Uninstall application can delete any trace of unwanted programs [08-31-09]

The subject of many Good Boot e-mails is "I remember you mentioned ...., would you refresh my memory". More often than not from a Good Booter who is considering becoming involved in a new computing activity and recalled I had mentioned a free or inexpensive application that might meet their needs.

With this mind I thought it would be appropriate to dedicate a Good Boot or two to not only recommending my favorite software programs but why I recommend them.

Please be aware my recommendations will be my personal favorites and not necessarily your only options.

My first recommendation and one I’ve mentioned in several Good Boots is a freeware utility for XP and Vista - Revo Uninstaller (www.revouninstaller.com). And the reason it’s my first recommendation is if you’re going to download and install an application I mention or for that matter any application, should you decide it’s not for you I want you to be able to do a complete, in depth uninstall.

Revo will access your Windows uninstall utility to perform a normal Windows uninstall. But once Windows has completed the uninstall Revo will assume command and with your permission remove any unnecessary files, folders and registry keys that often remain on your computer.

Although Revo’s most important feature is its after deletion housecleaning, it has among its many other features one that you shouldn’t be without.

Many times an application will without your permission install an additional application. Or perhaps you discover by chance an application with which you’re not familiar or one you installed but have forgotten why you did so.

By right clicking on an application Revo offers a menu of options that includes a Google search for the home page of that particular application and\or its vendor as well as a quick link to the application’s "About" and/or "Help" file.

Revo also has an Auto Run Manager utility that in addition to allowing you to turn off a Start Up application by simply clicking on a checkbox offers information about the Start Up program. Far more information than does the Window "msconfig" utility. By right clicking an a Start Up application you can Google directly to the Web site of the Start Up application and/or its vendor.

Although Revo will clean up remnants of deleted applications and offers an expeditious way to obtain information about applications, please continue to create a Restore Point before installing or uninstalling an application.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.