|
|
A computer is like a car, if you don't maintain it, it's going to go wrong at some point or slow down. It's very easy to do and doesnt take long and you can even set a scheduled task so you don't forget.....
1/ Go go my start,,, my computer,,, right click on my c drive and choose properties ,,,,,,press disk clean up,,,, once its finished scanning you will see a box with a list of contents to delete, make sure the items are ticked then press ok. If this hasnt been done in a while it might take a while.... if it freezes up or will not work you can go into safe mode (reboot the pc and click F8 on your keyboard),this starts up your computer with minimum drivers.
2/Open internet explorer,,,go to the top of the page and click tools,,,,internet options...on the general tab you will see temporary internet files,,,,click on delete cookies (you can delete temp internet files here too, but this is done on option 1)you can also delete your internet history below also.... click on apply ,,, ok
3/To help your computer work efficiently its best to do a defragment ,,, this sorts all your files so they are tidy and easy for your computer to find when you need them.
click start,,,, all programs ,,,,,accessories,,,system tools....disk defragmenter,,,then follow the instructions to analyze and defragment. This could take a long time if you have never done this before..... if it fails to start or is very slow,,,, reboot your computer and press F8 and do in safe mode,,,, this is a good option if your computer is running very slow or u have alot of programs starting up or running in the background.
4/Sometimes your computer might have a disk error To do a error check ,,, go to start...my computer, right click on c drive and choose properties,,,choose the tools tab at the top and click on check now for error checking.(this might inform you that it will be completed on next start up)
All the above can be set as a scheduled task... go to start...all programs...accessories....system tools...scheduled tasks...find the program and set it to start up automatically maybe once a week......once a month for defragmenter and error checking.
5/ Even if you do a disk clean up and delete cookies and temp files in internet explorer , you won't realise that its not deleting the hidden temporary internet files ! Next time you do a disk clean up >>> start....my computer...right click on C drive and choose properties,,,,,, click on disk clean up and when its finished , choose VIEW FILES before you delete them ,(these are the hidden temporary internet files) If anyone uses your computer and knows how to find them, they can view these and see where you have been on the internet. To reduce the amount of space it uses ,,,,, open internet explorer ,,,, tools,,,, internet properties.....under temporary internet files...choose settings and make sure the amount of disk space is on a low number.
HERE is a program that will delete the contents at the press of a button !! It's also free but donations welcome to continue for it to be free.
Visit MRUblaster
|
Keeping your computer clean and tidy(windows xp) |
|
If you have an internet connection and you surf the net over 90% of computers have some spyware/adware/hijackers etc, on them. Maybe even diallers which could end up costing you money on your phone bill !
BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING BELOW ,( read up on what spyware is and what it does to your computer )
read this :- Find out about spyware
ONCE YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS.... CONTINUE with the below (ALL FREE)
This is not a cleaning program like the other Spyware programs, this one runs in the background, so the spyware DOESN'T get on your computer in the first place !
Spyware remover
Firstly remove the spyware that you already have on your computer. You may have to reboot and run spybot again if it requests you to do so.
NOTE * It's best to turn off SYSTEM RESTORE (see important advice below) after removing all spyware-then turn back on and create a NEW restore point !
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
PLEASE NOTE_---If you have Kazaa , spyware is installed with it and without it kazaa will not work!.
Once you download search for updates first , then run check for problems ,,,, fix
checked problems..... Reboot your computer
Next go to:-
Get Spywareblaster Remember to update first .once finished just close as it works in the background.
Get Spywareguard
Please note...windows xp needs mimimum setup !
IMPORTANT , check for updates /monthly ! you don't want spyware creeping back on if you don't keep your definitions up to date !
HijackThis examines certain key areas of the Registry and Hard Drive
and lists their contents. See the link below for more information.
Goto hijackthis
Hijackthis Tutorial
If you are cleaning your system manually, using the above, you do this at your own risk. Editing the Registry without some basic knowledge may result in your computer not starting up anymore.Post your hijack this log on a forum for help >>Goto Forum
IE-spyad adds a list of known sites to restricted sites in internet explorer , check it out !
Goto IE-SPYAD
Spy Chaser lists known spyware programs and lets you enter a
program name to see if it's on this list before you install them:-
Get spychaser
(advanced users familiar with registry)
List of startup programmes Visit Greatis.com
Website for newbies:-
Goto Newbies.org
Computer help, inluding blaster worm removal :-
Visit Pchell
Spyware , warnings about new spyware detected:-
Visit netm.net
For more information :-
**IMPORTANT ADVICE
After removing spyware:-
If you have system restore,I would switch it off, reboot and turn back on again and set a new resore point.
heres how:-
start>>control panel>>system>>system restore>>tick switch off system restore>>apply>>.ok.>REBOOT>RESTART
Go back to system restore and untick .. apply ....ok
THEN go to start>>all programs>>accessories >>system tools>>system restore>>create a restore point
REASON for this is , if you REMOVE spyware and you do a restore in the future, the spyware will be in your backup files and it WILL be put back on your computer again !
|
|
If your surfing the internet or downloading email, you should have an anti-virus program that protects you
Visit AVG for free
If you are having problems downloading,try the online virus scanners below.
Please note , If your computer has System Restore in my opinion I would make sure you disable it before running any of these programs.A Virus can hide in your backup restore files ! (remember to turn restore back on and create a fresh restore point ! )
Trend Micro (PC-cillin) - Free on-line Scan
Goto Trend Micro
ETrust AV web scanner (Computer Associates)
Goto Etrust AV
Firewalls
If your connected to the internet you need a firewall or router to protect your computer.Zonealarm is free.
Visit Zonealarm
|
|
which ever windows you use you should be doing updates if it isnt automatically doing them.
Critical ones are very important !
Go and update now !
Goto Microsoft Updates
If you are having problems viewing games and pictures and have a newish version of windows xp you may be missing the java application (which was missed off) Goto Java.com and click on get now on the right and download and reboot. |
|
If your computer isn't running smoothly there is a problem somewhere, don't just sit complaining take control and do something about it ! all of the above should help it dramatically and u should see the difference in the speed of your connection. If you have spent hard earnt wages on your computer , why not invest a short period of time maintaning for best performance , good luck !
|
|
All the advice has been completed on my 2 pc's and those of many people I have helped I. accept no responsibility for your actions from following the advice, whatever you choose to do is at your own risk ! |
|
|
|
|
|
