Pointers to Remove Unwanted Programs from Windows

pointers to remove unwanted programs from windows

how to remove unwanted programs

 

Removing unwanted programs and software in Windows can be more complicated than expected. According to this article, you can speed up Windows by stripping it down. Disabling a program is not the same thing as uninstalling it completely (however, disabling something that you do not need presently but may need again, is one option).

A few ways to disable or remove software in Windows:

Disabling

This leaves the program installed on your hard disk, but causes it not to load when the system starts up. This can recover resources the program would normally require while leaving the program ultimately available. To configure which programs start up with Windows, you can either remove the icon for the program from the Startup folder, or from the start menu, type msconfig. Msconfig lets the user selectively disable which programs start automatically.

Removing shortcuts from the desktop does not remove the program

It may clean up your desktop, but it has no practical impact on the program itself other than making it more difficult to access. Similarly, removing an icon from any menu except the Startup folder will have no practical effect except to make it more difficult to access your program later on.

The Control Panel has a tool to remove many programs

Under Programs and Features, a user can remove many previously installed programs. Access to this function may depend on permissions if you are running a Professional version of Windows. This function may also depend on the existence of uninstaller files which came with your application. These uninstallers should not be manually deleted unless instructed.

In the early days of Windows, programs tended to be contained in a single folder or sub-folder

For example, all of the program items associated with Microsoft Word might be contained in “C:\ProgramFiles\Microsoft\Office\Word” or equivalent. Today that is no longer the case. Programs set themselves to start with Windows, go online for updates, and edit the registry. Deleting a folder which contains a program is not necessarily the same thing as a ‘clean uninstall’ and is considered an advanced concept.

On the subject of the registry and advanced concepts, any uninstall procedure which includes manually editing the registry is to be viewed with extreme trepidation

Editing the Windows registry is an expert concept. Remember the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey with the astronaut unplugging the computer’s brain one circuit at a time? That’s the Windows registry. The wrong adjustment to the registry can render your computer unbootable.

For more information on installation and removal of software, please contact us.

4 Tips for Choosing an IT Managed Service Provider

4 tips for choosing an it managed service provider
DARPA_Big_Data

It’s clear that security breaches are an issue for large corporations and organizations. However, DID YOU KNOW they are also a major issue for small businesses? If you’re like most business owners and managers, you want to choose the right IT solution for your business model.

Like this article notes, a managed service provider (MSP) delivers network, application, system and e-management services across a network to multiple enterprises, using a “pay as you go” pricing model. Without being an IT expert, you’re likely unsure how to go about it. Below is a list of what to look for in an IT Managed Service Provider.

What to Look For

1) Professionalism – The onboarding process proves the level of professionalism. Your IT provider should offer you a designated team member that will always be your first point of contact in every situation. Even still, in some situations you or your staff might just want to speak with the helpdesk. It’s important to note that good IT teams clearly define their helpdesk policies in writing.

You also want your potential IT team to provide a seamless service transition, with a clear outline of the information they need from you or from your previous IT services provider.

2) Coverage – Many issues between IT providers and the companies they serve occur could be avoided if managers and business owners understood exactly what their service contract covers. The best way to guarantee this is to understand exactly what your potential IT team covers up front. Ask for a Service Line Up and a Device Inventory. These documents outline exactly how your potential IT team will handle service delivery in the different technology areas of your business.

3) Mobile Security – Mobile security should be made an absolute priority. Yes, network security is typically the primary issue for most companies. However, more and more, employees are using mobile devices for both personal and business use. Even simple tasks like accessing the company network, emailing & texting clients or transporting files can put company data at risk. Your potential outsourced IT support team should help you design a mobile security plan that includes:

  • Provision of or help with planning compliance training
  • Help with choosing a BYOD or COPE device policy
  • Device security, backup and recovery protocol implementation

4) Disaster Recovery – There is no question that every company needs a good backup and recovery plan. Make sure that your potential IT company provides you with a backup and recovery plan in writing, and that it covers your office’s hardware, peripherals and mobile devices.

We believe that it’s important that you and your staff understand everything we have to offer, before signing our agreement. Having it in writing gives you proof while clarity and understanding give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your business.

Contact us today!