Spring cleaning for your computer (part 2)
I outlined a five-part computer cleaning process in my post Spring cleaning for your computer. I only covered cleaning the physical machine there. This post will cover part 2: Uninstall applications or stop unneeded ones from auto loading at boot time.
Uninstalling applications
If you are like me you install lots of applications. If you are more typical you rarely install applications. However, there are probably applications on your system you never use. Why not reclaim the hard drive space and reduce menu clutter as well.
If your computer is used by more than one person it is a good idea to check with the other users before uninstalling applications. You might not use AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) but your teenager may.
Windows Uninstalls
Uninstalling on a Windows PC can take two different routes. The most common way to uninstall an application is to go to the Control Panel. If you are in Control Panel’s default Category View select:
- XP – “Add or Remove Programs”
- Vista – “Programs > Uninstall a program”
If you are in Control Panel’s Classic View select:
- XP – “Add or Remove Programs”
- Vista – “Programs and Features”
Then select the program(s) to uninstall.
Some older programs place their uninstall links in their Start menu > All Programs directory. So you need to peruse the program’s menu directory and see if there is an “uninstall” link.
Mac Uninstalls
Uninstalling on a Mac can also take two different routes. The simplest way to uninstall is to navigate to the Applications folder in a Finder window and drag the unused application to the Trash icon on the Dock.
Some Mac programs have uninstall links in the original installation file DMG (Disk Image file). In this case, you need to reopen the DMG and click on the uninstall link. These programs have installed more than a simple program application file and need to clean up after themselves.
Auto loading programs
Windows and Mac computers auto load many processes and services at boot time that are hidden from view. These programs consume CPU and memory resources. Most of them are necessary to the proper running of your computer. Some are optional.
Windows Auto Loads
Type “Windows key 
+ R” to open a Run dialog. Type msconfig and click the OK button. The System Configuration dialog should open. Click on the Startup tab.
Each line contains a program that runs at login. Be careful. Unchecking items that you don’t know what they are for may disable something you want or need running. If you don’t recognize the item then Google it to find out more. If you still don’t know what it is, I suggest you leave it alone.
Click the OK button once you are done. You will be greeted by restart dialog.
The next time you reboot you will get a second dialog telling you have changed the Windows startup. If you don’t want to see this dialog every time you start Windows, check the box that I have highlighted here and click the OK button.
Start Windows Defender, click on Tools and select Software Explorer in the resulting screen. You will be presented with a more informative dialog than msconfig’s.
Mac Auto Loads
Start System Preferences to find auto loading programs in Leopard or Tiger. Click on Accounts and then select the Login Items tab. Select the program and then click on the minus “-“ button to remove from the auto load group. Again, if you don’t know what the item is, Google it. If you still don’t know what it is, leave it alone.
