Not sure what I mean when I say a bootable CD? Normally when you turn on your computer it boots/starts using information (the operating system) stored on the hard drive installed inside your computers case. Most newer computers can be configured to startup (boot) using information (the operating system) stored on a CD. Your computer will run from the CD and CDROM drive instead of the hard drive of your computer as it normally does. When you start/boot your computer using the UBCD you will see an interface similar to any standard computer running a version of Microsoft's Windows XP.

UBCD allows you to control your computer in many ways similar to how you normally would. Of course the software you usually use will not be available because it is located on your computers hard drive not the UBCD. However, the UBCD does have a large number of useful software tools for troubleshooting computer problems. Many (not all) of the UBCD tools can be successfully used by anyone with average computer knowledge. How much does it cost? It's your lucky day because it's FREE and fully functional. The group of people who work so hard to create and maintain UBCD do accept donations. If you use UBCD donate to help future development and ensure it remains FREE of charge the next time you need it. A donations link is available at the UBCD Web site.

what can you do with UBCD?

Scan for Spyware: UBCD includes a couple of well known programs that can be used to scan a computer for spyware. Spyware is software installed on a computer usually without the computer owners permission or knowledge. Spyware is generally designed to collect personal information like Internet browsing habits, account usernames and passwords or credit card numbers. The types of information gathered with spyware can be used to aid criminals in perpetrating identity theft.

My favorite FREE spyware removal programs included on UBCD are AdAware SE and Spy Bot Search and Destroy. Scanning a computer for spyware from the UBCD is especially useful if the computer will not start/boot properly or remain running. A computer that reboots without reason or warning is one symptom that may indicate spyware is installed or your computer is infected with a virus or Trojan. Slower than usual Internet access speed is another possible symptom. Your Internet access speed slows down because your available speed (bandwidth) is being shared by either the virus, Trojan, spyware or a malicious person connected to your computer.