OK,Crap Cleaner. Install it and there is no need to alter any settings, just use it as it is installed.

Remember Shaddy if someone comes here and posts a doubtful program or site you only need to wait for others to post comments. Same with the good free programs. Usually someone will mention a program and others will offer their opinion on it too.

Superantispyware is another great free program. It has not been out too long but has already gained attention as a solid program to be using and it is not intrusive.

Shaddy I would much prefer someone be overly cautious than to fall for some of the scams that so many of the rogue programs put out there.
I personally do not use any type of registry cleaners, since I am not a registry expert I choose to simply not go there and I have not had any problems.
I do know that CCcleaner is used by many many people and does have a good reputation.

When in doubt about any program there is a very good website you can visit and see what they have to say about them, it is one of the highest rated sites by all the tech helper forums.
Spyware Warrior
Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products

The short list that I put on all my windows computers are these (and of course there are others of my choice)
SUPERAntiSpyware
ZoneAlarm Pro but their free version is perfectly fine so you do not have to purchase the pro version. This is the free
Free Download
SpywareBlaster
Firefox
the firefox browser is not a security program but it is much safer than IE so it is the only browser I use.
Plus one of the good free antivirus programs of you choice, like avast!, AVG or Avira AntiVir

That is a good base protection.

Thank you both for your kind responses. I will check out what ravencajun has suggested, and let others know that a apprehensive old gal can take the bull by the horns, or at least I hope I can.
Ccleaner just sounds so tuff, I guess I will have to read up more about that.

There is nothing tuff about CCleaner. Just tell it to Analyze and then tell it to clean up. I don't even look at all those cookies. Just trust it. I've used it for so many years I've never had any problems. It's so simple and quick, I love it. It does a better job than Disk Clean-up.

Everything Owbist and Raven said is great and I use them all without any problems. I have them all on 4 computers and never think about them. They all do a great job.

Jane

Jane, when I go to the ccleaner site, I get so much other info, and other free offers, how can I be sure I am getting the proper program?

You'll probably want the Slim Version, no need to install the Yahoo Toolbar that comes with with the full version.
Seems like everybody wants to grab some of your real estate and add their bar to your browser so they can be displayed prominently.
ccsetup209_slim
Also, I uncheck the bottom 3 because (1) I don't like the context menus added and (2) I don't like programs phoning home all the time checking for updates.

I have never had a problem deleting what CC finds. It is one of my favorite softwares.

I have CCleaner no problems even click on the "registry" to clean up left over parts of uninstalls with no trouble.
I do have a folder for downloads of programs and never know wether to delete the old upgrades from CCleaner.

I go to CNET to get my Free Programs, which has reviews from users on it etc.they are all there, I don't pay for anything on my PC and have NP's either...

Ccleaner is a EXCELLENT tool! I used it for a long time before I switched to Advanced Windows Care 3. It is just as good if not better than Ccleaner and just as easy to use. I'm like you, I want something easy to use. The thing I like about Windows Care 3 is it automatically creates a restore point on my computer for in case I download somthing that messes me up. Spyware Blaster does that too, is free and runs on its own. All you have to do is once a month check for updates. I too do not pay for anything on my computer. Try download. com & punch in free downloads.

Here is a link that might be useful: www.download.com