Showing posts with label Windows 8. Show all posts
Every once in a while I do a bit of spring cleaning on my computer and that’s when I delete old files and uninstall old programs. While deleting files and folders is an easy task in Windows, built-in options to uninstall the programs have not evolved yet. The Control Panel still allows no more than one app at a time to be uninstalled, which can be really time consuming when you have a bunch of them to get rid of. Even my Android phone has a better uninstaller than Windows.
A row of recycle bins on the sidewalk shot at a diagonal. Image via Shutterstock.
We have talked about an application called the iObit uninstaller that brings the batch uninstallation option to Windows. It’s been about 3 years since we last wrote about the tool and it’s evolved a lot. The app was redesigned for Windows 8 and comes with cool new features. So let’s have a quick look at the remodeled app and examine its new offerings.
iObit Uninstaller 4 for Windows
Once you install iObit Uninstaller 4 you will see all the applications that are installed on your computer in the Programs tab. After you check the batch uninstall option, the app will allow you to check off the apps you wish to uninstall and then will process each of them one by one.
Now I haven’t read about the feature anywhere in the online catalogue, but iObit did most of the uninstallation in the background without even prompting about it. For a batch of about 10 programs, I was asked only once for my approval. Everything else was carried out by iObit itself. I am not sure which applications it’s capable of removing silently and which require explicit permissions. But 9 out of 10 programs is a decent score if you ask me.
Note: The apps listed next to a Quick Uninstall button support silent uninstallation in batch mode.
After the initial uninstallation is over, the app scans for left over files and registries and deletes any traces of the programs in the system. The app even gives the option to shred the files and securely delete them. There’s also an option to make a system restore point prior to uninstallation that can restore any changes made to the system.
The second section contains Toolbars & Plug-ins installed in your computer. The app currently only supports Firefox and Internet Explorer, so it cannot detect and uninstall Chrome extensions. Here also you get a batch uninstall feature. The Win8 Apps section lists all the modern apps installed on your computer including the ones that come pre-installed with the operating system. Every one of these apps can be uninstalled from the system easily with just a single click.
Cool Tip: The app comes with a Force Uninstall mode that can uninstall or delete any programs which cannot be removed from the computer in the conventional way.
Conclusion
iObit Uninstaller has come a long way from the version we looked at a couple of years back. I see improvements. The option to silently uninstall the apps is one of the features I hoped for while writing the initial review 3 years back and I am really happy to find the option now. So go ahead and install the app to easily uninstall programs from your computer.
CCleaner is arguably one of the most beloved apps for any Windows enthusiast (an Android version is also now available). It started from the XP days when we used to clean Windows every weekend to keep the system in tip-top shape. Fast forward to Windows 8, add in next to next to next generation hardware and the problem doesn’t seem nearly as dire.
But this is Windows. It added a “Modern UI” start screen with a gorgeous interface and smooth transitions and all it’s really used for is adding even more bloatware. So although maybe not as much as before, Windows does still need cleaning up. Like an unruly teenager, it simply won’t tidy up its own mess.
If you search on the internet for the best cleaning/maintenance tools, CCleaner will show up at the top, with Glary Utilities trailing not far behind. To be honest, Glary Utilities is not solely a cleaning app. But both can be used for the same purposes.
So let’s see which one is for you.
The Similarities
When it comes to cleaning up, both CCleaner and Glary Utilities will get the job done. Both apps give you quick ways to clean registry files, delete temporary files, delete application caches, browsing history, uninstall apps and manage startup apps.
CCleaner Is Best For One Click App Data And System Clean Up
When you launch CCleaner, it will default to the Cleaner tab. From the tabs Windows andApplications you can cherry pick what you want to clean. In the Windows side you’ll find actions like emptying the Recycle Bin, clearing the clipboard, Windows log files, the memory dump, etc.
The Applications tab lists the browsers you have installed plus apps like Photoshop, media apps, and even utilities like 7-zip.
If you want a one-click solution for clearing browser history and caches from multiple browsers, CCleaner is the way to go.
Cleaning Up App Data With CCleaner
Be careful when you’re cleaning up app data with CCleaner. The app is good at knowing what’s junk and it usually just cleans up small temporary thumb and log files, but it never hurts to be cautious.
Glary Is Not A Cleaner App
As I’ve stated above, Glary Utilities is not specifically a cleaner app. You won’t find a “Cleaner” tab in the app anywhere and it doesn’t provide the controlled cleaning of app and browser data like CCleaner does.
What Glary does provide is a set of fantastic system management tools. There’s a 1-click maintenance mode that will check registry, shortcuts, startup apps, repair disk damage, and even remove spyware. All from a single click.
Just running this 1-click maintenance will assure that your Windows ship encounters smooth sailing.
Glary Has Advanced Tuneup Options
Glary gets interesting when you go to the Advanced Tools tab. Here you’ll find specific tools for registry cleaning, privacy management, hard disk defrag, disk space cleanup, system control, driver backup/restore, malware utility, and app uninstall (with a batch uninstall feature).
As you can see, there’s a lot to do here and Glary does it all well. The Disk Space Cleanup is my favorite feature.
Free Vs Paid
CCleaner’s free version has all the cleaning features we talked about above. The “Professional” and “Professional Plus” paid versions add features like real-time monitoring, automatic updates, defragging, file recovery, and hardware analysis.
Glary Utilities’s basic version with all the features listed in the section above is free for personal use. The $28 pro update adds features like automatic maintenance in the background, free technical support, and a commercial license.
The free version of Glary Utilities is mighty powerful in itself. It actually has all the features of the CCleaner Professional Plus paid upgrade.
CCleaner Vs Glary Utilities. Which For What?
The days where people used cleaning apps like CCleaner are quickly fading. Browsers like Chrome let you clean cache, cookies, history, etc in one click from the browser itself. Recycle Bins can easily be cleared from the right-click menu.
But the services of Glary Utilities are still very much in need, with things like:
- Defragging
- Malware and spyware check
- Duplicate cleaner
- Disk space utility
- And most importantly, a 1-click maintenance mode
In this unfair fight, Glary wins hands down. There are still things CCleaner does that Glary does not. But there’s no reason to run both apps unless you just can’t stand doing per app/browser based cleanup yourself.
Just like a bag of chips or a piece of cake, when it comes to monitors, you can always have more. If you’re a coder, writer, or you do any kind of work that involves more than two windows, you’ll appreciate the hell out of a multi-monitor setup. For coders, you often have multiple browser windows open for testing, and being able to emulate different devices on a separate screen while you code is a godsend. And unlike a couple of years ago, getting there is easy and cheap. Windows 8 comes with spectacular multi-monitor features, and good displays start at just $150.
So whether you want to add a trove of monitors to your high-end desktop or just an external monitor to your laptop, I’ve got you covered. Best of all, you don’t need to install any extra piece of software to do any of this. Let’s get started.
Adding An External Monitor To Your Laptop
If you have a modern laptop you can use an HDMI cable to connect to an external monitor. You can get full HD 21–23 inch monitors well around the $150 range. And there’s always an option to go for a 27 inch IPS display.
Yes. Yes, I know this is a MacBook but I don’t have a Windows laptop lying around. So here’s the disclaimer : Image for representation purposes only.
These are especially helpful for multi tasking/monitoring. Also, movies and games will look much better on these full HD screens than your small, reflective laptop’s screen. And before you ask, your laptop can handle it. Even the 2–3 year old laptops with Intel’s integrated graphics are more than capable of firing pixels onto an external monitor (gaming not included).
Related: If you don’t want to buy an external display, you can turn your Android tablet to an external display. Check out our guide to know how.
Using Your Laptop In Clamshell Mode
If you’re attaching one or two external displays to your laptop and don’t want to look at the laptop’s screen, there’s a way to essentially turn the laptop into a desktop PC.
To do this, go to Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Change What the Power Buttons Do. Here you’ll seen an option called “When I close the lid”. From either the On Battery or Plugged In section, change the option to Do Nothing. Now when you close the lid, the computer won’t go to sleep. I’d suggest you choose the Plugged In option because driving external displays on your laptop’s battery isn’t the best idea.
Span Taskbar And Single Start Page
Windows 8 and 8.1 span the taskbar to all the displays by default so no matter where you are, you’ll be able to quickly switch between applications. If you don’t want this feature, you can turn it off by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Properties.
There’s no missing the Start page. Sure you can directly boot into Desktop now but if you put in some time, you can learn to love it or live with it. Either way, having a multiple monitor setup gives you a bit of both old and new. The Start page will show up on your default screen while the secondary monitor will show the good ol’ desktop.
Individual Or Panoramic Wallpapers
Let’s say you’ve got three 27 inch monitors arranged on your desktop, which is starting to look something like an airplane cockpit. It’s a shame if all of them show different pictures. Thanks to a built-in mode, you can apply panoramic wallpapers to your displays and stretch that skyline to the edges of the horizon.
You don’t need to download a special program to apply panoramic wallpapers. Right-click on the Desktop and go to Personalize. From the Wallpapers tab select your downloaded panoramic wallpaper. In the bottom you’ll see a Picture position option. From here select Span and now your wallpaper is stretching across your displays.
Want to set different wallpapers for each screen? That’s cool. In the same window, right-click on the image and select either of the displays.
Where To Get The Wallpapers From
Wallpaperfusion is the best place to get dual, triple or quad screen panoramic wallpapers.Dualmonitorbackgrounds.com also has a great collection.
If you don’t want to download panoramic wallpapers, both websites offer cut-out wallpapers for individual screens as well.
Window Management Between Screens
I’m sure you know about Windows Aero Snap feature that allows you to split two windows to take up exactly 50% of your screen, like seen below.
All you need to do is either drag the window to the left or the right edge of the screen and it just docks there.
I know what you’re thinking, This won’t work with your dual monitor set up. Dragging it to the left edge from the monitor on the right will just take the window over to another display. You’re smart but then so is Windows. This is when keyboard shortcuts come into play.
Use Win + right arrow/left arrow to dock a window in the respective direction on the current screen.
If you want to move the window over to the display on the left, tap Win + Shift + Left Arrow.Win + Shift + Right Arrow key will bring the window to the display on the right. It’s that easy.
Happy Productivity
You’re now ready to supercharge your productivity with the help of multiple monitors. If you have any tips or tricks related to the topic, feel free to share in the comments below.
