PC Veteran Desires for Tune-up / Virus Removal / Diagnostic software

[nate_d099]

I'm reposting this because it was recommended to me that I would get more traffic in this forum for the idea.


Hello all!
I've been using this site for years, yet have never made an account due to the fact I've been selfish and only wanted questions answered rather than giving back. I've been a PC, tablet, phone, network, printer, you-name-it etc. tech for the past few years and I've slowly built up a process to get a computer right where I want it.

I'd like to give back now. I'm working on developing a free program, that will be free, to provide to fellow tech's, vet's and noobs alike. I started by making batch files with excessive commands and such to automate some of the virus removal procedures for my employees back in the day but now I've been revamping everything for the past few months into a neat new GUI with added toys.

So my question to you tech's out there is: What features would you desire in said software? What do you do on almost every computer (or enough machines you see in a day) that you would like to remove the monotony from? This can include virus removal techniques (anything in this category is not going to be done for at least a year), tune-up techniques, driver assistance etc. Or even weird customization questions you hear often enough from a client to want assistance performing.
I came up with a lot of idea's that I've put about 60 hours into so far. But two heads are better than one and a forum makes a hydra.

 

[stdragon]

Most virus removal options requires the installation of the full suite. A few vendors out there (like VIPRE) will offer a stand-alone executable that contains the cleaner and definition. It's like the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT).

Because these tools get updated daily, rather than include them, perhaps it's best to list a bunch of referencing web links on where to download the latest.

As for common tasks? CCleaner does a good job, but the core elements such as purging local profile temp files, Windows temp files, and all web browser cache from all the major browsers in a single executable would be a nice start.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

All I use is Comodo Internet Security & CCleaner - - - have been using those two for at least a decade - - never felt the need for anything else.

 

[nate_d099]

All I use is Comodo Internet Security & CCleaner - - - have been using those two for at least a decade - - never felt the need for anything else.

Ok. Well I can make it automatically populate tools for you but I'd rather get down to the specifics of certain tasks you'd like to be completed automatically. Maybe this is a question more for PC techs, but when I first started I had a list of what needed to be done for each tune-up I performed. (sometimes after virus removals). This may be tasks you'd like performed for personal use or for assistance in cleaning/repairing family/friends computers as well. Is there anything specific about those tools that you like?
pstscrpt: I am planning on including some of the best aspects that CCleaner performs in the tune-up section of my software which is in progress already

 

[nate_d099]

Most virus removal options requires the installation of the full suite. A few vendors out there (like VIPRE) will offer a stand-alone executable that contains the cleaner and definition. It's like the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT).

Because these tools get updated daily, rather than include them, perhaps it's best to list a bunch of referencing web links on where to download the latest.

As for common tasks? CCleaner does a good job, but the core elements such as purging local profile temp files, Windows temp files, and all web browser cache from all the major browsers in a single executable would be a nice start.

During my last job in PC repair I made a batch file to perform tasks similar to what you describe. Automatically directing to update links, running virus removal software, etc. This tool is meant to be of it's own rather than running other tools. Common tune-up procedures and dire Windows fixes will be the primary points and malware removal will have to start from the botom up. I do plan on implementing what you've recommended on temp files and that is already in progress for the tune-up section.

 

[Saga Lout]

MERGED QUESTION
Question from nate_d099 : "PC Veteran Desires for Tune-up / Virus Removal / Diagnostic software"

Hello all!
I've been using this site for years, yet have never made an account due to the fact I've been selfish and only wanted questions answered rather than giving back. I've been a PC, tablet, phone, network, printer, you-name-it etc. tech for the past few years and I've slowly built up a process to get a computer right where I want it.

I'd like to give back now. I'm working on developing a free program, that will be free, to provide to fellow tech's, vet's and noobs alike. I started by making batch files with excessive commands and such to automate some of the virus removal procedures for my employees back in the day but now I've been revamping everything for the past few months into a neat new GUI with added toys.

So my question to you tech's out there is: What features would you desire in said software? What do you do on almost every computer (or enough machines you see in a day) that you would like to remove the monotony from? This can include virus removal techniques (anything in this category is not going to be done for at least a year), tune-up techniques, driver assistance etc. Or even weird customization questions you hear often enough from a client to want assistance performing.
I came up with a lot of idea's that I've put about 60 hours into so far. But two heads are better than one and a forum makes a hydra.

For Windows 10, run Spybot Anti-Beacon after every Windows Update to ensure the user's chosen Privacy settings haven't been overarched by the update.

A daily scan of a quality AV plus a monthly run of MalwareBytes, after checking for the latest version. Run CCleaner monthly and Windows CleanMgr, run as Adminstrator.

Just my £0.02 but you did ask.

For Windows 10, run Spybot Anti-Beacon after every Windows Update to ensure the user's chosen Privacy settings haven't been overarched by the update.

A daily scan of a quality AV plus a monthly run of MalwareBytes, after checking for the latest version. Run CCleaner monthly and Windows CleanMgr, run as Adminstrator.

Just my £0.02 but you did ask.

The Anti-Beacon is a great idea. I'd like it to be an all-in-one tool (rather than open external tools). Considering my limited resources I'd like this to be something that you can run once a month, or when desired depending on the task. Like an amped malwarebytes. I intend of having some aspects of CCleaner as well. Administrative privileges was my first thought and I already have that set up. It will ask you to let it do such when it starts, then it restarts itself as an admin. Other than that it does little more than some basic cleanup, deleting prefetch, ensuring windows updates are installed correctly without corruption (checking the windows image), sfc scan of course and chkdsk as well as some other thing's I've picked up.

One more thing I've noticed. CleanMgr doesn't always get to empty the folder c:\windows\software distribution>download.

Best of luck with your project. Drop me a PM if you want a Beta tester.

You're more likely to get more and better responses in the Windows sub-Forum over at Tom's Hardware.

I appreciate the offer. I'll keep in touch with you on it. In the meantime, I'm taking your suggestion to repost this in the sub-forum

No need to repost it, its already on toms. TG & toms hardware mirror posts on certain topics, it also seems this thread has been moved around a few times as I saw this in the Windows 10 forum earlier, someone moved it here since

It exists in both places in a mirror action. That is to say, it is at this time 13:19 GMT+1.

 

[nate_d099]

In case any of you are interested I'm putting the beta out now. Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Better if you just request potential beta testers to PM you for the link, rather than post it blindly.

Wolfshadw
Moderator

 

[nate_d099]

Very true. I don't think I have the link posted, so any who want to try it out go ahead and follow Wolfshadow's advice. PM