Post by Hawke on Nov 27, 2008 10:10:45 GMT
As most people know, I'm a PC tech on the side, and I am a certified Dell laptop and PC Technician... Here are my tips to keep your PC and/or laptop up and running happlily...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 if you use your computer every day. 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. If you are just an occasional computer user once a month is fine.
Steps 2 & 3 should be run in safe mode with networking support (F8 when you boot your computer) if you know your computer is infected already. The updates should be run this way too.
2. Run Spybot Search & Destroy (downloadable at hawkesnestonline.com The file name is spybotsd14.exe) 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 hawkesnestonline.com The file name is AVGFreeAntiVirus.exe) 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 and Vista 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 feel comfortable with the Windows Firewall, I recommend PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 2.0 (available at hawkesnestonline.com The filename is FireWallInstall.exe)
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.
1. Run Disc Defragmenter at least one time every week if you use your computer every day. 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. If you are just an occasional computer user once a month is fine.
Steps 2 & 3 should be run in safe mode with networking support (F8 when you boot your computer) if you know your computer is infected already. The updates should be run this way too.
2. Run Spybot Search & Destroy (downloadable at hawkesnestonline.com The file name is spybotsd14.exe) 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 hawkesnestonline.com The file name is AVGFreeAntiVirus.exe) 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 and Vista 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 feel comfortable with the Windows Firewall, I recommend PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 2.0 (available at hawkesnestonline.com The filename is FireWallInstall.exe)
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.