System Explorer and System Security Guard – A Review

Depending on which version of Windows Task Manager you use, you may find that it provides you with usable information – or not. Windows Task Manager is most commonly used to display information on all processes running on your computer, as well as advising you of the CPU and memory usage stats for a given process. Additional selective information on running applications, performance, local area connection and information on users, is also available.

But, back to running processes for a moment. What if you need additional information on a running process – or, processes? How, for example, would you determine which processes are safe if you rely on Windows Task Manager?

Running Windows Task Manager in Windows 8 (a major improvement over previous versions), as I’ve done for the following example, is not particularly useful since the only option is a raw online search. Which, in a real sense, is a hit and miss affair. Give it a try with your version of Windows Task Manager – you might be surprised to see just how cumbersome it is.

Instead, taking advantage of one of the built-in features in the freeware application, System Explorer, is a much more appropriate solution. In the following example, the selected process can easily be checked at VirusTotal, and at VirusScan, directly from within System Explorer.

It’s unlikely however, that you’ll have to take this extra step – since System Explorer has been designed to automatically rate, and provide details on processes that are listed in the developer’s extensive database.

Further information can be obtained by clicking on the “See More Details” link which will open the database reference at the developer’s site, as shown below.

System Explorer is not a one-trick pony since it has the capacity to provide detailed information on Tasks, Processes, Modules, Startups, IE Add-ons, Uninstallers, Windows, Services, Drivers, Connections and Opened Files. For this review I’ve focused on the security aspect and next up is System Explorer’s “Security Scan” which is easily launched from the GUI.

As you can see in the following screen capture – running processes are checked online against the developer’s extensive database.

The following screen capture shows a small portion of the 808 processes compared against the developer’s database.

Additional information on any specific process can easily be obtained by clicking on the “Details” link, as illustrated below.

One aspect of this application which I found intriguing is the “History” function. Running this function allows the user to view and develop information on currently running processes as well as those process running earlier but which are no longer running.

System requirements: Windows XP, Vista, Win 7.

Download at: System Explorer Net

Note: also available in a portable version that is just right for geeks on the go.

System Security Guard

System Security Guard, in a broad sense, is very much like the “Security Scan” built into System Explorer. System Security Guard however, as a stand alone small security utility, is designed to run at system startup and automatically scan running processes. As well, all new processes, as they are launched, are scanned.

The results of the initial run with System Security Guard shown below.

For this review I set the application to run at startup, and the following graphic represents the results following a week or so of automatic running. You’ll note that the application has identified 4 “Threat Files” – which, in reality, is the same file which has been flagged 4 times (each time the application was launched).

The application (CurrPorts), was flagged for good reason since it behaves in a way similar to that of a remote access Trojan. That is – it connects to the Internet in a peculiar way.

For illustrative purposes only, I ran the file against the developer’s database. However, since I use this application frequently throughout the day, I’m aware that this is a safe program.

System requirements: Windows XP, Vista and Win 7.

Download at: the developer’s site.

A big “Thank You” to regular reader Charlie L. for referring me to these applications.

Changing Security Apps? – Use Free AppRemover To Get Rid Of The Old

One of the most common complaints I hear from readers, concerns the mess they have to deal with after an attempt at removing an existing security application with a product more suited to their needs. You might be surprised how often I hear this (usually in a private email address to the Blog’s contact email address).

Users are often astonished to find, that removing a security application through the Windows Add/Remove applet can be a sheer waste of time. Worse, some security application’s native uninstaller will not adequately remove various and sundry registry entries, coupled with hidden files, making it all but impossible to install the user’s new application of choice – due to conflicts with these same registry entries and hidden files.

While it’s true that selective companies do offer a unique uninstaller to remove their applications, there has to be a better way; and there is.

AppRemover, last updated January 19, 2011, is  a powerful free anti-malware, antivirus application remover, which supports the removal of virtually all of the most popular antivirus and antispyware applications. *

Since the application is a stand-alone application, running from a USB drive is a breeze.

The interface couldn’t be any easier to understand, as the following screen captures illustrate.

In this screen capture, you’ll notice that WinPatrol jumped right in to alert me that AppRemover’s deletion process will affect my boot settings. This is legitimate, since AppRemover requires a re-boot to complete the removal process. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of this. This is just one illustration of why it’s important to install WinPatrol on your system.

Quick Facts:

Use AppRemover:

When replacing one security application with another

When competing security applications tie up your computer

When the application’s built-in uninstall process fails

When you have forgotten the application password

AppRemover supports a thorough un-installation of hundreds of antivirus and antispyware applications. This constantly growing list is updated monthly.

Uninstalls the following application types:

Security Suites

Antiphishing

Antispyware

Antivirus

Hard Disk Encryption

Personal Firewalls

* AppRemover fully supports the thorough uninstallation of hundreds of antivirus and antispyware applications. To view the AppRemover supported applications list – go here.

This is a great little tool, which gets a real workout around here removing test security applications. I’ve also added it to my “emergency tool kit”, on a USB drive. If you are tech inclined, and even if you’re not, I recommend that you do too.

System Requirements: Windows 2003, Windows Vista (32/64 bit), Windows Server 2008, Windows 2000, Windows XP Windows XP (32/64 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit)

Download at: AppRemover.com

Note: AppRemover is free for personal, non-commercial, use only.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Free AppRemover 2.2 – Removes Stubborn Security Applications

One of the most common complaints I hear from readers, concerns the mess they have to deal with after removing an existing security application with a product perhaps more suited to their needs. You might be surprised how often I hear this (usually in a private email address to the Blog’s contact email address).

Users are often astonished to find, that removing a security application through the Windows Add/Remove applet can be a sheer waste of time. Worse, some security application’s own uninstaller will not adequately remove various and sundry registry entries, coupled with hidden files, making it all but impossible to install the user’s new application of choice – due to conflicts with these same registry entries and hidden files.

While it’s true that selective companies do offer a unique uninstaller to remove their applications, there has to be a better way; and there is.

AppRemover, last updated July 9, 2010, is  a powerful free anti-malware, antivirus application remover, which supports the removal of virtually all of the most popular antivirus and antispyware applications.

Since the application is a stand-alone application, running from a USB drive is a breeze.

The interface couldn’t be any easier to understand, as the following screen captures illustrate.

In this screen capture you’ll notice that one of my antimalware applications, ThreatFire, jumped right in to alert me that AppRemover was going to affect my boot settings. This is legitimate, since AppRemover requires a re-boot to complete the removal process.

Quick Facts:

Use AppRemover:

When replacing one security application with another

When competing security applications tie up your computer

When the application’s built-in uninstall process fails

When you have forgotten the application password

AppRemover supports a thorough un-installation of hundreds of antivirus and antispyware applications. This constantly growing list is updated monthly.

Uninstalls the following application types:

Security Suites

Antiphishing

Antispyware

Antivirus

Hard Disk Encryption

Personal Firewalls

This is a great little tool, which gets a real workout around here removing test security applications. I’ve also added it to my “emergency tool kit”, on a USB drive. If you are tech inclined, and even if you’re not, I recommend that you do too.

System Requirements: Windows 2003, Windows Vista (32/64 bit), Windows Server 2008, Windows 2000, Windows XP Windows XP (32/64 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit)

Download at: Download.com

Note: AppRemover is free for personal, non-commercial, use only.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Delete Stubborn Security Applications With Free AppRemover

The latest release, January 9, 2010, of this excellent free application, prompts the following re-post. If you’ve ever struggled with trying to delete an existing security application, before installing a substitute security application, you will find AppRemover invaluable.

Earlier this year, a question from a regular reader of this site, started me thinking about the issues faced by typical computer users when they need to, or want to, remove existing security applications which they are replacing with a product perhaps more suited to their needs.

In some cases, removing the application through the Windows Add/Remove applet is a sheer waste of time. Worse, some security application’s own uninstaller will not adequately remove various and sundry registry entries, coupled with hidden files, making it all but impossible to install the user’s new application of choice – due to conflicts with these same registry entries and hidden files.

For example, I recently installed Norton 360 for testing purposes. After the test period, I had extreme difficulty in removing this program, despite the fact I had used my favorite freeware uninstaller utility, Revo Uninstaller.

Now, I’m not picking on Norton, they offer outstanding products; but, I’ve certainly dealt with applications that are far easier to remove.

While it’s true that selective companies do offer a unique uninstaller to remove their applications, including Norton, in my view, there has to be a better way; and there is.

AppRemover a powerful free anti-malware, antivirus application remover which supports the removal of virtually all of the most popular antivirus and antispyware applications.

Since the application is a stand-alone application, running from a USB drive is a breeze.

The interface couldn’t be any easier to understand; as the following graphics illustrate.

Quick Facts:

Use AppRemover:

When replacing one security application with another

When competing security applications tie up your computer

When the application’s built-in uninstall process fails

When you have forgotten the application password

AppRemover supports a thorough un-installation of hundreds of antivirus and antispyware applications

Uninstalls the following application types:

Antivirus

Antispyware

Firewall

This is a great little tool, and I’ve added it to my “emergency tool kit”, on a USB drive. If you are tech inclined, and even if you’re not, I recommend that you do too.

System Requirements: Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 7

Download at: Download.com

Note: AppRemover is free for personal, non-commercial, use only.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

AppRemover 2.1 – Remove Security Applications Easily

Earlier this year, a question from a regular reader of this site, started me thinking about the issues faced by typical computer users when they need to, or want to, remove existing security applications which they are replacing with a product perhaps more suited to their needs.

In some cases, removing the application through the Windows Add/Remove applet is a sheer waste of time. Worse, some security application’s own uninstaller will not adequately remove various and sundry registry entries, coupled with hidden files, making it all but impossible to install the user’s new application of choice – due to conflicts with these same registry entries and hidden files.

For example, I recently installed Norton 360 for testing purposes. After the test period, I had extreme difficulty in removing this program, despite the fact I had used my favorite freeware uninstaller utility, Revo Uninstaller.

Now, I’m not picking on Norton, they offer outstanding products; but, I’ve certainly dealt with applications that are far easier to remove.

While it’s true that selective companies do offer a unique uninstaller to remove their applications, including Norton, in my view, there has to be a better way; and there is.

AppRemover a powerful free anti-malware, antivirus application remover which supports the removal of virtually all of the most popular antivirus and antispyware applications.

Since the application is a stand-alone application, running from a USB drive is a breeze.

The interface couldn’t be any easier to understand, as the following graphics illustrate.

Quick Facts:

Use AppRemover:

When replacing one security application with another

When competing security applications tie up your computer

When the application’s built-in uninstall process fails

When you have forgotten the application password

AppRemover supports a thorough un-installation of hundreds of antivirus and antispyware applications

Uninstalls the following application types:

Antivirus

Antispyware

Firewall

This is a great little tool, and I’ve added it to my “emergency tool kit”, on a USB drive. If you are tech inclined, and even if you’re not, I recommend that you do too. The latest release September 16, 2009, added improvements for manual un-installation.

System Requirements: Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 7

Download at: Download.com

Note: AppRemover is free for personal, non-commercial, use only.

If you enjoyed this article, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Revo Freeware Uninstaller Removes Unwanted Applications Installed On Your Computer.

With its advanced and fast algorithm, Revo Uninstaller scans before, and after, you uninstall an application. After the program’s regular uninstaller runs, you can remove additional unnecessary files, folders and registry keys that are usually left over on your computer. This feature is a definite plus.

Even if you have a broken installation, Revo Uninstaller scans for the application’s data on your hard drive and in the Windows registry, and shows all found files, folders and registry items so that they can be deleted.

With its unique “Hunter mode”, Revo Uninstaller offers you some simple, easy to use, but effective and powerful approaches to manage applications (uninstall, stop, delete, disable from auto starting) and to get information about installed and/or running applications.

Revo Uninstaller includes another 8 handy and powerful tools to clean your system.

Tools and utilities that are included:

Auto Start Manager – stop programs that start automatically when Windows starts.

Windows Tools Manager – handy and useful tools bundled with every version of Windows.

Junk Files Cleaner – find and remove unnecessary files from your computer.

Browsers History Cleaner – erase the web site history, visited pages history and temporary Internet files of Firefox, Internet Explorer, Netscape and Opera web browsers.

Office History Cleaner – remove the history of most recently used files in MS Office.

Windows history cleaner – remove the history of recently opened files, delete temporary files, remove usage tracks and other history items that are saved by Windows.

Unrecoverable Delete Tool – erase files and folders forever.

Evidence remover – make sure already deleted files, folders and other data are unrecoverable.

This application has become the “swiss army knife” on my systems.

Highly recommended 10/10

Download: www.revouninstaller.com/