Many users and experts bill Windows XP and Vista as complete packages. It seems that Microsoft has already integrated countless tools and programs in its operating systems that would ensure its viability and survival for years to come. Among the various types of applications that Redmond bestowed upon its two most popular programs are sets of security and optimization tools.

As far as malware protection is concerned, users wonder if there’s even a need to buy third-party software for security. Service Pack 2 barbed-wire XP with a good and decent firewall, while the downloadable Windows Defender and Malicious Software Removal Tool proved to be good antivirus and anti-spyware tag team partners.

Optimization under XP and even its current successor, Vista, has also already been taken cared of. Defragging hard drives costs nothing as such tool comes for free on Microsoft’s operating systems. You don’t have to buy a disk fixer, too, as ScanDisk is already integrated in the programs.

The Missing Link

Despite the integration of such applications, Vista and XP are still vulnerable to malware as both lack one very important security and optimization tool – a registry cleaner.

One should not belittle the role that registry cleaners play in keeping PCs in tip top shape. In case you don’t know, many system slowdowns are caused by clogged registries rather than by cluttered or scattered files on hard drives. The fact that your operating system always refers to the registry whenever it runs programs impels users to install a good registry cleaner in order to ensure that access to it is unhampered.

Don’t just rely on the freebies that Microsoft throws at its operating systems. Be prudent enough to fortify those free apps or fill in the holes or gaps with third-party security suites. The first thing that you should install is a registry cleaner as Vista and XP do not have one. RegCure is highly recommended by many specialists and users. Try it.

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As computer literacy continues to rise among kids ages 7 and below, I can’t help but wonder if we’ll still see kids playing out on the lawn this summer. Many children are now into online games, preferring to play with other kids on the Internet rather than on the streets.

I’m not sure if this trend could be immediately curbed. The fact that everything can be or is already being done on the Internet makes parents quite adamant in slowing down their children’s curiosity towards the PC. I agree.

While it is indeed wise to allow our kids to explore the Internet, we must ensure that their online time or experience is not hampered by bothersome pop ups or computer hiccups. Kids do have very short patience and a little glitch could make them shun the PC and hit the TV instead. Install PC safeguards, such as an antivirus program and a registry cleaner. This would definitely make their surfing time safe and seamless.

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If you’ve been an avid reader of this blog, then you definitely know by now that defragging is a must. Arranging files in their proper order could definitely optimize your PC’s performance as this would decrease the amount of time that your hard drive’s read-write heads have to look for the files that your programs need.

While defragging is desirable, running your defrag on a daily basis might be a little bit too much already. While hard drives these days are built to outlive your dog or cat, constant defragging could stress it out. Although I’m quite certain that it could bear the stress, I don’t think that you could bear the wait. Depending on the number of files or programs that you have in your primary storage device, the process could take anywhere from a few minutes to around an hour.

So, how often should you defrag? Well, it depends. If you have tons of files or programs in your hard drive and you constantly add or erase many of them, then regular defragging is a must. Once or twice a week would already do. However, if you rarely add or remove any file in your hard disk, then a daily session of this optimization method would already be overkill.

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Don’t you find it amazing that kids as young as 3 years old are already tapping their fragile fingers at keyboards? Let’s face it, generation X, Y, and the coming Zs will be exposed to computers as early as their first year outside the womb.

Time will come when kids at primary school will be more literate than us when it comes to computers. Whether or not their first experience with the PC will be pleasant or frustrating depends largely on us adults. We all know that malicious and pernicious materials abound in the Web, and we can’t monitor or filter everything that they read, see, or download in cyberspace.

One of the best ways by which we could ensure that they won’t stray to forbidden Web sites is by installing applications that restrict child movement in cyberspace. This also protects them from logging on to Web sites that disseminate files that are infected with malware.

Invest in programs that put virtual barb wire around your PC whenever it’s connected to the Internet. Antivirus and registry cleaners are must haves. As for Web site filters, there are various applications available in the market. Check your Web browser’s maker if they’re offering a free add-on or built-in filter. This could save you a few bucks. But don’t scrimp on security software, though. They are very good investments.

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What do you do when your PC slows down?

While some people try to examine what’s wrong with their computer when it’s performing under par, others are quick to put their unit out of its misery by discarding it and replacing it with a new one.

Computer manufacturers have mix reactions as to the option or solution of early retirement for PCs performing below expectations. Of course, they’re very happy with people buying new computers all the time since this would mean millions or billions in profits. However, this impatient and wasteful attitude of PC owners may also damage their name and goodwill since their units’ underperformance might be taken as a sign of poor manufacturing techniques.

Many users exhibit more patience in handling PC slowdown situations, though. Oftentimes, the problem lies not on the hardware but on the applications that are running the show. Indeed, Acer, HP, Dell, and other PC makers take pride in their units and warrant them for any defects.

PC slowdowns are usually caused by malware. You don’t have to kick the hard drive out of your system when viruses or spyware make it their abode. The simple, most effective, and cost-efficient solution for this is to run an antivirus and registry cleaner scan on your system. This does the trick almost 99% of the time. So please, don’t euthanize your computer. There are many cures out their in the market, such as RegCure.

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I was scouring the Web for new applications that could enhance Windows XP when I stumbled upon SaveXP.com. As the site’s name suggests, it is a group which is petitioning Microsoft to keep its most successful software in the market for a period longer than the one that Bill Gates has in mind.

While I have lamented that XP’s plotted demise is too early and still uncalled for, I have already resigned to the impending fact that PC users would eventually forget their old fling and fall in love with the new OS. I was wrong. More users are now realizing that Vista’s advantage over XP is just skin-deep. Problems that hound the new OS when it was first released, such as compatibility problems and speed issues, still hover above it at present.

Time has already perfected XP. It’s unfortunate that its maker decided to axe it when everybody has started hailing it as “the one.” I guess Microsoft should’ve just released a new Service Pack for XP and overhauled its exteriors instead of releasing a new version which everybody thinks is a poor upgrade (if it’s even an upgrade) of its predecessor.

I don’t know if Microsoft will give in to the pressure. To date, there are 208,461 who have signed the petition to save XP. It’s going to be 208,462 after I log out of the site. I’m all for efficiency, and it’s my opinion that optimization could be better performed at a tried and tested operating system rather than on a program that seems to be still half-baked.

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While everybody’s worrying about spyware and viruses lurking around in cyberspace, many are overlooking or taking for granted another predator, one that’s more tangible.

Let’s face it, all the antivirus and anti-spyware programs on earth could never protect you from a colleague or a family member who tiptoes into your table and uses your PC for a few minutes. Those few minutes might seem inconsequential and harmless, but then again, it only takes one click and a few seconds for a malware that’s resting on an infected Web site or downloaded file to wreak everything inside your hard drive.

Always protect your computer from unauthorized users by activating and creating a password in your BIOS and OS. There are other programs that also offer gate-keeping services that you might want to consider. Passwords may not protect you from malicious programs, but it can certainly prevent malicious users from introducing unwanted programs into your PC.

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The tool that enables us to work at Speedy Gonzales’ pace and punch out at the bundy clock faster than our boss could say “overtime!” is ironically also the very thing that could sometimes keep us from catching the 5 p.m. bus.

I’m sure there have been times when Windows wasn’t so enthusiastic as you in rushing out of the office. Laggard shut down times puts a shame on dual or multiple core processors. If only we could simply press the power button to automatically shut down the system. We all know that this is a no no, though, as abruptly shutting down the computer could bring about catastrophic consequences, such as data loss and future system crashes.

However, Windows Vista allows us to jump over this rule by giving users the option to reprogram the power button. To do this, click Start, type power options, then press the enter key. Click on Choose what the power button does, then select Shut down. Save the changes and presto! It’s as easy and simple as that

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In this age where dial-up is already extinct and 1Mbps is considered as just a trickle, one would definitely be up in arms if his Internet connection chokes or coughs up kbps phlegm. An uprising is definitely in place considering that Internet Service Providers are now promising 20-foot waves whenever you surf the Net using their surfboards.

While many ISPs are notorious for exaggerating their connection speeds, they are not actually the usual suspects when your bandwidth slims down to a needle thread. Indeed, they wouldn’t dare you into jamming their customer service phone lines by scrimping you on your broadband diet.

Surfing With Malware

Not every slow browse is caused by greedy ISPs, though. Most of the time, the problem lies in your PC. If you haven’t invested in an antivirus program or in a registry cleaner, such as RegCure, then chances are is that your Web browser is being choked by malware. Malware is considered to be one of the major causes, if not the primary cause, of slow browse. If your ISP insists that the problem is not at their end, then you could bet your modem that it is coming from yours. Fortunately for you, slow Web browsing caused by malware could easily be spiked up by simply running your antivirus and registry cleaner. Those programs easily fix slow browses in a jiffy by ridding your browser of its excess baggage.

Update Your Browser

If your PC is as clean as a sterile gauze and your ISP insists that it is providing you with tsunami waves to surf on, then your problem probably lies on your Web surfboard. Faulty browsers could definitely make Web surfing a drag. Visit Microsoft or Firefox’s Web sites and see if they already have a new version. Check for patches, too, as browsers with too many holes are susceptible to malware attacks. We all know what those malicious software could do, so be diligent in searching for updates.

Unplug Your Plug-ins

If you could still finish singing Beyonce’s latest single while waiting for a Web site to completely load up or appear on your screen, then your browser might have some problems with its plug-ins. Plug-ins are small applications that enhances programs by adding functions or features to it. Many of these programs are made for browsers. They’re definitely welcome add-ons to Internet Explorer or Firefox. However, faulty plug-ins could also slow down your browser. The best way to know if this is your slow browse culprit is by disabling your add-ons or by choosing to open a version or copy of your browser that has no cosmetics on it. You could do this in IE 7 by clicking Start • All Programs • Accessories • System Tools • Internet Explorer (No Add-ons). If you’re using firefox, just click on Tools • Add-ons, then disable the items listed as your browser’s plug-ins.

Before you call up your ISP and complain that your DSL or wireless Internet connection is acting up like a dial-up, check your bandwidth meter and see if your service provider is really the guilty party. If you don’t have one, download a copy at Cnet or PC World.

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Messages about error 1068 can be frustrating to many users, but there are ways to repair and prevent this problem without having to pay for professional help. When you use Windows XP and attempt to run the Internet Connection Sharing Wizard, you may get an error 1068 message. This message will state that an error has occurred while the program was being enabled, and that the group or service has failed to start.

When this occurs you will get the following text- 1068: dependency service or group failed to start. This is normally caused when one of the dependent services does not load onto the system correctly. This may cause some confusion with users, because they may not be sure how to fix the cause of the error 1068 message.

How to Stop Error 1068 Messages for Good

Preventing error 1068 problems does not require extensive computer knowledge or programming experience, and once these messages start to occur there is a simple way to resolve them. To stop error 1068 error messages you must take steps to ensure that all of the needed dependent services are loaded onto the system and functioning correctly.

Open up your Start menu, and then choose the Help and Support option. Go the the Pick a task option, then choose Use Tools. This will allow you to view computer information as well as diagnose problems. Select the System Configuration Utility option in the Tools section, and then click the option  to open this menu in the right pop up pane.

Another method that can be used to get to this point when trying to get rid of any messages concerning error 1068 can be used. This is done by opening the Start menu, then choosing the Run option. Now type in msconfig and press enter. This will also open the dialog box for the System Configuration Utility.

Once you have accessed the System Configuration Utility dialog box, click to open up the Services tab. To eliminate any messages about error 1068, you must ensure that all relevant and required services are selected in this area. This includes Network Connections, Plug and Play, Telephony, Application Layer Gateway Service, Remote Access Auto Connection Manager, Network Location Awareness, Remote Procedure Call, and Remote Access Connection Manager. If all of these services are not selected this can cause 1068 errors.

Once you have made sure that all the relevant services have been checked, click okay. A prompt will appear to restart your computer, now simply select okay again. Once your computer has restarted you must run the Internet Connection Sharing Wizard again. These steps should get rid of any error 1068 messages that have been appearing. Cleaning your registry with a registry cleaner can also help eliminate all error messages on your system, including error 1068 messages.

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