We all have our list of indispensible programs that we must have on our computers, I suspect. WinPatrol, a neat system utility that monitors system areas that malicious programs must attack and use, makes my list every time – just as it has for years.
The free version of this highly regarded application doesn’t stop there though. With WinPatrol, in your system tray, you can monitor your system, startup programs, services, cookies and current tasks. If anything changes, Scotty (the system tray Icon) will alert you. Taking it one step further; WinPatrol allows you to terminate processes and enable, or disable, startup programs.
WinPatrol’s user interface couldn’t be any simpler. New users should have no difficulty following this self explanatory layout.
Now BillP Studios (the developer), has released WinPatrolToGo; a stand-alone portable version of WinPatrol which is intended to be to run from a USB flash drive. WinPatrolToGo runs without leaving any left over files, or registry entries.
Download WinPatrolToGo directly to your USB Flash and you’re good to go! I know many of you are the “go to guy” when it comes to computer issues for family and friends, so having WinPatrolToGo in your toolbox will be a definite plus.
Fast facts:
Remove Un-Wanted Auto Start applications.
Disable Un-Needed Automatic Windows Services
Remove Annoying Toolbars and BHO’s
Create Reports that provide a snapshot of potential problems
Disable ActiveX Controls & MORE!
Compatible with Windows 95 – Windows 7 (including x64 systems).
There are a host of additional features that make WinPatrol a very powerful addition to your security toolbox.
Take a look at the following from the developer’s site:
Enhanced Keylogger Detection
The use of keyloggers for illegal purposes has exploded. A Schenectady man was recently jailed for up to three years for felony eavesdropping after putting a keylogger on his wife’s computer. I’ve heard too many stories of abuse made possible due to keyloggers so it’s time for it to stop. While WinPatrol PLUS had always detected keyloggers we’ve enhanced this feature and it’s now available to free users so everyone is protected.
Optimized Detection of New Services
As more and more programs move to the Windows Service model it become apparent that this may be a popular avenue of attack in the future. The routine used to monitor and detect new Window Services has been optimized to make this process transparent.
Decrease CPU Usage and Conflicts
Conflicts with some other registry intense programs may have resulted in abnormally high CPU usage on past versions. WinPatrol 14 includes some intelligent routines to allow complete protection without fighting over resources with other security suites and system level programs.
Default -expressboot option
WinPatrol now includes a -expressboot option which will be used when machines boot up for the first time. This new feature optimizes boot time and allows other applications to maximize their initialization routines.
Regular Registry Cleanup
Some registry cleaners have complained that we don’t clean up some data stored in the registry quickly enough. This version will remove information that is no longer needed and “First Detected” information on a regular basic when the file no longer exists.
I have been using this free gem for years, and it just gets better with every release!
System requirements: Windows 95 through to Windows 7 (including x64 systems).
Download at: BillP Studios
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