Uninstallers, such as Perfect Uninstaller, are PC applications designed to clean all the parts of a specific application. Most application specific program removers' leave around scrap files. Don't believe me, download a third-party uninstaller that provides a free scan, execute the scan, and look at the number of files that have been left around on your computer.
Most business software vendors ship an uninstaller with their applications, but these program removers commonly lack completeness. The dilemma with the program specific uninstall feature is that this feature is typically built at the end of the software development phase when the programmers are in a hurry to conclude their testing to get the software out the door. Also, as software gets more complicated and often integrate 3rd party components, many of these components are accidentally left by the developers and with no time to complete their testing the uninstaller function they get left behind when the application is removed. Application development companies aren't concerned with the quality of the uninstaller’s effectiveness given that they generate their money on the program install and use. The uninstall feature is generally an after thought.
With Internet connectivity generally accessible, many computer users download freeware programs. Computer owners need to be conscientious only to install programs from trusted sources because many free programs might be adware programs disguised as beneficial utilities. Also, many freeware applications can come packaged with all types of add-ons, which are purposefully left behind on the users computer after the main program is removed. These leftovers remain to fill the PC hard drive and, in many cases, are still executing behind the scenes to continue to consume PC resources.
The components of an uninstaller typically include the following:
- Uninstaller: a program remover is used to reverse the updates that the application made during installation. The uninstaller program is the workhorse of the application and uses records collected through the logger and analyzer to reveal what files and registry entries need to be removed. Since the vital capabilities of an uninstaller program are well understood inside the software trade, the algorithms and observer / detection components used by uninstalling applications at the time is what distinguishes viable uninstallers from one another.
- Logger: The logger monitors the files and registry entries that are added and changed when a program is installed (i.e., it logs what happens during installation). This log file can be used later when the PC user wants to uninstall the program and revert the PC to state before the installation.
- Analyzer: The analyzer capability is where most shareware applications come up short. When an application was installed before the 3rd party uninstaller was bought, the uninstall software relies on the analyzer capability to read through the registry and system files to find out where the applications components are located and are their any other programs that use those components. If other applications are not using the system files then they will be removed. If other applications need the same system file then it is best to leave the file behind.
- Extra capabilities: With the competition in the standalone uninstaller software business, many applications have started to differentiate themselves with complementary add on functions like junk file cleaner, browser history cleaner, browser cache cleaner, etc. These features are not absolutely related to the central uninstaller utility, but are add-ons to enrich the end users experience by providing additional hard drive cleaning capability.
Perfect Uninstaller, a well known uninstall program, includes the uninstaller, logger, and analyzer features as well as many other add-on cleaner utilities.