I made this list for those of you that want to tweak your systems but don't know where to start. Most of these links I'm providing will provide a slight boost in your system's efficiency/speed. Others will get rid of unnecessary crap or remove annoyances.
I made this list a long time ago in another forum i'm a member of. Since then, it has grown through contributions from members there and now I decided to post it here. It hasn't seen major updates in some time, but it's still quite complete and the respective sites are usually up to date. Special thanks goes to all the great folks @ GTPlanet who contributed
Enjoy:
----------------Tweaks/Tweaking Apps----------------
BlackViper
For those of you running Windows XP or windows 2000, this site is simply amazing. The tweaks provided here are there to disable windows services which, in turn will result in m***ive improvements in the usage of system resources. Just make certain to back up your registry prior to making changes. For those of you that don't know exactly what you are doing, they provided registry patches to automatically do the tweaks. Those of you who know what you are doing may want to do the service changes manually so you can do hybrids of the Safe, Gaming, and Supertweak mode for best results.
MusicXP.net
Not to be confused with TweakXP, this site is similar to black viper in that it shows you how to configure your rig to run with optimal performance. The difference here is that where Blackviper shows how to modify the system services, this shows you how to modify windows settings in order to get the maximum potential out of your WinXP machine.
X-Setup
This program just makes it easier to modify things that would otherwise require you to go into your registry. Everything is available in the main screen and they provide good information on all the little tweaks they have. Good program to have, and it works under all versions of windows.
Microsoft Power Toys [recommended by LoudMusic]
These are tiny little programs for minor behaviour modifications to Windows as well as some things that Microsoft just never included. I've only ever used TweakUI and it is very similar to X-Setup. This is directed more or less towards Windowsxp but apparently it runs on other windows OS'es as well. If you have an older OS though, I'd reccomend X-Setup.
------------Annoying Crap Removal Utilities (Also helps with performance)------------
AATools
The primary reason I use it is for portscanning my network pcs in order to check on my firewall and to scrub my registry clean. It's got TONS of other features as well but those 2 are the ones I use most. Other things that are useful as hell are the included TraceRoute and the Network Monitor feature. This is the only program in this list that's not free - so far, I've only had nags with my free one so get it anyways.
ToniArts EasyCleaner2.0
Yet another registry cleaner, this one is completely free. Works as well as AATools but not as much stuff is packed with it. If aatools asks for serial number, this will do the job for you.
Spybot S&D
Most of you already know of this program, but for those of you that don't know of it or don't use it, this program is amazing for detecting and cleaning your computer of spyware. I prefer this to Lavasoft's Adaware.
Free Antivirus Programs
AVG Free Edition (strongly suggested by Burnout).
For those of you without antivirus programs, you now have NO EXCUSE for the cost - this link has freeware av programs that are also constantly updated :tup:
AVG Uses less system resources and provides almost daily updates. Very good virus program.
------------------Very useful, spyware free stuff------------------------
Mozilla
Though not a tweak, this browser is the best one I've used in ages and it's very clean. Another great benefit to Mozilla is that the Thunderbird E-mail client isn't the target of so many viruses like Outlook is. Oh, and did I mention a built-in popup blocker and Open Source?
RealPlayer Alternative and Quicktime Alternative
for those of you that absolutely hate running realplayer because of it's extreme overuse of system resources, the amount of spyware included, the number of popups or a combination of the 3, this site will give you an alternate player that is clean, lightweight and is capable of playing all Real Media (and quicktime is available). The program is excellent for anyone that doesn't want to use realplayer. It's also a good idea to uninstall realplayer completely and use this alternative to keep your pc crap-free.
Google Toolbar (Slick6)
Well, not much to say here - the greatest search engine ever gets fully integrated into IE and provides excellent popup blockage. Even if you don't use google, the toolbar is still perfect for getting rid of those damn annoying popups
StrokeIt [Credit to Shannon]
This little program allows you to add mouse gestures to any program you have installed on your machine. Example: Hold the right mouse button and move left to go back in your browser.
InfoTag Magic[Credit to Shannon]
Well, it's not a neccessity, but a fairly nifty program for people who like their mp3s. Basically, it displays ID3 info for MP3, WMA and Ogg Vorbis files when you hover over them.
-----------------General Interest-----------------
Microsoft Software Forum Network. [Credit to Shannon]
I highly suggest you read the guides - you're guaranteed to learn a thing or two. :tup:
I also suggest you take a look at their two offsite sites.
Creating an Unattented Windows XP/2003 CD
Windows Server 2003 to Workstation Guide
Don't forget to keep your anti-virus up to date and to have a good firewall running. I strongly suggest Mcafee paired up with ZoneAlarm. Norton takes up waaay too many system resources and Blackice is a bit complex for most people.
