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Even new computers have too much junk on them. Many PC manufacturers include special software packages and trial offers that you’ll probably never need. The common term for this stuff is crapware ^[2]. As time goes on, your computer may also get slower because many different programs add themselves as startup programs. This means that every time you boot your PC, you’ll have to wait while lots of hidden programs automatically start.

In the past, I’ve used a program called PC Decrapifier ^[3] to get rid of crapware. I also use WinPatrol ^[4] to keep a close eye on the startup programs. A new program called SlimComputer now offers to do all of this and more.

On first run, you’ll be offered a chance to scan your computer for pre-installed software that you don’t want. All you have to do is to hit the big orange Run Scanbutton to get started.

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When it’s done scanning, you’ll get the chance to uninstall the programs that it believes are crapware. Be sure to un-check any apps you want to keep, then click the Removebutton to continue.

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After that, the Optimize section (button on left sidebar) allows you to view your startups and services. You’ll find that many of the items listed have a color rating that will tell you if the item is good to keep or needs to be removed.

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If you remove things from Startup, you can always restore them later by using the Restoresection, which can be accessed on the left sidebar. There’s not much danger to removing startup applications. However, the next tab, Services, is a little easier to deal with.

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There are only two choices when you are optimizing the Services. You can use Original Settingsor you can choose what they call SuperCharged.

Next, you can visit the Uninstaller page to remove programs from your PC. It’s not much different from the Add/Remove applet in your Windows Control Panel, except that they give you a colored rating on each app.

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Finally, there’s an interface called Windows Tools. There you’ll find most of the common tools that you can usually find in your Accessories System menu on the PC.

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^[11] Download SlimComputer ^[12]

Techie Buzz Verdict

SlimComputer offers nearly every utility you need to speed up a computer. The only thing missing is a registry cleaner and optimizer ^[13]. I might hesitate adopting this suite since it’s still a beta version, and there may still be hidden bugs. They might also decide to sell this application once it gets out of beta. It’s certainly better than most of the junk that’s offered on TV commercials ^[14].

Techie Buzz Rating: 3/5 Good