Here's to a Trouble-Free PC

Keeping your PC out of trouble isn't an easy task. There are so many things trying to get to it -- spyware, malware, and viruses, as well as poorly written applications and drivers that knock other drivers out of action.

I wrote "Four Steps to a Trouble-Free PC" recently and I cover a few ways to prevent grief. (You mostly see me here, but I also write a column called "Hassle-Free PC" for our print magazine.

I didn't have enough room in the magazine, so I've got a few tips and suggestions left over.

Secunia is a cool site with lots of ways to examine your system's applications. For one thing, the Secunia Software Inspector digs into your system and takes a look at dozens of programs, including Microsoft updates.

Secunia recently released the beta of the Personal Software Inspector, a hefty package that downloads and runs on your PC. PSI covers in excess of 4000 applications (the Web-based product covers a little over 40). While the new version appears to find more end-of-life and outdated programs, it also loads when the system boots and runs in my system tray. That's not a great idea. The program is valuable, but I can run it on my own every week or so. I still have it on my system, but used WinPatrol to stop it from loading on boot.

In my ongoing effort to prevent trouble, every six months I unplug my PC's power cord, crawl under the desk, and check to see if any cables are loose. If I have the time, I also pop the cover and make sure the boards, memory, and internal cables are secure. See "Top Tips for a Cleaner, Faster Computer" for more ideas.

I'll have more tomorrow.