Post by Captain Hawke on Jun 17, 2007 13:02:19 GMT -6
As most people know, I'm a PC tech on the side... Here are my tips to keep your PC and/or laptop up and running happily...90% of all computer problems can be solved by using these tips...("My computer runs slow." "My computer boots up slow." "X program locks up when I do this.")
1. Run Disc Defragmenter at least one time every week. This will speed up hard drive access time. To access this hit the start button; go to “All Programs”,”Accessories”,”Disk Defragmenter”… This will take only a couple of hours. But the computer needs to just sit & let alone so it can do its thing. If you have a larger hard drive, let it go over night.
2. Run Spybot Search & Destroy and Lavasoft Adaware SE(downloadable at http://www.download.com)at least one time a week. Again, this will speed up performance and remove any spyware & adware. This will take only an hour or so. But the computer needs to just sit & let alone so it can do its thing.
3. Run the free version of the AVG Antivirus program at least once a week. (downloadable at http://www.download.com) It removes any kind of viruses. It will update itself as needed. Let it do it. It only takes a couple of minutes.
4. DO NOT use any kind of “Internet security” programs. These use a lot of memory and bog down your system. Windows XP has its own firewall. Use this. It’s integrated in the software already and doesn’t take up any extra room or memory. If you don't have XP invest in a router with firewall capabilities. I use the Linksys WRT54G wireless router.. It only cost me $60. It's available at any BestBuy, CompUSA or computer store.
5. Keep the Windows update on automatic. Believe it or not it does keep up to date on security issues.
6. Quit downloading porn from the internet. Seriously. Porn has hidden spyware, adware and possible viruses that slow down/damages your computer. Spyware and adware tracks your surfing habits and if you access something personal such as bank accounts or other sensitive information the adaware/spyware sends that information out to spammers/hackers.
7. These next steps will speed up your boot up sequence..
Make sure your system tray (the bar with the clock in it) has the minimal amount of icons in it. These are programs that open when you boot up your computer and take up memory. The only things that should be in this tray should be an anti-virus, the volume control for the system volume. That's it. To disable other icons go into your "Startup" folder and delete everything.
(Do this next step only if you're pretty confident in you know what you're doing.)
Next goto "Start","Run" and type "MSconfig". Go to "Startup" in MSConfig and uncheck everything except "SOUNDMAN". That's it. Reboot.
1. Run Disc Defragmenter at least one time every week. This will speed up hard drive access time. To access this hit the start button; go to “All Programs”,”Accessories”,”Disk Defragmenter”… This will take only a couple of hours. But the computer needs to just sit & let alone so it can do its thing. If you have a larger hard drive, let it go over night.
2. Run Spybot Search & Destroy and Lavasoft Adaware SE(downloadable at http://www.download.com)at least one time a week. Again, this will speed up performance and remove any spyware & adware. This will take only an hour or so. But the computer needs to just sit & let alone so it can do its thing.
3. Run the free version of the AVG Antivirus program at least once a week. (downloadable at http://www.download.com) It removes any kind of viruses. It will update itself as needed. Let it do it. It only takes a couple of minutes.
4. DO NOT use any kind of “Internet security” programs. These use a lot of memory and bog down your system. Windows XP has its own firewall. Use this. It’s integrated in the software already and doesn’t take up any extra room or memory. If you don't have XP invest in a router with firewall capabilities. I use the Linksys WRT54G wireless router.. It only cost me $60. It's available at any BestBuy, CompUSA or computer store.
5. Keep the Windows update on automatic. Believe it or not it does keep up to date on security issues.
6. Quit downloading porn from the internet. Seriously. Porn has hidden spyware, adware and possible viruses that slow down/damages your computer. Spyware and adware tracks your surfing habits and if you access something personal such as bank accounts or other sensitive information the adaware/spyware sends that information out to spammers/hackers.
7. These next steps will speed up your boot up sequence..
Make sure your system tray (the bar with the clock in it) has the minimal amount of icons in it. These are programs that open when you boot up your computer and take up memory. The only things that should be in this tray should be an anti-virus, the volume control for the system volume. That's it. To disable other icons go into your "Startup" folder and delete everything.
(Do this next step only if you're pretty confident in you know what you're doing.)
Next goto "Start","Run" and type "MSconfig". Go to "Startup" in MSConfig and uncheck everything except "SOUNDMAN". That's it. Reboot.