online Web surfing behavior | |
| ? | WebServer | VBI_SE~1.EXE | Related to a Pinnacle sound card. What does it do and is it needed? | |
| N | Webshots | Webshots Tray.exe | Screensaver program that automatically downloads from the webshots web site | |
| N | Webshots | websho~1.exe | Screensaver program that automatically downloads from the webshots web site | |
| X | WebSpecials | rundll32 [path] webspec.dll | WebSpecials spyware | |
| X | Websx | Int*****.exe | Adult content dialler - where ***** are random | |
| Y | Webtrap | webtrap.exe | Part of PC-Cillin anti-virus software. Checks web-sites for malicious Java and ActiveX elements in a similar way to McAfee WebScanX. A few users find it infuriating | |
| Y | WebTrapNT.exe | WebTrapNT.exe | Part of PC-Cillin Anti-Virus software. Checks visited web-sites for malicious Java and ActiveX elements | |
| U | WebWasher | wwasher.exe | Free Pop-up/ad/javascript filter program from Siemens. If not running then browsers will not be protected but will still work. Available via Start -> Programs | |
| N | Welcome | Welcome.exe | Launches the Welcome to Windows tutorial on boot up | |
| ? | WEPstat | Wepstat.exe | Cisco Aironet 340 Series PC Card driver. If it can be started manually it shouldn't be required if you don't use the PC card facility regularily - hence the status could be "U". Can anybody confirm this? | |
| X | wersds | doriot.exe | Added by the JECT.C TROJAN! | |
| N | WetSock | wetsock.exe | RoboMagic Wetsock - weather reporting in the System Tray | |
| N | WFGStartup | WFGStartup.exe | World Weather. "This midlet displays the current weather conditions for major cities around the world. This version is for memory limited mobile phones" | |
| U | wfips | iphider.exe | ICQ (messaging/chat program) anti-bomb software. "WFIPS is anti-bomb software for safeguarding ICQ Bomb before the bombing. 'ICQ Defoolder' is a tool for removing ICQ bomb after being exposed." For more information about ICQ bombs see here | |
| N | WFXCTL32.EXE | WFXCTL32.EXE | From WinFax 10.0 and possibly earlier versions. Appears if you chose to have WinFax appear in the taskbar (System Tray) during installation and displays a yellow fax/telephone icon. Available via Start -> Programs | |
| Y | wfxsnt40 | wfxsnt40.exe | WinFax 10.0 and maybe earlier versions. The program that opens the port for WinFax and not normally in the start menu. Needed if you want to run WinFax | |
| ? | WFXSwtch | WFXSWTCH.exe | Related to WinFax. What does it do and is it required? | |
| Y | WG511WLU | WG511WLU.exe | Netgear configuration programme for the 54g wireless lan card - required to monitor and manage the lan card | |
| U | WGWLocalManager | WGWLocalManager.exe | Part of Flash-Networks NettGain2000 product. NettGain 2000 is a combined hardware/software networking solution, which is designed to improve performance of satellite networks by increasing data transmission speeds and maximizing the existing bandwidth for complete utilization when sending TCP/IP applications over a satellite. It is needed when connecting to the internet via satellite to provide speed faster than 60k or so. It could be started by creating a shortcut, running it only when connecting to the internet. If internet is used often, it's recommended to leave it in startup so it starts with the system |