Updating Your Desktop Programs

HTG Explains: Do You Need to Worry About Updating Your Desktop Programs?

There was a time when we had to worry about manually updating desktop applications. Adobe Flash and Reader were full of security holes and didn’t update themselves, for example — but those days are largely behind us.

The Windows desktop is the only big software platform that doesn’t automatically update applications, forcing every developer to code their own updater. This isn’t ideal, but developers have now largely stepped up to the plate.

The Important Stuff is Updated Automatically

The most important updates you need to worry about are security updates for particularly vulnerable applications. These include your web browser and browser plug-ins — Flash, Adobe Reader, Java, and so on.

In the past, you had to worry about these. Flash didn’t update itself, nor did Adobe Reader. Browser updates weren’t as automatic, requiring manual intervention to install a new version of Firefox or Internet Explorer. It paid to keep an eye on updates and install them promptly — Flash and Reader weren’t going to update themselves, after all.

Updates are now more seamless. Chrome updates itself in the background, so you don’t have to worry about having the latest version. Firefox followed in Chrome’s lead and updates itself in the background, too. Even Internet Explorer updates itself separately from Windows Update, ensuring users have the latest version.

Adobe Flash checks for updates automatically and alerts you to them, allowing you to install them. If you use Chrome, Chrome handles Flash updates automatically. Adobe Reader also updates itself automatically.

Java is the worst — it only checks for updates once per month by default and has you download an updater that contains junk software like the Ask Toolbar. However, even Java can be set to check for updates more regularly — this is essential if you need to have Java installed. If you don’t need to have Java installed, you should uninstall it now.

Of course, Windows is also capable of automatically updating itself via Windows Update. This process is much more seamless than it was back in the days when users were forced to manually visit the Windows Update website in Internet Explorer to check for and download updates.

Most Applications Have Built-in Updaters

The majority of applications you use have built-in features that check for updates. Whether it’s a virtual machine program like VirtualBox or VMware, a chat program like Skype or Pidgin, or a frequently updated system utility like CCleaner, they’ll check for updates and let you know when there’s a new version. iTunes, Safari, and other Apple programs are updated through Apple Update on Windows.

Most games now automatically update themselves, too, especially if they’re purchased through an online storefront like Steam or Origin. You don’t need to hunt down patches on websites unless you’re installing an old game from a disc you have lying around.

Software Without Built-in Updaters

So where does that leave us — which applications don’t automatically update themselves?

• Hardware Drivers: The hardware drivers your manufacturer provides don’t automatically check for new versions. This is good — you shouldn’t be updating your drivers regularly. The big exception is that gamers should update their graphics drivers — but NVIDIA and AMD include updaters that handle this.
• Older Software: If you still depend on an application that you purchased on a disc a decade ago, it probably doesn’t have a built-in updater. You may have to manually hunt down patches for old games and other software that you install from a disc. However, such outdated applications won’t be getting regular updates, anyway.
• Miscellaneous Utilities: There’s a good chance you have some utilities installed that don’t automatically check for updates. For example, the 7-Zip file archiver and WinDirStat disk usage statistics viewer don’t check for updates. But, let’s be honest — you don’t really need the latest version of 7-Zip or WinDirStat. They aren’t updated frequently, new versions won’t introduce exciting new features, and it’s doubtful there will be any security vulnerabilities you’ll need to worry about. The same goes for most other applications you have installed that don’t automatically update themselves.

App Update Checkers Aren’t That Great

Knowing that some applications don’t automatically update themselves and being aware that manual updates for everything from Flash and Adobe Reader to Windows itself were once necessary, you may be tempted to use an application that checks for updates for your installed applications and alerts you to them.

There are several software updater checkers you could use, such as Secunia PSI, which is focused on ensuring you have up-to-date applications with no security holes.

It would be great if there was one application that handled updates for all your installed applications on Windows. You wouldn’t have to worry about being out-of-date or using twenty different updaters. However, these third-party utilities will never be that one tool. They’ll never handle all of your installed applications. They aren’t necessary for your most important applications — your browser, plug-ins, and other software that’s updated on a frequent basis will update itself.

These tools could theoretically be useful for handing updates for lesser-known utilities and ancient games that need patches after you install them, but they generally don’t handle that sort of thing. Secunia PSI can be useful as a way of quickly seeing if a computer has up-to-date versions of its browser and plug-ins installed, but it’s not something you need to update your desktop programs.

We’d love a centralized updating solution for Windows, but no third-party can deliver it — Microsoft would have to deliver it themselves. There’s no practical reason to use such a tool or regularly check websites for updates. Just ensure your applications are set to automatically update themselves — they should be by default — and don’t worry about it.

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Of course, everyone uses different software. It’s possible you use an application that does need regular, manual updates. You’re stuck updating it on your own in that case — it’s unlikely a third-party updating tool would help.

touchfreeze - disable touchpad while typing

Annoyed when you are typing a document and accidentally the palm of your hand brushes the touchpad, changing the position of the cursor in your document or accidentally clicking on an option. TouchFreeze is simple utility for Windows to solve this problem. It automatically disables touchpad while you are typing text.

Download latest Windows binaries from downloads section.

touchfreeze - Utility for Windows to disable touchpad automatically while you are typing text - Google Project Hosting

Free WiFi HotSpot Creator

WiFi HotSpot Creator: Turn Windows PC or Laptop into a WiFi Hotspot

From laptops, cell phone, tablet to TV’s and recently camera too, every device is Wi-Fi certified. This 802.11 technology has made our life simple by providing internet on every device. WiFi routers have become among the basic needs of the house-hold. What if you don’t have a router and still have WiFi devices?

There is no need to buy any separate hardware for it, your WiFi certified PC or Laptop can act as a WiFi router. With the announcement of Windows 8, I was expecting Microsoft to integrate this functionality as a one-click native feature in the new operating system. Even though, this didn’t happen, there are a few third-party applications which have made it possible.

Turn Windows PC into a WiFi hotspot

Here’s how to turn your PC or Laptop into a WiFi hotspot.

WiFi HotSpot Creator is an easy to use and simple application for Windows that will turn your PC with a wireless card or Laptop into a WiFi hotspot. This application works on the same technology used in the WiFi routers and uses your DSL, Cable, Mobile Broadband Card, Dial-Up, etc any of these connections to create a hotspot and that too without any need of extra hardware.

Step One: Download, Install and Run WiFi HotSpot Creator

Step Two: Under WiFi Name, type a name for your network. (WiFi network will appear on your devices with this name)

Step Three: Type a password to ensure security.

Step Four: Select the network card that your PC or Laptop is using.

Step Five: Select the maximum number of users that will connect to the WiFi.

Step Six: Click the Start button.

Step Seven: That’s it. Your PC or Laptop has started working as a WiFi hotspot. Use your devices to discover the network.

WiFi HotSpot Creator software download

Even though, there are many such applications, WiFi HotSpot Creator is very easy to use solution and works on the one-click action principle.

It works on any Windows PC or Laptop (including Windows 8) – the only basic requirement is a Wireless Network Card and .NET Framework 4 installed. If you have it, you are good to go!

Also see Enable Internet Connection Sharing & Create a Wi-Fi hotspot in Windows 8 natively.

UPDATE: Make sure you opt out of additional freeware, if you don’t want them installed.

Click on the Skip all free offers button to do so.

Assumptions You Make About Your Slow PC (and Why They're Probably Wrong)

The Assumptions You Make About Your Slow PC (and Why They’re Probably Wrong)

Whitson Gordon

Computers are supposed to make our lives easier, yet sometimes it feels like they exist only to cause us endless amounts of frustration. Popular advice for slow computers includes antivirus, RAM upgrades, or even reinstalling Windows from scratch, but these make a lot of assumptions about what’s wrong with your computer (that may not be true). Here’s how you actually get your PC running fast again.

Assumption #1: You Need to Load Up On Expensive Antivirus to Keep Your Computer Fast

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When a computer starts to feel a little sluggish—particularly if it’s getting a lot of popups—many people jump directly to the conclusion that they must have a virus or other malware. Usually, this means buying antivirus software, sometimes even a second piece of antivirus software to make sure you’re “doubly protected.” However, malware protection is a lot simpler than most people make it out to be.

Why It’s Wrong: First of all, let’s talk about what it takes to get infected. Start by learning a bit more about viruses and what they do—we recommend reading our guides to malware, virus myths, and false positives in antivirus apps. Your first line of defense should be safe browsing. If you’re downloading shady files, clicking on internet popups, or opening links from unknown email, you’ll greatly increase your chances of getting one. But if you’re even mildly responsible, it’s unlikely you’ll ever get an infection.

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Now let’s talk about antivirus. It’s not only important to have antivirus software installed, but it’s important to have the right kind. Check and see if you have a trusted, updated antivirus program running on your machine. If you do, and it says your computer is uninfected, then you’re probably safe. Next, find out what antivirus software you’re using. Some programs, like Norton or McAfee, are remarkably slow and bloated. In fact, they’re probably one of the reasons your computer is so slow. We recommend ditching other antivirus apps and using Microsoft Security Essentials. It’s free, lightweight, and will let you know if you download anything suspicious. (Note that Windows 8 users already have Windows Defender built-in, so they don’t even need to install anything). You should never have two antivirus apps running at once.

Exceptions: While a good, lightweight antivirus program will protect you from malware, it won’t protect you from the much more common crapware, which is another beast entirely. Crapware isn’t malicious by nature. Instead, it’s software that you don’t want but were probably tricked into installing, and it can slow down your computer. We’ll talk a bit more about this in the last section, but for now, take a look in the Control Panel under Add/Remove Programs—if you see programs you don’t recognize and aren’t from trusted developers like Microsoft, it’s probably something you don’t want on your machine.

Assumption #2: You Need a Bunch of Extra RAM and Hard Drive Space

Another common “fix” that people turn to is hardware upgrades, specifically easy ones like RAM and hard drives. Many people think that the more RAM and hard drive space you have, the faster your computer will be. Unless you have an older computer that is filled to the brim, however, upgrading won’t give you the boost you want.

Why It’s Wrong: Installing more RAM gives your computer greater multitasking abilities, particularly when running resource-intensive applications. Unless you’re using particularly RAM-hungry programs—like Photoshop, for example—you probably only need 2-4GB of RAM, which most modern computers should already have. Similarly, hard drive space is only a problem if your hard drive is filled up to the brim. If you still have 10% of your space free, you don’t need to upgrade.

Exceptions: Upgrading your RAM will help if you have 1GB or less in your system. If you multitask a lot, you’ll probably even notice a difference upgrading from 2GB to 4GB. You’re best off checking the resource monitor(or Activity Monitor on OS X)” to see how much you use on a regular basis. If your RAM usage isn’t running up against its limit, then you’re probably fine.

Also, RAM upgrades do benefit more resource-intensive work like image or video editing, so consider upgrading even further to 8GB. Just make sure you’re using a 64-bit operating system so you can actually make use of it.

When it comes to hard drives, remember we’re talking about space here—hard drive upgrades can, in fact, be beneficial if you upgrade to a faster hard drive like an SSD. In fact, it’s one of the best upgrades you can make to speed up a slow computer.

Assumption #3: Your Hardware Is Just “Wearing Out” Over Time

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Many people think that the components inside your computer get slower gradually over time, just due to wearing out. While your computer won’t last forever, the hardware should stay the same speed until it dies. It doesn’t get slower the more you use it.

Why It’s Wrong: The main reason your computer slows down over time—even if you don’t have a lot of apps—is that your software updates regularly, becomes more feature-filled, and needs more power to function. In theory, if you did a clean install and never updated any of your software, everything would run as fast in year four as it did on day one. But that’s not exactly a feasible—or secure—way to use your computer. Your hardware will wear out, but you won’t notice a gradual slowdown. Instead, it’ll just die a quick, painless death one day and stop working. In fact, this quick death is a good reminder that you should back up regularly.

Update: Many of you have pointed out that there is a big exception to this rule and that is hard drives. Hard drives can start to slow down as they reach the end of their life, but if this happens to you, that means your drive is at risk for corrupting important files (at best) or dying at any time (at worst)—a much more pressing issue. You can check your disk regularly for bad sectors by opening up a Command Prompt and running chkdsk c: /r. If it finds errors it can’t fix, back up your data and upgrade your drive, or you could run into much bigger problems. Thanks to everyone who cleared this up.

Exceptions: The other exceptions are small. Some old SSDs, for example, can slow down over time. The other parts in your computer, though, will not experience this phenomenon of gradual slowdown. Photo by Axonite.

Assumption #4: You Need to Regularly Reinstall Your OS

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While a clean installation of Windows or OS X can speed up your machine (not to mention help clear your mind), it isn’t something you have to do. Like we said before, your computer will slow down over time because of newer and more power-hungry software. If you find that a clean install speeds things up, though, it’s because you’re installing junk programs that slow down Windows or OS X more than necessary.

Why It’s Wrong: A clean installation runs faster because it no longer has all the apps, plugins, and other tweaks you’ve installed that can slow down your machine. When you do a clean install, those apps go away—until, of course, you build them back up again and start the vicious cycle once again. Instead of regularly reinstalling your OS, pay attention to what programs you use and try and keep them to a minimum. Pay particular close attention to Windows Explorer plugins, bloated antivirus apps, and other things that run in the background.

Exceptions: If you get a new computer that comes packaged with tons of crapware, doing a clean install can help (though so can uninstalling those programs). In addition, it’s also worth mentioning that if you like doing clean installs, we’re not saying you shouldn’t—it just isn’t something you have to do.

Assumption #5: You Need to Defrag/Clean the Registry/Tweak Prefetching/etc.

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You’ve probably heard of countless different tweaks disguised as “maintenance” that claim to speed up your machine. Rarely will these revive a truly bloated machine. These tweaks include, but aren’t limited to:

• Defragmenting: Windows Vista, 7, and 8 (and Mac OS X) automatically defrag your hard drives, so you shouldn’t have to do it manually. If you’re still on XP, however, you’re an exception—you’ll still have to defrag regularly.
• Cleaning Your Registry: When you uninstall programs, they’re more than likely to leave a few things behind in the Registry. It’s annoying, but it isn’t going to slow down your computer. Registry cleaners are unnecessary and a tad risky, so you’re better off leaving the Registry alone.
• Cleaning Windows Prefetching: Prefetch is a Windows feature that keeps track of what apps you run in order to start them faster. We don’t know where people got the idea that cleaning it out would somehow help, but it doesn’t. In fact, it’ll not only slow things down but could even cause problems.
• Disable System Restore (or Really, Any Other Windows Services: Windows may run some services you don’t need, but stopping them probably isn’t going to speed it up enough to make you happy. In fact, if anything, you run the risk of stopping something important and causing more problems.

In short: if it sounds like snake oil, it probably is.

So How Can You Fix a Slow Computer?

So we’ve spent a lot of time telling you what not to do, but your computer’s still slow and you want a solution. You can start by running a few diagnostics, but chances are, you just have too many apps running at once (especially poorly made ones). Here’s what we recommend you do:

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Stop Running So Many Apps at Once: Take a look at your system tray (or menu bar). If you have more than a few icons there, you have too many. If something is running that you didn’t start, take it out of your startup queue. If you don’t know what something is, find out if it’s something you really need. If it’s something you know you don’t want, then uninstall it completely.

Stop Installing Crappy Programs: Sometimes, a single app can bring your entire computer to a screeching halt. This includes programs that run unnecessary services in the background, hook themselves into the Windows Shell (like Windows Explorer plugins), or are just plain slow.

If you’re skeptical about an app, ask yourself: Does your computer run faster when you close that program? If so, then surprise: you should probably ditch it. “Crappy” doesn’t always mean “sketchy,” either. After all, we’d consider iTunes a pretty crappy app since it injects itself into every corner of your computer and slows it down a ton when you run it. If you can’t live without it, at least use a different player for listening and only open iTunes when you have to sync.

Stop Bloating Up the Programs You Have: The more work you heap onto an app, the slower it’s going to run. Your music player will be slower if you have a huge library, so clean out that music you don’t need. Your browser will struggle the more add-ons and plugins you install, so clean it out to speed it up. The less work you make your apps do, the faster they’ll run.

Perform Regular Maintenance: While there are a lot of maintenance myths out there, you do need to perform a little regular maintenance once in awhile. Most of it involves keeping your software updated, your programs list trim, and your temporary files emptied. Check out our guides to Windows and Mac maintenance for more info.

Of course, this all assumes you have a relatively new computer that can handle the work you need to do. If you’re trying to run the newest version of Photoshop on a 10 year old machine, no amount of responsibility will make it run fast—you’ll need a new computer (and you can repurpose that old one). But, barring really old hardware or other special circumstances, you should be able to take any computer and get it running fast again with a bit of care and common sense.

Title image illustrated by Dominick Rabrun. You can find his illustrations on his personal web site, or works in progress on his blog.

The Assumptions You Make About Your Slow PC (and Why They’re Probably Wrong)

Tabs for Windows Explorer

Lifehacker: Clover2 (h/t Future Lawyer)

Clover Brings Chrome-Style Tabs to Windows Explorer

Windows: Tab management in Chrome is great, and if you wish Windows Explorer had tabs that look and work like Google Chrome, Clover is the app for you.

Once installed, Windows Explorer will have tabs that work almost exactly like the ones in Chrome work. Cntrl+T opens a new tab, Ctrl+W closes it, even middle-clicking to close a tab works. There's even a new tab box to click for a fresh explorer tab—just like in Chrome. If you right-click on a tab, you even get the same contextual menu options, including the option to re-open a closed tab, duplicate an existing tab, or pin a tab to the back of the list.

Clover is completely free, and supports Windows XP and higher (including the Windows 8 RTM.) We tested the app in Windows 7 and it works great. The tabbed interface is snappy and fast, and the tabbed interface compliments the stock explorer UI. The developer's site is in Chinese, but he has an English page on his site (linked below.) To download the app, hit this Google Translate link for the front page and click "Download" (you may have to leave Google Translate to start the download.) update: Softpedia has a mirror of the app if you can't get to Ejie's site.

Clover 2 - Wings for Your Windows Explorer!