Wednesday, October 21, 2009

6 Simple Steps To A Faster Computer!

By Jim Taylor

Here are six simple steps which, if followed, will result in faster peformance and a more secure computing environment.

1. Get into the habit of using Windows keyboard shortcuts. If you slowly introduce two or three shortcuts you will find your productivity increasing noticably. Windows + M minimizes all open windows instantly. Windows + Tab cycles through open programs if youre using Vista. If you need to leave your desk keep prying eyes out of your Pc by locking the session (Windows + L).

2. Most PC users are in agreement about the most pointless features of Windows Operating Systems. The delete confirmation dialog ('Are you sure you want to send this file to the recycle bin?') is certainly in the top 10 of annoying and repetative time wasters. If you do happen to make a genuine mistake while deleting, you can always restore a file from the recycle bin, so this dialog serves no useful purpose. You should turn it off and start saving some time. Right click on the Recycle Bin and untick the option to display the delete confirmation dialog.

3. If you are using Vista, why not keep your hard drive in the best possible condition by scheduling an automatic disk defragment. Click start, type defrag and click enter. Tick 'Run on a schedule' box and then click modify. Here you can tell Vista exactly when and how often to run a defragment. Once a month would be enough to keep you performance levels high.

4. Devote some attention to Windows Updates. These are extremely important if you are hoping to stay secure and keep viruses out. Approximately once a month, Microsoft will release various security updates that are designed to fix specific security faults ('Vulnerabilities') in its Operating Systems. If left unpatched, these flaws can easily be used by hackers to infect your computer. Will you remember to check for updates and how will you know when new ones are available? Why not configure Automatic Updates and let it take care of this.

5. Create good passwords for all of the User Accounts on your computer. Many users choose to leave accounts wide open with no passwords. Even worse, is the Administrators account which exists by default on all Windows XP & Vista machines. This account gives total access to your computer system, and in most cases has never been password protected. Remedy this immediately by creating a fresh set of passwords for all of your accounts. Remember to use a mix of letters and numbers and throw in a couple of uppercase letters for good measure.

6. Install strong Antivirus Software. Do some research to satisfy yourself as to an effective antivirus software as some programs are decidedly mediocre. A good antivirus will form the mainstay of your computer's security while on the internet. You can increase your security further with strong antispyware protection. A few years ago you might have got away with neglecting this issue, but certainly not today. Weak security will be quickly exploited by the latest rogues, trojans and rootkits.

Youve arrived at the end. Be a responsible computer owner, head off and try these tips out!

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