Is your computer
taking forever to start
programs? Is it taking longer
than a few minutes to boot
up? Do you have random crashes
or automatic reboots in
the middle of your recording
sessions? These
problems are very common.
The good news is that you
can usually remedy the problem
very easily! These
are a few different types
of problems and here's the
breakdown of how to fix
them.
Spyware & Viruses:
This can be solved
with a simple scan. You
should be careful with which
programs you install on
your computer. There is
a difference between Spyware,
Adware, Keyloggers, and
Viruses. Spyware searches
your computer for personal
information. Adware install
software that will cause
annoying pop-up ads. Keyloggers
attempt to steal information
to you log-ins and bank
accounts. Get rid of them
with a scanner. There are
a few different programs
for each type of infiltration.
Here's the
important thing:
These scanners can be run
as much as you want.
It's recommended to run
these programs at least
once a week to keep at optimal
performance. Here is a list
of programs that are recommended
and are safe to install
- they are also completely
FREE:
Defrag your hard
disk (HD): This is
something that is usually
built into the operating system
(OS). Consult your OS help
file if you can't find it
in the main menu. Defragging
your HD can make a huge
improvement in your computer
overall performance. This
type of program re-organizes
the placement of your files
on your HD. This means that
your computer can access your
files in a more efficient
manner because they are all
lined up in order. This
can be run as much as you
want. It's
recommended to run this at
least once a week to keep
at optimal performance.
Dust and Heat Problems:
Computers are very
sensitive to heat. Take a
few minutes to inspect the
space where your computer
is residing currently. There
needs to be plenty of open
space and room around ANY
of the ventilation fans in
the computer case. While your
at it, check the fans inside
the case and on the outside
of the case. If there is any
dust built-up on the fans
or in random spots in the
case, you need to blow it
out! Canned air is cheap and
easy to find. Just go to your
local computer store (like
Fry's Electronics or Best
Buy) to purchase some. I like
to call it cheap insurance.
Dust keeps air from circulating
properly. This leads
to overheating. Overheating
will cause random reboots
and software errors. Also,
it could lead to early processor
failure. Keep it ventilated
and dust free!
General Precautions:
Be wary of the web-sites you
choose to visit. If you see
an ad for a FREE iPod (or
laptop, or playstation, etc...)
- STAY AWAY. These ads and
related sites are the worst
for depositing spyware, adware,
keyloggers and viruses on
your computer. Most spyware
may or may not steal your
credit card information, but
it WILL run secretly in the
background on your computer
taking up valuable
memory and processor power!
There are countless sites
that can infect your computer.
If you happen to get a popup
window asking to verify installation
of a certificate or plug in
- BE VERY CAREFUL and read
it before you CLICK YES. It
could be something normal
and safe, but it could be
something very destructive.
Basically, you need to stay
away from ad links and sites
that pop-up with windows with
an OK or CONTINUE button.
Of course, you still need
to scan for spyware and adware
and viruses on a regular basis.
Try a different web
browser. Try Mozilla
FireFox. Seriously. Internet
Explorer is one of the least
secure browsers available
- despite what Microsoft would
want you to believe. FireFox
is very secure and you can
even get free add-ons that
make it even more secure.
Of course, you still need
to take the precautions listed
in the previous paragraph.
Here's the link to get FireFox
installed.
Mozilla
FireFox
Bottom Line:
Follow some of the basic
precautions out lined in
this article. Scan for viruses
and spyware. Defrag your
hard disk(s). Check for
proper ventilation and clean
out dust deposits. Watch
the websites you visit.
Do it all on a once
a week basis. You should
now be running smoothly
all the time!
Tuning Your Slow Computer
