Your PC’s “New Years Resolution”

This year your PC has been through a lot. Checking emails, writing documents, creating power points, and maybe even playing some games. Why not give your PC a nice gift, with a new years “clean up”. In this article we will go over some techniques and programs you can use to make your computer run faster this new year and free up some space on your hard drive.

1. Remove Spyware: I have said this a thousand times and I’ll say it again. You need to remove spyware from your PC because according to Wired News, “Spyware is the biggest threat to personal computing.” I couldn’t agree more. CNN also said, “…there is a 90% chance your PC is infected with Spyware.” In extremely simple terms, Spyware is one of the most popular reasons your PC runs slow, even if you do have the most advanced antivirus software. Remove these infections using AntiSpywareBot which can be downloaded for a free scan here. To remove all of the issues detected, you need to pay $19.95, but it is totally worth it. I use this software personally and it’s worth every penny.
2. Clean up Your Registry: Registry Issues is the other leading cause of slow PC performance. All Windows PC’s have a registry which consist of vital configuration information. Many times these registry key’s become corrupted. Every time you install a program, or edit something in your control panel, it effects your registry. If you download AntiSpywareBot, and decide to purchase, get RegClean as well. Its only $10 more and it’s an effective program. I still swear by RegCure, but RegClean is an acceptable 2nd Place.
3. Defragment your Hard Drive: More than likely you PC has fragmented files on your Hard Drive, which slow down the loading of files on your computer. I recommend a defragmentation of your Hard Drive. Run a defragmentation using the AusLogics Disk Defrag program. It’s 1oo% free and you can download it at Download.com by clicking here.
4. Clean Up Unnecessary Files: Remove temporary files, cookies, your website history, and fix minor registry issues using CCleaner. This program is also free via Download.com and you can get it here.
5. Update your Anti Virus: Hopefully you have antivirus, but if it is outdated, it’s useless. I highly recommend you update your antivirus if it is not updated. Then run a complete scan of your PC. If you do not have an antivirus, get the free one I use personally, Avast!. It easy to use, better than paid programs, and offers free automatic updates. Download it here.

Tips:

1. If you use your computer within every 15 hours, do not shut it down. Specifically at night. If you are using it the next morning or afternoon, leave it on, or set it to sleep (standby). When you turn on your PC after it being shut down, you’re performing a “cold boot”. A cold boot can eventually wear away at your PC’s inside components because of the surge of electricity to them. Leaving your PC running at night, or on standby, prevents this from happening.
2. The biggest threat to the hardware of your computer is heat. Hardware are the physical components inside your computer. If your PC is laced with dust inside, its like having a layer of insulation inside your PC. This can eventually fry the components on the inside of your computer. To prevent this kind of damage, don’t leave your tower on the floor, keep it in a raised, dust free location.

With these tips and programs, your PC should be running like new in no time. Have a great New Years.

-Matt