Date: 2006-10-24
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printEssential Steps to Better Performance Computer
Do you spend more time trying to get your machines running smoothly then making money with your eBiz? Tired of losing business because computers keep freezing, perform sluggishly or act bizarre?
Read on...
For 100% protection of our system as Windows users we'd need to stay off-line and/or shut down our machine altogether. Since neither does us much good if we depend on our machines for business, we're better off aiming for only 99%. Unless our problems are hardware related, the steps below should accomplish that if we cover areas including:
1 - anti-virus
2 - anti-spyware
3 - cleaner
4 - defragmenting
5 - Firewall
6 - HD diagnostic
A few notes and suggestions for each category:
1. Anti-Virus Programs
Programs like viruses, worms, trojans can confuse our system, one way or another. Among the popular antidotes in that department are commercial programs like Kaspersky and Norton. Many home users also get satisfactory results with free online versions of anti virus which can be found at Others Web Directory
Commercial or free, all these programs are useless unless we keep them current. Remember, not all programs update automatically - especially when it comes to free versions. Why not make it a habit to click on each programs \'update\' button every time you are on-line.
2. Anti-Spyware Programs
Adware or Spyware does not harm our system but slows it down and annoys us in other ways, like delivering ads or other spam onto our desktop and/or reporting our actions and preferences to the malware creators/senders. This category can include innocent seeming tools like media players, screensavers, toolbars and desktop indexing/search tools. Remedy and prevention are the main purposes of Anti-Spyware (and Anti-Virus) programs. Among other things they find and neutralize viruses or spyware already on our HD and prevent our machine from getting infected.
Demanding users prefer not to rely on one utility alone to locate the bad stuff. After all, different programs find different things. It's a good idea to have a couple of different Anti-Spy and Anti-Virus programs at hand, keep them updated and run them periodically, separately, one at a time! Examples of popular Anti-Spyware include:
Windows Defender (Beta)
Ad Aware
Spybot Search and Destroy
3. Cleaners
Computer slow? It may be time for 'housekeeping'. Dusting, emptying the garbage, getting rid of cobwebs - that kind of thing. From time to time, remember to do the defragment on your computer. It helps to speed up your computer.
4. Defragmenters
Over time, disks get fragmented which slows down operations. Remedy: optimize disk space by running a Defragger periodically. One basic defragger is part of Windows. To activate: \'Start Menu\' > run > defrag.exe. This may satisfy the average user's needs.
5. Firewalls
Hardware and software firewalls are meant to protect our machine from attacks and intrusions. Before installing a third party firewall, be sure to disable the built-in Windows firewall. Do not run two firewalls at the same time. After installing, you may wish to scan your setup with a service like Security Space or Hackerwhacker to make sure all works correctly.
Norton and Sygate are among the popular commercial firewalls. ZoneAlarm offers a popular free firewall for home users.
6. Hard Disk Diagnostic
chkdsk.exe (part of Windows under accessories)
DIY HD workbench
Note: Commercial products like SystemSuite Professional (by VCom) integrate many functions mentioned above but for those who prefer individual utilities for each task the steps include:
First
Download utilities mentioned above from websites like
twocows
pcworld
zdnet
and install them on your HD. For help see support sections of each program.
Second
Go online and bring your new Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware applications up to date. (Their update servers will automatically select the most up to date versions for you) For further info see their help sections and/or manuals.
Third
Configure your new programs to your preference. Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs offer a range of user-configurable options, for example 'Immunization' in Spybot S&D, 'Resident Shield' and 'Scheduler' in AVG. For details refer to help sections and/or manuals.
Fourth
Run each anti-virus and anti-spyware program separately - one at a time. Trying different programs in each category is fine, as long as you do so separately. Especially important: Keep only one anti-virus program and one firewall active at any one time on your machine. If you have never run Anti-spy and Anti-virus programs before, fasten your seatbelt! You'll be surprised at what - and how much - they find.
Fifth
Use an uninstaller, for example the one found in Windows control panels under 'Software', or a third party product - like CCleaner - to free your HD from unwanted and/or unneeded programs. (Not sure if a program or file is needed by your system? Research on the net and/or get help from user groups. Still not sure? Err on the safe side. Keep it.)
Sixth
Run one or more of your Cleaners to get rid of HD clutter, temp files, outdated registry entries etc slowing your system. Read instructions before running programs. Run only one type of Cleaner at any given time. After that, periodically (depending how much time you spend on-line, once a week is suggested) scan your HD with (updated) antispyware and anti-virus programs.
Tip: Running each Anti-Spy, Anti-Virus and Cleaner twice consecutively can produce a more thorough sweep.
Seven
Check your Hard Drive(s) with a diagnostic tool, like Checkdisk or HD Workbench. If ok, let your favourite Defragger analyze your HD and defrag if indicated.
Note: Remember to back up important files before starting any of the above actions.
For additional convenience and peace of mind consider checking out Firefox (free download) as a browser alternative to Internet Explorer and Thunderbird (also free) as a mail client alternative to Outlook Express.
Finally: Enjoy a faster, smoother running machine and computer time with fewer headaches!
v.wishalla is a marketing consultant, helping others to gain greater exposure online for 25 years.
