Help Link's
 HOME
  |
Basic PC System Maintenance
One of the most common questions I have been asked has been, “Why is my computer so slow?” This has been followed closely by, “What can I do to speed up my computer?”
The answer can be as varied as the number of computers with the problem. The solutions can range from some simple maintenance to hardware repair/upgrades or even a combination. Here are some common things you can do to improve system performance.
1. Run a thorough scan disk.
Errors in the files on your hard drive can reduce performance as can a hard drive that is developing physical errors. Scan disk will repair many of the file errors on your hard drive. Running the thorough scan disk will also check the hard drive for physical errors.
Remember, depending on the size of your hard drive this can take a lot of time and you cannot do anything else at the same time. The best time to run scan disk is when you do not need to use the computer.
2. Delete temporary files from your hard drive.
Temporary files are usually the files left over after installing a program and can be safely deleted.
3. Clean your internet browser cache.
Cache files are those left over from your browsing experience. They mostly consist of images that your browser had to download in order to display on a web page you are viewing.
4. Defrag the files on your hard drive.
Defrag arranges the files on your hard drive so that they can be accessed more efficiently. This has two advantages. One, your system operates more efficiently. Two, your hard drive will last longer because it will not have to work as hard to access files.
5. Perform a virus scan.
Many viruses use so much of your system’s resources that they will greatly degrade performance. Some will even crash your system completely. Make sure your virus definitions are up to date and run a complete virus scan of your system. This should be done weekly.
6. Check your system for spyware/adware.
Many websites install spyware/adware on your system without your knowledge. These can be as simple as cookies that track where you surf to actual programs that give others access to your computer. There are many utility programs that you can download to scan for these files.
7. Clean the dust out of your computer.
It seems too simple but just having a dirty computer can slow it down. If there is an excessive buildup of dust inside your computer, it will cause a heat buildup. This heat buildup will degrade performance as well accelerate wear and tear on the parts inside your computer which can lead to the premature failure of a critical part. Remember to unplug your computer before opening the case. Also, remember to NOT bump any of the internal parts with the vacuum to prevent damage.
These steps are something that we can all try if our system is running slow. If these do not get the performance of your system back to where you think it should be then a few more things can be tried. Many utility programs will perform deep checks on your system’s registry as well as look for missing shortcuts and even missing Windows files.
Another possibility is that there are too many programs starting when you turn on your computer. In Windows 98SE or XP (both home and pro) this is easy to check using the msconfig utility. From the ‘run’ command type ‘msconfig’ and hit the enter key. This will bring up the Windows Configuration Utility where you can check what is starting with Windows and it gives you the option of turning off the auto startup of many programs. In other versions of Windows (95, NT, 2000) it would be best to have someone with a good working knowledge of the Windows Registry service your computer.
If all this fails then you may need to reformat your hard drive or upgrade hardware. Remember too that you always have the option of taking your system in to a qualified service technician. Sometimes spending a little extra money will save you hours and hours of headaches or worse yet, the loss of data.
|
Many people wonder what spyware is, how it got installed on their computers, and want additional information on what spyware can do to their computer systems. If you are not sure what spyware we hope that you will check out our page about What is Spyware & How Does Spyware Get Installed before you read this section to get a full understanding about the problem. (Skip right to Free Spyware-Adware removal software programs info)
Since many spyware programs maintain a constant data stream leading out from your computer to a wide range of marketing companies it is vital for you to remove them to keep your personal data, files and information secure. In addition these open data streams leave your computer and personal information vulnerable to attacks by hackers. It can be a very difficult task to eliminate spyware once your computer has gotten infected.
| Spyware Remover |
|
|
Microsoft Bata
|
|
|
Virus Protection Free
|
|
|
Registry Cleaner
|
Noadware Remover
|
Spyware Remover
|
Recover Your Hard Drive
|
Produce Music
|
|
What is Spyware & AdwareFind out how you got infected and what
Spyware & Adware can do to your computer!
Do you remember all those really cool free software programs, screensavers, games and "peer to peer" file sharing applications you or your children downloaded from CNet or Tucows and other free download sites....
WELL.... you might have gotten a whole lot more than you bargained for!
Not only that, but simple web surfing can infect your computer with a host of unwanted adware and spyware!
For those of you who remember reading "1984" and briefly began wondering if someone was monitoring you through the TV hold on to your seats because it's not far off the mark -- but it is not your TV you need to worry about - - it's your computer!
Many consumers wonder what spyware is and what it does. Spyware programs are small applications that can get installed on your computer without your knowledge. These spyware programs can get installed either by downloading innocent looking software programs that include them or through ActiveX controls hidden within the source code of participating web sites or pop-up advertisments while you surf the internet. These bundeled programs and ActiveX controls can install a wide range of unwanted software onto a users computer.
Spyware is not just limited to Adware any more - now even your spouses parents, friends, and co-workers can purchase software that can monitor your computer usage and behavior.
Now don't get me wrong, I love surfing the internet and I am not against downloading a software program here or there -- I have downloaded many, and to be very honest - I never read the "terms of use" and went right to the install button but I will be a lot more selective from now on after I learned what is behind many of those free deals!
The Misconceptions about Spyware and Adware
There is a lot of confusion about the difference between spyware and adware. To most of us (the average person) a statement that something is "ad supported" means that we will have to put up with a few advertisements - no big deal right? We are all familiar with the concept of paid advertising on TV & Radio which is sponsored by companies who pay to have their products advertised on the most popular shows. But in the case of adware/spyware that is not what it means at all. It is a whole new game! What these adware and spyware programs are really doing is bundling additional software along with the one you wanted which they acknowledge will monitor your web surfing. But unfortunately it does not end there.
Now for the Facts
Currently there are well over 800 shareware - freeware products which also include adware and spyware and the numbers of web sites that include these types of installers is impossible to calculate. These Freeware and Shareware applications are located all over the internet as easy downloads. They can be found on CNet, Tucows and hundreds of other locations offering free & low cost bargains. Most of these products make no real statement that they include adware or spyware and if they do it is buried in the "terms of use" or at best they might make a vague reference that they are ad supported. Some developers might include a vague privacy statement which does not fully explain what information will be gathered or give a full explanation regarding what will be done with the information.
As an example of the scope and extent of the number consumers effected consider that an estimated 260 MILLION computer users have download at least one of the five most popular Gnutella File sharing applications just from CNet.com in the United States alone.
KaZaA Media Desktop
|
119,021,166
|
Morpheus
|
102,253,332
|
BearShare
|
17,651,773
|
LimeWire
|
14,528,779
|
Grokster
|
4,307,827
|
Total Downloads from CNet.com
|
257,762,877
|
As of Sept 2002
|
|
The known third-party applications bundled with these downloads include Cydoor, TopText, Onflow, Webhancer, BonziBuddy, ClickTillUWin, and New.net in addition to trojans and viruses such as the self replicating Nimda virus. These add on spyware/adware applications can deliver on line advertisements, collect information, assign computers user's a GUID for user tracking, overlay content or graphics on the Web site they are viewing, or modify their system settings.
What is even more alarming is that these estimates do not include the numbers from the many other download locations scatted across the internet nor do these figures include estimates of the various other Gnutella file sharing programs that are available or any of the 900 freeware or shareware programs that are downloaded each let a long the number of the "drive-by" "backdoor" installations. If these additional numbers were able to be calculated the total number of effected computers would be staggering and well be well over 600 million infected computers!
In addition to being included with other software products many of these spyware programs can get installed on your computer while you surf the internet!
|
|
Christian Chat Room invite Friends over and Chat.
