Questions Regarding Startup Items

[keezy235]

Hey everyone!
So I've recently gotten interested in computers, internet security, and the like! That being said, I'm trying to learn as much as possible about my computer and how to make it function as efficiently as possible. My computer is a HP Pavilion dv6 with an i7 processor. I just recently cleaned out the fan and applied new thermal paste as the temperatures on this DV6 are unreal (Seems to be a cooling design flaw as many have had this problem). So, today I realized that there's quite a few things running at startup and I was wondering if I could shrink the following list. I put some things that I have questions about regarding each startup item in parenthesis following the item.

Apple Push
CineForm Status (Manufacturer = Unknown. This scares me a little, should I worried about the smanufacturer being unkown?)
Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
Citrix ICA Client
cyberlink brs
Google Update
Google Update (why would I have two of these?)
HP Digital Imaging
HP Digital Imaging (again, why would I have two of these?)
HP Launch Box
HP On Screen Display
HP Quick Launch
HP QuickWeb
hpwuSchd Application
IAStorIcon
iCloud
iCloud Control Panel
iCloud for Windos
IDT PC Audio
Intel (R) Common User Interface
Intel (R) Common User Interface
Intel (R) Common User Interface (again, why do I have multiple of these?)
iTunes
Logitech Download Assistant
Logitech SetPoint
Logitech SetPoint
McAfee Agent
McAfee Security Scanner +
PowerDVD RC Service
QuickTime
Sendori
SUPERAntiSpyware
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver
VirusScan Enterprise
Windows (R) Win 7 DDK drive
Wondershare Helper Compact.exe (Manufacturer = Unknown)

Sorry for the long list but any help is appreciated. I also have some other questions I'd appreciate input on!

1) I had Youcam running in my processes but I've never used Youcam and never heard of it/don't remember ever installing it. I've never used my webcam so I was wondering why this process was occurring and if I should be worried.

2) What're your favorite noobie websites for learning computers, networking, computer maintenance, etc.

3) Almost everytime I run my SUPERAntiSpyware tests, I come up with "hits" if you will and then these things are deleted. Should I be worried?

I appreciate all the help in advance! Hopefully these questions aren't too noobish. Thanks all

 

[richc46]

Your most imporatant question was about the best site to learn about maintenance. I say its this site.
With posts like this:
http://www.sevenforums.com/performa...uggestions-proper-maintenance.html#post764471
And our great tutorials, you cannot go wrong.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/?filter[2]=Performance%20Maintenance
Regarding the hits, that particular software basically finds cookies, I would not be concerned. They are usually tracking cookies or adverting cookies.

 

[Ztruker]

I had a DV6. There was a class action suite against HP for a major design flaw in the video chipset cooling. Caused many, many to fail, including mine. I finally junked it and moved on which was a shame as it was a real nice laptop.

Doesn't help with any of your questions, but I thought it worth mentioning anyway.

 

[keezy235]

Your most imporatant question was about the best site to learn about maintenance. I say its this site.
With posts like this:
http://www.sevenforums.com/performa...uggestions-proper-maintenance.html#post764471
And our great tutorials, you cannot go wrong.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/?filter[2]=Performance%20Maintenance
Regarding the hits, that particular software basically finds cookies, I would not be concerned. They are usually tracking cookies or adverting cookies.

Appreciate the input, I'll definitely take a look at those two websites. Would you recommend any other than SuperAntiSpyware in conjunction with McAfee VirusScan enterprise? I just use McAfee since it's free from my school. Avira Free looks interesting based upon the following graph

I had a DV6. There was a class action suite against HP for a major design flaw in the video chipset cooling. Caused many, many to fail, including mine. I finally junked it and moved on which was a shame as it was a real nice laptop.

Doesn't help with any of your questions, but I thought it worth mentioning anyway.

Definitely worth mentioning! I wondered what was wrong as the fan sounded like a fighter jet during normal operation before I applied some new thermal paste and got a Cooler Master. Temps have been down quite a bit so hopefully this will help prevent this failure you speak of (assuming the problem was due to constantly overheating). Temps were up past 90C sometimes before the cooler and paste,now they are usually around 50-60C. Do they have recalls on laptops lol? I've never heard of one.

But anyway, I love this computer it's fast as hell for everything i do. Should I be worried about startup progrms I listed that have unknown manufacturers? Any input on the other startup programs is also appreciated!

Thanks all

 

[richc46]

Actually the best protection can be had for free. Avast or Panda and the free to run a once a week scan Malwarebytes. I use Avast and Panda. I use a little common sense and had a problem only once. When I had the problem, I used a back up image, with the Free Macrium Reflect and I was back in business.

 

[keezy235]

Actually the best protection can be had for free. Avast or Panda and the free to run a once a week scan Malwarebytes. I use Avast and Panda. I use a little common sense and had a problem only once. When I had the problem, I used a back up image, with the Free Macrium Reflect and I was back in business.

Rich, appreciate the input.

Is there any reasoning as to what makes these the best? I'm surprised to hear the best can be had for free.

THanks!

 

[Layback Bear]

For home use I would recommend getting away from McAfee free or otherwise.

Read through this tutorial by Brink. Their are some great ideas and instructions. You probable won't need all of them done.
Better yet read through the tutorial a couple of times.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html

The best free anti virus is all in the eyes of the beholder.
Avast or Panda have been mentioned and my have good luck with both. One at a time of course.

I use MSE from Microsoft. Of course it's free.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows

When it comes to msconfig Start up I recommend as little as possible.

This is how mine is. I don't need all the other thing starting with Windows 7 at boot and running in the background when not needed. They will only run when I or Windows 7 tells them to. I just remove the check mark from Ccleaner. It must of snuck in there when I update Ccleaner.

 

[keezy235]

For home use I would recommend getting away from McAfee free or otherwise.

Read through this tutorial by Brink. Their are some great ideas and instructions. You probable won't need all of them done.
Better yet read through the tutorial a couple of times.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html

The best free anti virus is all in the eyes of the beholder.
Avast or Panda have been mentioned and my have good luck with both. One at a time of course.

I use MSE from Microsoft. Of course it's free.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows

When it comes to msconfig Start up I recommend as little as possible.

This is how mine is. I don't need all the other thing starting with Windows 7 at boot and running in the background when not needed. They will only run when I or Windows 7 tells them to. I just remove the check mark from Ccleaner. It must of snuck in there when I update Ccleaner.



View attachment 350918

Bear,

I'm interested in why you say stay away from McAfee. Please explain! I've done some googling on the topic and here are what some sites are saying about the best AV's

PC Mag "The Best Antivirus for 2015"
1) Webroot SecureAnywhere AV
2) Bitefinder AV Plus 2015
3) Kaspersky AV 2015
4) F-Secure AV 2015
5) McAfee AV Plus 2015

TopTenReviews.com "Best Antivirus Software for Windows"
1) Bitefinder AV Plus 2015
2) Kaspersky AV 2015
3) Norton AV
4) F- Secure AV
5) G Data AV
6) Avast Pro AV

tomsguide.com "Best Antivirus 2015" (Not in any particular order)
1) Bitefinder AV Plus 2015 ("Best PC AV for the money")
2) Norton ("Best Intermediate PC AV")
3) Bitefinder Total Security ("Best Premium PC Security Suite")
4) Avira Free ("Best Free PC AV")

So I realize most of these listed above are NOT free. Do you think paying the extra is worth the added security?

For the Free AV, it looked like many of them listed Avast, AVG, Avira, Panda, and Bitedefender.

The attached thread about optimization is PERFECT ! I've updated the BIOS already and done a few other things on the list and still have a lot of learning to do. Thanks a bunch.

Keezy

 

[Layback Bear]

Two things a anti virus should do.
1. Give you protection
2. Play well withe Windows 7 and your system.

McAfee for home use doesn't play well with Windows 7.
No I'm not going to post a bunch of sites stating that. I'm going on what I have read about on this forum and other for years.

Here is some information of what the market thinks of anti virus programs by comparing their market share. People use what works for them and I think market share is a good indication.

https://www.opswat.com/resources/reports/antivirus-august-2013

I'm a firm believer in using what ever anti virus program one feels comfortable with.
I only give suggestions and recommendation not demands.
If you desire McAfee by all means use it.

If I was going to try another anti virus program, Avast and ESET would be my first two choices. Again that is just me. I don't really care if they are free or paid for because I'm looking for what works for my need or desires and to keep Windows 7 happy.

 

[keezy235]

Two things a anti virus should do.
1. Give you protection
2. Play well withe Windows 7 and your system.

McAfee for home use doesn't play well with Windows 7.
No I'm not going to post a bunch of sites stating that. I'm going on what I have read about on this forum and other for years.

Here is some information of what the market thinks of anti virus programs by comparing their market share. People use what works for them and I think market share is a good indication.

https://www.opswat.com/resources/reports/antivirus-august-2013

I'm a firm believer in using what ever anti virus program one feels comfortable with.
I only give suggestions and recommendation not demands.
If you desire McAfee by all means use it.

If I was going to try another anti virus program, Avast and ESET would be my first two choices. Again that is just me. I don't really care if they are free or paid for because I'm looking for what works for my need or desires and to keep Windows 7 happy.

Market share is definitely a better metric than looking at multiple sites, good thinking! I didn't mean to doubt you on McAfee or anything was just curious as it's offered by my educational institution and I figured it'd be pretty solid for that reason. Once I've finished going over this optimization list, I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. Thanks for all the help!

Keezy

 

[Layback Bear]

My understanding that many businesses or larger organization use the enterprise/business McAfee. For example if one was using Windows 7 Enterprise the security needs for programs, settings, and security would be a lot different than one using Windows 7 Pro at home.

What Windows 7 are you using, because it's not in your specs.

 

[keezy235]

My understanding that many businesses or larger organization use the enterprise/business McAfee. For example if one was using Windows 7 Enterprise the security needs for programs, settings, and security would be a lot different than one using Windows 7 Pro at home.

What Windows 7 are you using, because it's not in your specs.

I'm using Windows 7 Home Premium! Ill make sure to add it to my specs.

 

[paul1149]

McAfee takes an ultra-comprehensive approach to security that taxes the system heavily. That probably makes sense if you're an organization with people who have no idea what they're doing using computers, or who aren't motivated to care. But for a competent user, it's overkill which in your case will cause the machine to run slower and hotter.

I second Panda. I deploy it on many laptops and regard it highly. The free version also includes URL filtering, optionally.