TOPIC: How to speed up your computer, for free

Try just going to Add/Remove programs in your control panel and remove it. Windows should be able to remove it all.

Just a heads up.  Most built in uninstaller DO NOT remove everything.  They leave hundreds of files behind. Have you ever uninstalled a program and tried to reinstall it and have it tell you you already have it installed? That's why, it did not remove itself completely.
The only way to completely remove a program is to use a third party uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller Pro.  There are several available.  They will do a scan for remnants after the program's uninstaller is done.  You will be amazed how much get left behind.
This may be a bit of overkill for many if you don't regularly add and remove programs but with so much free software out there, we all tend to let it get out of hand. Eventually, ya got more more room in the garage!  If you have not used a program in 6 months, you don't need it, dump it. There is probably a free, online version you could use instead.  More and more is "moving to the cloud". 
(I test software and write reviews so need to add and remove programs all the time.)

Tip #1 Google Docs is a good example. Using it, you can actually write docs, spreadsheets, do power pint presentations and share and store files on line for free. 20 Gigs of storage is a whopping $5 a year if the free storage is not enough.

Tip #2: Using an 3rd party uninstaller will often allow you to rerun a trial version all over gain after it times out. <wink>
Tip #3 Check out Microsoft Security Essentials.  It's a free AV and antimalware application that works great. Tested and approved by Windows Secret's gurus, some pretty high powered computer wonks.
Tip #4 Pay VERY close attention when installing any new software, even paid versions.  More and more these days they are adding "free helper" apps that will cut the legs right out from under your computer's performance. They have pre-checked boxes. Uncheck them all. It's "crapware" you may not even know is there. It's where half the unknown startup items come from.  Google/Yahoo/Ask tool bars etc. will spend more time phoning home and consuming your computer's resources than they are worth. They only benefit Google/yahoo/Ask, not you.
Tip #5 If you have critical data on your machine, BACKUP!! And do it on a regular schedule.  Better yet, automate and have it run in th background. There are programs like Acronis True Image that can be set to a schedule.  It will run an incremental backup every night if you want.
Tip #6 Look at Carbonite online backup.  It's $55 a year and will backup almost unlimited data in the background in real time and do it on their servers so it's always available should the worst happen like a fire that takes out your computer AND your backup drive.  No files = no business!! Backup experts agree that all critical files shold be backed up OFFSITE for maximum safety and security.
Tip #7 File sharing and syncing between computers.  Check out DropBox.  The free version works great.  If you need more room, you can buy more.
Personally, I use SyncBackPro from 2BrightSparks.com and just sync the entire HIP folder between three computers. Everyone is always on the same page no mater which computer I'm using. it can be set to run automatically or run manually.

<plug>
Every month, myself and 4 other "power users" test and review software twice a month for an online newsletter called NeatnetTricks.com There is a free version of the newsletter as well as a paid version.  The free one is fine.</plug> LOL
BTW, I do this for free and do not get paid by NNT so no conflict here.

If you have non-HIP related software questions, maybe I can pay back Dominic for all the help he's given me by taking some of the load off and help.  Just ask.  it couldn't hurt!
Dana

As you stated, the BEST uninstallers take a snapshot before/after install and will remove all the info after. I recommend Carbonite as you did as well.

Oh, and PLEASE feel free to help

Dom, my subscription for Mcafee is over. I'm looking to install another antivirus. Do you still recommend free version of AVG or is there something better today?

AVG Paid is the only thing better than AVG Free

Thanks. I will stick with free version for now.