Control PC Energy Use

Here is a small application to manage PC power use:

Do you want to have your PC ready to go when you are? You may use your PC for a few hours in the morning, before you leave for work/your day's activities, and for a few hours in the evening, after dinner and before bed. SetPower allows you to schedule your power consumption around your needs. This saves energy and money. Even if you have SetPower scheduled to put your machine to "sleep" during the day, you can easily override SetPower by simply moving your mouse. It really is that easy.
SetPower Free allows you to configure your PC with a Power Schedule that fits your needs. 

Common Sense - Backup Gmail

Do not trust free webmail providers with your email. At any time, they could simply delete or suspend your account. Make sure you have a backup right now in case your account is removed, deleted or even hacked. Do not assume your Gmail account (or any other account) will always be available. The steps provided in the link should take no more than 15 minutes, and could save you a lot of heartache if you lose access to your Gmail account.

http://email.wikia.com/wiki/How_to_back_up_Gmail_with_Thunderbird

Must Have Application - CCleaner

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. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner.

BSol Tip: Download and install the application. When prompted for several installation options via a check list, we recommend that the primary option to consider is to install Desktop icon. Run CCleaner weekly. If you elect to run the Registry cleaner, say 'yes' to backup current registry (in case a problem results).

AVG 9.0 Upgrade

Everyone who has AVG Anti Virus installed on their PC and Laptop are getting prompted to upgrade. I took the plunge and proceeded to upgrade from AVG 8.5 Free. Things did not go smoothly! After reviewing error messages, attempting several times and reviewing AVG's site and Technical Forums I decided to totally remove the application and all traces of it's files and install Avast Home Edition, a free Anti Virus application. I have been using successfully on my laptop for over 12 months so I was comfortable with that application (and has been rated as #1 or #2 ahead of AVG in the reviews of free AV programs).

Then ... should one NOT install AVG? - no it's OK. Here's is what I suggest if you do and upgrade to AVG 9.0 Free and you have a problem.

If you receive errors ... remove all AVG components using AVG Remover application (download form here and follow prompts) http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Uninstallers/AVG-Remover.shtml and start from scratch.