This tutorial only covers the basic usage of CCleaner.

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system – allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history.

This tutorial assumes that you have downloaded CCleaner from the Savemybutt Downloads page and have installed it.  If it has been a while since you installed it, download a new copy so you have the latest version.

You should run CCleaner prior to any other software that scans or modifies you files, i.e. a malware scan or defragging.

1.  Click on the CCleaner icon.  Most people have it on their desktop.  Some create a folder on the desktop for their utilities.  I create a folder called Savemybutt Utilities.

2.  CCleaner opens and looks like the image below.

3.  By default, it will open in the Cleaner mode.  If not, click on the Cleaner mode icon at the top of the menu bar at the left.

4. Click on the Run Cleaner button in the lower right corner of the screen.  A warning box, like the one below, will open telling you that “This process will permanently delete files from your system”.  Click the OK button to continue.

NOTE: You regular documents are safe!  CCleaner only deletes temporary files from all browser caches and temporary files created by the software you use.

The progress bar at the top of the screen will show you how much has been completed.

5. When CCleaner is finished, it will list all the files that were deleted.  CCleaner is now done.  Click on the “X” in the red box in the upper right corner of the screen to close CCleaner.

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The instructions below will step you through the process of setting up the Avast Proxy Server. By setting this up, you are making sure that all Internet traffic passes through Avast, adding an extra layer of protection.

1. Right-click on the Avast icon in the System Tray, it’s the blue ball with the letter “a” on it, and then click on Program Settings.

2. In the menu on the left, click on Update (Connections).

3. Now choose what type of connection you have. Check the top check box if you use a dial up connection or the bottom check box if you have a high speed connection.

4. Click on the Proxy button to continue.

5. Click on the round circle, called a radio button, to choose Specify proxy server.

6. Make sure the Type: says HTTP.

7. In the Address box type localhost.

8. In the Port box type 12080.

9. In the Authentication area make sure the Type is Basic authentication (plaintext).

10. Make up a user name of your choice. You will not need to use it ever again.

11. Make up a password of you choice. You will not need to use it ever again.

12. Click on the Test connection button at the bottom of the screen.

13. In a couple of seconds you should see a box that says “Proxy server settings are correct”. Click the OK button to continue.

14. Click the OK button at the bottom of the remaining screen.

15. And, finally, click OK on the bottom of the Avast Settings box.

That’s it, you are done. Now, all browser traffic will pass through Avast before it’s displayed on your screen.

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How to remove Symantec/Norton Products.

Sometimes you find that your computer is really slow or that you can not access the Internet after you’ve updated Internet Explorer or Windows.

In most cases, it is whatever Internet Security Software you have installed.  Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro, Panda, etc can all cause this problem.

Sometimes they can also cause your computer to hang when you try and shut it down.

Unfortunately, if you use the Add/Remove program in the Control Panel, the programs do not remove cleanly.

Here are the instructions to remove Norton using the Norton Removal Tool.  It is normally difficult to find.  I have made it easily available on my Download Page at http://savemybutt.com.

1. Go to http://savemybutt.com with any browser.
2. Click on the Downloads link in the menu bar near the top.
3. Scroll down to and click on “Symantec/Norton Removal Tools and Instructions”
4. You will be taken to my page with some brief instructions.
5. Click on the link at the bottom of the page.  You will be taken to the Norton Removal Tool page.
6. Click on the link that represents the Norton product you are trying to remove and download it.
7. Run the program you just downloaded.  Follow the instructions as they are presented.
8. You will be asked to reboot your computer when the tool is finished.
9. Now make sure you install Avast, which is also available on my downloads page.  Don’t forget to register Avast to make it free.

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