HomeRecordingHowTo.com - Tuning Your Slow Computer

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 very 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.

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!

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