Ten Tips To Speed Up Your Computer
Here are ten tips on how to speed up your computer.
Free up disk space By freeing disk space, you can improve the performance of your computer. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Defragment Your Hard Drive Over time, the data on your hard drive gets scattered. Defragment your hard drive puts your data back into sequential order, making it easier for Windows to access it. As a result, the performance of your computer will improve
Scan Your Hard Disk Has your computer ever crashed, making it impossible to shut it down properly? Have you ever experienced a power outage? These problems and others can cause damage to your system files. Windows provides a utility called scandisk that will automatically detect and fix much of the damage, improving your system's performance in the process.
Scan for Viruses Viruses can wreak havoc on your computer. Detecting and cleaning viruses is an excellent way to improve your system's performance. There are many antivirus programs to choose from, but the About Guide to Antivirus Software provides a list of the Top 7 Antivirus Programs for Windows.
Check for Spyware and Adware Spyware is software that allows companies to monitor what websites you visit or even access your computer. Adware is software that displays advertisements. Both use system resources and slow your computer down. Detecting and removing the programs will improve system performance.
Uninstall Unneeded Programs Removing programs that you no longer use can free up space on your computer and speed up your system's performance. However, you need to uninstall the programs properly to see much improvement; deleting them is not enough.
Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance Windows XP provides a number of interesting visual effects like animated windows and fading menus. These effects, however, can slow down your computer. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to customize the visual effects to match your preferences and performance needs.
Stop Programs from starting on Windows boot One way you can speed up your computer is to prevent programs from launching themselves at start-up. Not only do the unwanted programs delay the start of Windows, they also continue to slow down your computer since they use system resources. Disable The Unwanted Services Disable Services you do not use or need. Open control panel, open Administrative Tools, and select Services. Disabling the wrong Services may lead to serious problems that you may not notice right away. Please consult a reference such as overclockersclub.com for information on specific Windows XP Services.
Some Tips
If this is your first defrag, do it after the disk clean up twice, then a disk defrag, and then another disk clean up.
Do all the above steps quite often to keep the speed of your PC going.
Although time-intensive, a re-partition and re-format of the hard disk drive, along with a clean installation of Windows XP will improve performance. Performing this task will remove all of your existing data, so a back-up or file copy is recommended first. Only save the files you created, as you will need to reinstall each application on the new installation of Windows. If you did not change the default location when saving documents, it may be safe to copy only the user folder and all files and folders within it (ie: "C:\Documents and Settings\(your user name)"). Typically, most users will need to be sure to copy these files:
Documents created using applications such as Microsoft Word or similar office suite programs
Bookmarks/Favorites from your Internet browser
Fonts installed that are not included by default with Windows (note that some fonts are installed by applications).
E-mail in-box and folders if you use an e-mail client that does not use an Internet browser
Any schedule data for programs such as Outlook
Financial records for programs such as Quicken
Optimize the registry either manually or with a third-party application. Many of these registry cleaner programs are available on the Internet, including commercial applications that are released as free trials. If you are not familiar with the registry, do not edit it manually -- the registry is vital to Windows' operation.
Free up disk space By freeing disk space, you can improve the performance of your computer. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Defragment Your Hard Drive Over time, the data on your hard drive gets scattered. Defragment your hard drive puts your data back into sequential order, making it easier for Windows to access it. As a result, the performance of your computer will improve
Scan Your Hard Disk Has your computer ever crashed, making it impossible to shut it down properly? Have you ever experienced a power outage? These problems and others can cause damage to your system files. Windows provides a utility called scandisk that will automatically detect and fix much of the damage, improving your system's performance in the process.
Scan for Viruses Viruses can wreak havoc on your computer. Detecting and cleaning viruses is an excellent way to improve your system's performance. There are many antivirus programs to choose from, but the About Guide to Antivirus Software provides a list of the Top 7 Antivirus Programs for Windows.
Check for Spyware and Adware Spyware is software that allows companies to monitor what websites you visit or even access your computer. Adware is software that displays advertisements. Both use system resources and slow your computer down. Detecting and removing the programs will improve system performance.
Uninstall Unneeded Programs Removing programs that you no longer use can free up space on your computer and speed up your system's performance. However, you need to uninstall the programs properly to see much improvement; deleting them is not enough.
Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance Windows XP provides a number of interesting visual effects like animated windows and fading menus. These effects, however, can slow down your computer. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to customize the visual effects to match your preferences and performance needs.
Stop Programs from starting on Windows boot One way you can speed up your computer is to prevent programs from launching themselves at start-up. Not only do the unwanted programs delay the start of Windows, they also continue to slow down your computer since they use system resources. Disable The Unwanted Services Disable Services you do not use or need. Open control panel, open Administrative Tools, and select Services. Disabling the wrong Services may lead to serious problems that you may not notice right away. Please consult a reference such as overclockersclub.com for information on specific Windows XP Services.
Some Tips
If this is your first defrag, do it after the disk clean up twice, then a disk defrag, and then another disk clean up.
Do all the above steps quite often to keep the speed of your PC going.
Although time-intensive, a re-partition and re-format of the hard disk drive, along with a clean installation of Windows XP will improve performance. Performing this task will remove all of your existing data, so a back-up or file copy is recommended first. Only save the files you created, as you will need to reinstall each application on the new installation of Windows. If you did not change the default location when saving documents, it may be safe to copy only the user folder and all files and folders within it (ie: "C:\Documents and Settings\(your user name)"). Typically, most users will need to be sure to copy these files:
Documents created using applications such as Microsoft Word or similar office suite programs
Bookmarks/Favorites from your Internet browser
Fonts installed that are not included by default with Windows (note that some fonts are installed by applications).
E-mail in-box and folders if you use an e-mail client that does not use an Internet browser
Any schedule data for programs such as Outlook
Financial records for programs such as Quicken
Optimize the registry either manually or with a third-party application. Many of these registry cleaner programs are available on the Internet, including commercial applications that are released as free trials. If you are not familiar with the registry, do not edit it manually -- the registry is vital to Windows' operation.
7 Easy Steps to Secure Your Wireless Router
When you buy a wireless router it is not secure and its default configuration will allow unwanted users that are in the vicinity of your router to connect to the internet and “steal†your wireless router internet connection. They could also gain access to your PC and steal files and folders of data. Manufacturers leave the configuration “open†so that the user can easily set up the router and get it up and running quickly. However, there is a risk if the router is not secure.
Accessing Your Wireless Router's Configuration
To gain access to your wireless router settings and configuration menu then connect to the router either wirelessly or via a Ethernet cable. Open a web browser and type either: http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.2.1
1) Change Admin password
Most wireless routers ship with a blank password. It is essential that this is changed else a potential hacker could get into your router configuration and lock you out of your own hardware.
2) Change The Network Name (otherwise known as the SSID)
The default network name is usually made up of the name/model of your wireless router. This information gives a head start for a hacker and makes it easier for them to break into your network. Don't rename it to something like your surname or house name as this unnecessarily exposes personal information. Rename it to an alpha-numeric string - this can be up to 32 characters long.
3) Turn off SSID broadcasting
By default, a wireless router's SSID is broadcast so anyone in the vicinity of your wireless router can see that it. SSID broadcasting can be turned off thus making your wireless router virtually invisible. 4) Enabling Encryption
This is switched off by default. There is a choice of WEP, WPA and WPA2. Currently the latest encryption method is WPA2 so use this where possible. Both your wireless router and wireless PC adaptor must be configured to use the same encryption.
5) Mac Address Control
All hardware has a unique MAC address associated with it, including your PC adaptor card. This MAC address can be added to access control list in the wireless router. Only devices added to the router's access control list are allowed to be connected.
6) Update router firmware
It is recommended that the latest router firmware is downloaded from the manufacturer's website and installed in the router. This will hopefully fix any bugs that have been found for your router and also help with any known security flaws in the router itself.
7) Backup settings
Finally, backup all router settings. If you reset the router back to its factory default settings for whatever reason, your configuration can later be easily and quickly restored back into the router.
Accessing Your Wireless Router's Configuration
To gain access to your wireless router settings and configuration menu then connect to the router either wirelessly or via a Ethernet cable. Open a web browser and type either: http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.2.1
1) Change Admin password
Most wireless routers ship with a blank password. It is essential that this is changed else a potential hacker could get into your router configuration and lock you out of your own hardware.
2) Change The Network Name (otherwise known as the SSID)
The default network name is usually made up of the name/model of your wireless router. This information gives a head start for a hacker and makes it easier for them to break into your network. Don't rename it to something like your surname or house name as this unnecessarily exposes personal information. Rename it to an alpha-numeric string - this can be up to 32 characters long.
3) Turn off SSID broadcasting
By default, a wireless router's SSID is broadcast so anyone in the vicinity of your wireless router can see that it. SSID broadcasting can be turned off thus making your wireless router virtually invisible. 4) Enabling Encryption
This is switched off by default. There is a choice of WEP, WPA and WPA2. Currently the latest encryption method is WPA2 so use this where possible. Both your wireless router and wireless PC adaptor must be configured to use the same encryption.
5) Mac Address Control
All hardware has a unique MAC address associated with it, including your PC adaptor card. This MAC address can be added to access control list in the wireless router. Only devices added to the router's access control list are allowed to be connected.
6) Update router firmware
It is recommended that the latest router firmware is downloaded from the manufacturer's website and installed in the router. This will hopefully fix any bugs that have been found for your router and also help with any known security flaws in the router itself.
7) Backup settings
Finally, backup all router settings. If you reset the router back to its factory default settings for whatever reason, your configuration can later be easily and quickly restored back into the router.
The Fundamentals Of Blank Spyware Deduction
The Virtual world nowadays is plagued by an anomaly called About Blank Spyware. The cyber world has now joined hands collectively in order to erase this problem from the roots. Many tools have now been devised in order to completely do away with this menace. There are many such nuisance makers who use these tools to hijack the blank home page. Many times it has been observed that computer viruses and other such troublemakers have caused the hijacks.
'About blank' spyware is one of the nastiest to eliminate. It has been one of the constant problems that the PC users are facing. The whole practice is called 'process hijacking'. In fact, blank spyware is a more advanced form of 'Cool Web Search' hijacker.
If you have a computer with an internet connection, you must be aware of the affects of the adware, spyware, Trojans, virus etc. You should install some kind of adware and spyware removal tool so that your computer is safe from the attacks of these. These adware and spyware can cause identity thefts and many other scams to the Internet user especially when he is innocent in this field. There are adware and spyware removal tools available online and that can be free or might charge some amount.
One of the major coercion caused by the spywares is hacking of the registry. Windows 'registry' is a database where all the applications and processes write entries in the form of codes. Additionally, some '.dlls' are placed in the 'Windows' and 'Windows32' folders. When an application (or a process) writes it's coding in the registry, the operating system (Windows XP, Windows Vista and others) modifies its own settings to run those.
It has been observed that removing the particular About Blank Spyware is not easy and can often prove to be troublesome. There are particularly three types of method for removing these hijackers namely- a) a manual one which needs to be downloaded b) an automatic spyware removal program and c) this one deals with usage of �vbscripts�. The manual method would involve two processes like Hijack This and Reglite.exe. Both are very effective methods but Reglite.exe is really innovative, as it seems to be able to locate the invisible dll files and does not allow the hijackers to wreak havoc again!
The vbscripts removal method is another innovative method, which involves Registrar Life 2.0 to eradicate, the about: blank type of the CWS Cool Web Searcher hijacker.
Free tools are not as good as the paid ones. Some free software detect the threats free of cost, but charge a low cost for removing them. Incidentally, if the 'blank spyware' is of an older version then freeware can clean them.
If you have been considering the decision to get the professional help, sooner the better. There are peculiar symptoms of the spyware and adware, but you don�t have to be an expert to get the required help. If you feel that your search engine has been acting funny and there are windows popping up one after another despite your efforts to get rid of them it�s high time you do something for Spyware removal and adware.
New and complex spywares are taking the place of older ones. Older spyware detection tools are failing to trace these multifaceted worms. Conversely, spywares are sending user information to the marketing companies.
So, its obviously up to you to decide on which type of software that you are ready to install on your computer � but it�s a warning to all those who do not seem to be taking this menace seriously. Keep your computer safe by installing all kinds of about blank spyware removal programs.
'About blank' spyware is one of the nastiest to eliminate. It has been one of the constant problems that the PC users are facing. The whole practice is called 'process hijacking'. In fact, blank spyware is a more advanced form of 'Cool Web Search' hijacker.
If you have a computer with an internet connection, you must be aware of the affects of the adware, spyware, Trojans, virus etc. You should install some kind of adware and spyware removal tool so that your computer is safe from the attacks of these. These adware and spyware can cause identity thefts and many other scams to the Internet user especially when he is innocent in this field. There are adware and spyware removal tools available online and that can be free or might charge some amount.
One of the major coercion caused by the spywares is hacking of the registry. Windows 'registry' is a database where all the applications and processes write entries in the form of codes. Additionally, some '.dlls' are placed in the 'Windows' and 'Windows32' folders. When an application (or a process) writes it's coding in the registry, the operating system (Windows XP, Windows Vista and others) modifies its own settings to run those.
It has been observed that removing the particular About Blank Spyware is not easy and can often prove to be troublesome. There are particularly three types of method for removing these hijackers namely- a) a manual one which needs to be downloaded b) an automatic spyware removal program and c) this one deals with usage of �vbscripts�. The manual method would involve two processes like Hijack This and Reglite.exe. Both are very effective methods but Reglite.exe is really innovative, as it seems to be able to locate the invisible dll files and does not allow the hijackers to wreak havoc again!
The vbscripts removal method is another innovative method, which involves Registrar Life 2.0 to eradicate, the about: blank type of the CWS Cool Web Searcher hijacker.
Free tools are not as good as the paid ones. Some free software detect the threats free of cost, but charge a low cost for removing them. Incidentally, if the 'blank spyware' is of an older version then freeware can clean them.
If you have been considering the decision to get the professional help, sooner the better. There are peculiar symptoms of the spyware and adware, but you don�t have to be an expert to get the required help. If you feel that your search engine has been acting funny and there are windows popping up one after another despite your efforts to get rid of them it�s high time you do something for Spyware removal and adware.
New and complex spywares are taking the place of older ones. Older spyware detection tools are failing to trace these multifaceted worms. Conversely, spywares are sending user information to the marketing companies.
So, its obviously up to you to decide on which type of software that you are ready to install on your computer � but it�s a warning to all those who do not seem to be taking this menace seriously. Keep your computer safe by installing all kinds of about blank spyware removal programs.
