July 18, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Century City Tech Report: Slow Down The Personal Computer ‘Bloat’

By John Agsalud

Special To Century City News

Bloat – referring to out- dated software, settings, malware and viruses, among others – happens to even the most careful and diligent computer users (Thinkstock).
Bloat – referring to out- dated software, settings, malware and viruses, among others – happens to even the most careful and diligent computer users (Thinkstock).

As anyone who’s ever used a personal computer for more than a few months can attest, machines slow down. While some performance problems are unavoidable, one of the biggest issues nowadays is referred to as “bloat.” The good news is that most folks are capable of combating this on their own.

Bloat happens to even the most careful and diligent computer users. It is a general term that includes such issues as outdated software, settings, malware and viruses, among others. These issues come about through the normal use of a Windows-based PC and are generally unavoidable. Even Macs are not immune to bloat.

How, then, can the average Joe address bloat? The good news is that there are several helpful tools that are available for free. The first is a product called CCleaner, which can be downloaded from www.piriform.com. The free version is adequate for most folks, and there is a professional version for $24.95 as well professional plus for $39.95. Start out with the free version to get a feel for the product before looking at a paid version.

On Windows, CCleaner performs a variety of functions that, well, clean your PC. Temporary stuff left behind by software installations or de-installations, old Windows upgrade files, cookies and other files used by your browser all can be easily found and deleted. Not only will you gain disk space, but your computer also will become more efficient.

CCleaner has a version for Macs as well.

Malware and adware also are considered part of bloat. Even the most savvy users will find themselves victim to malware from time to time. Malwarebytes is a free anti-malware program that can be downloaded from www.malwarebytes.org. Like CCleaner, there is also a more functional version available for purchase at $24.95. Malwarebytes has a Mac version as well.

Another effective anti-malware program is ComboFix. Somewhat more difficult to use than Malwarebytes, ComboFix nonetheless often finds malware and/or adware that others do not. ComboFix can be downloaded for free from www.combofix.org; there is no version available for purchase, nor is there a version for Macs.

Lastly, don’t forget about anti-virus software. Windows Defender ships with the Windows operating system at no additional cost. Initially much maligned, it has grown up into a more than adequate anti-virus program.

The big three of free anti-virus programs are AVG (www.avg.com), Avast (www.avast.com) and Avira (www.avira.com). All have more functional versions available for purchase, and all have versions for the Mac. Be careful with these, though, as they often try to trick you into buying upgrades to the free version. When prompted to upgrade, be sure to read the fine print before clicking “yes.”

John Agsalud is Vice President and Chief Technical Analyst of InclusiveTech, a Los Angeles based IT managed service provider, with specialization in systems integration and software development. He can be reached at jagsalud@inclusivetech.net.

Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Nearly $1B Secured for Refinancing of Westfield Century City Mall

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The proceeds will replace a $925 million commercial mortgage-backed securities loan, originally issued by Morgan Stanley in 2023 and due...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays...

Tesla Seen Nearly Crashing into West LA Home After Collision

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Footage depicted a blue Prius on the road with significant front-end damage A crash involving injuries was reported around 12:30...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

Hundreds of Red-Legged Frog Tadpoles Released in Santa Monica Mountains

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Once widespread in California, red-legged frogs vanished from the Santa Monica Mountains by the 1970s Nearly 600 California red-legged frog...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

Westwood Village Board to Discuss Public Art Initiative

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The initiative aims to enhance community pride, boost local business revenue, and address urban blight through public art corridors and...

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...