"Oh sure he'll do it."

I'm the family tech support guy in my family. I guess being a pale and pasty neckbeard counts as a qualification. I just finished cleaning out my other drunk uncle's computer, and I figured I'd share some of the tools I usually use to clean them out.

1. CCleaner. Before I do anything else, I make sure to clear out all the temporary files left by applications and web browsing. It cuts the time for antivirus scanning substantially. I usually install it, but I also carry the portable version just in case.

2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. MalwareBytes has time and time again proven to be a winner. I've seen instances where MalwareBytes were able to detect and remove malware even McAfee or Norton couldn't.

3. Revouninstaller. I use this to uninstall all the crap people install on their PCs. Unlike Add/Remove Programs, RevoUninstaller does a very thorough job. Add/Remove just uses the uninstaller that came with the program, but Revo cleans out any files, folders, or registry entries that might've been left behind. There's also a portable version if you don't feel like installing it.

4. Antivir Personal. I used to install AVG on friends' and family members' PCs, but found that it lagged performance over time. Then I decided to give Antivir a try, and I have to say it's pretty good for a free alternative. It updates in the background, and you hardly notice it running. The only time it'll bother you is when it detects something.

5. NT Boot Disk. Let's just say I have certain associates that might be involved in some shady activity. And from time to time, they'll bring their "personal" laptop that has been locked out because "they forgot their password". I haven't tried it on Windows 7, but I have tried it on Windows 2000, Xp, and Vista. Worked all the times I've tried it.

This not my full list of tools, but these usually fix any sort of software related problem I might come across. If you have any suggestions, I'm always looking for new ways to make life as Family Tech Support Guy easier.