6 Simple Steps To A Faster Computer!
In this article you will find six simple tips to boost your computer's performance and keep you safe when using the internet.
In this article you will find six simple tips to boost your computer's performance and keep you safe when using the internet.
1. Use keyboard shortcuts! Seriously, if you try this a few times, you wont go back to the old slower way. There are loads of shortcuts and most focus involve the Windows key. Windows Key + Tab cycles through the programs on the taskbar in Vista using its Flip3-D feature. Windows key + M minimises all windows immediately. Windows + L locks the computer if you have to leave your desk unattended.
2. Most PC users are in agreement about the most pointless features of Windows Operating Systems. The delete confirmation dialog ('Are you sure you want to send this file to the recycle bin?') is certainly in the top 10 of annoying and repetative time wasters. If you do happen to make a genuine mistake while deleting, you can always restore a file from the recycle bin, so this dialog serves no useful purpose. You should turn it off and start saving some time. Right click on the Recycle Bin and untick the option to display the delete confirmation dialog.
3. Run Windows defragmenter at regular intervals to keep hard disk performance in good shape.The defragmenter does this by physically organizing the contents of the disk to store the pieces of each file close together on the hard drive. This results in noticably faster performance. Do a defrag once a month, or better still schedule this task (you can do this if you're using Vista).
4. Devote some attention to Windows Updates. These are extremely important if you are hoping to stay secure and keep viruses out. Approximately once a month, Microsoft will release various security updates that are designed to fix specific security faults ('Vulnerabilities') in its Operating Systems. If left unpatched, these flaws can easily be used by hackers to infect your computer. Will you remember to check for updates and how will you know when new ones are available? Why not configure Automatic Updates and let it take care of this.
5. Create good passwords for all of the User Accounts on your computer. Many users choose to leave accounts wide open with no passwords. Even worse, is the Administrators account which exists by default on all Windows XP & Vista machines. This account gives total access to your computer system, and in most cases has never been password protected. Remedy this immediately by creating a fresh set of passwords for all of your accounts. Remember to use a mix of letters and numbers and throw in a couple of uppercase letters for good measure.
6.Get some decent Antivirus software. The free options are strugling this year. 2009 to date has been the worst ever for malware infections. Ask any tech or Computer Repair shop and they will confirm this. You need to strengthen your security to have a better chance of staying virus free. Not all antivirus software is equal. Some perform very poorly and are a total waste of money. Before buying, do some research & read some reviews. Antivirus software by itself is much better than bundled products from the likes of Norton & McAfee which includes antivirus, antispyware & firewall functionality all in one. These extra features are usually not very good and cause no end of headaches for end users. It's much better to buy the best antivirus software that you can, and then look for the best antispyware application separately.
Youve arrived at the end. Be a responsible computer owner, head off and try these tips out!
In this article you will find six simple tips to boost your computer's performance and keep you safe when using the internet.
1. Use keyboard shortcuts! Seriously, if you try this a few times, you wont go back to the old slower way. There are loads of shortcuts and most focus involve the Windows key. Windows Key + Tab cycles through the programs on the taskbar in Vista using its Flip3-D feature. Windows key + M minimises all windows immediately. Windows + L locks the computer if you have to leave your desk unattended.
2. Most PC users are in agreement about the most pointless features of Windows Operating Systems. The delete confirmation dialog ('Are you sure you want to send this file to the recycle bin?') is certainly in the top 10 of annoying and repetative time wasters. If you do happen to make a genuine mistake while deleting, you can always restore a file from the recycle bin, so this dialog serves no useful purpose. You should turn it off and start saving some time. Right click on the Recycle Bin and untick the option to display the delete confirmation dialog.
3. Run Windows defragmenter at regular intervals to keep hard disk performance in good shape.The defragmenter does this by physically organizing the contents of the disk to store the pieces of each file close together on the hard drive. This results in noticably faster performance. Do a defrag once a month, or better still schedule this task (you can do this if you're using Vista).
4. Devote some attention to Windows Updates. These are extremely important if you are hoping to stay secure and keep viruses out. Approximately once a month, Microsoft will release various security updates that are designed to fix specific security faults ('Vulnerabilities') in its Operating Systems. If left unpatched, these flaws can easily be used by hackers to infect your computer. Will you remember to check for updates and how will you know when new ones are available? Why not configure Automatic Updates and let it take care of this.
5. Create good passwords for all of the User Accounts on your computer. Many users choose to leave accounts wide open with no passwords. Even worse, is the Administrators account which exists by default on all Windows XP & Vista machines. This account gives total access to your computer system, and in most cases has never been password protected. Remedy this immediately by creating a fresh set of passwords for all of your accounts. Remember to use a mix of letters and numbers and throw in a couple of uppercase letters for good measure.
6.Get some decent Antivirus software. The free options are strugling this year. 2009 to date has been the worst ever for malware infections. Ask any tech or Computer Repair shop and they will confirm this. You need to strengthen your security to have a better chance of staying virus free. Not all antivirus software is equal. Some perform very poorly and are a total waste of money. Before buying, do some research & read some reviews. Antivirus software by itself is much better than bundled products from the likes of Norton & McAfee which includes antivirus, antispyware & firewall functionality all in one. These extra features are usually not very good and cause no end of headaches for end users. It's much better to buy the best antivirus software that you can, and then look for the best antispyware application separately.
Youve arrived at the end. Be a responsible computer owner, head off and try these tips out!