Another Day With My PC

Every article about PC optimization almost always babbles of tips on how to tweak settings or hardware in order to inject a few liters of jet fuel in the CPU. Indeed, one optimizes his computer in order to get it to perform as fast as it possibly could. It could then be said that PC optimization is synonymous with PC speed.

Despite the very apparent similarity, PC optimization and PC speed are two different things. While PC optimization aims to put cheetah legs on your CPU, it’s also concerned with prolonging the life of your hardware.

Let me illustrate this difference through an optimization method known as overclocking. Overclocking involves shifting your CPU’s gear to its highest level. You could normally do this by changing some of the settings in the BIOS. By doing this, you’ll increase your PC’s speed by 10-20%. This is good as far as speeding up your PC is concerned. However, having your computer’s heart beat twice as fast as it normally does could have some deadly repercussions. Overclocking is synonymous to overheating. Overclocked PCs produces enough heat to make you want to take out some eggs and a frying pan.

PC speed focuses on giving you everything that your computer could produce in as little time as possible. On the other hand, while PC optimization also aims to add a few mph on your computer’s speedometer, it intends to do this with as little damage to your system as possible. In other words, PC optimization is also concerned with prolonging the life of your PC.

Hence, it could be said that underclocking is also a form of PC optimization. This may seem quite absurd considering that such method would slow down your PC. However, underclocking has a few advantages that could be beneficial to your system. For one thing, lower clock speeds mean less heat. As we all know, heat fries the life out of your PC.

PC optimization is not just about speed. Computer optimization is more about configuring your PC in such a way that it would perfectly meet your needs while preserving and prolonging the life of your hardware. PC optimization is all about efficiency. An efficient PC is one which could provide you with your needs for as long as possible.

What do you do when you encounter an error message?

I bet many of you just click “ok” after reading the first 4 words that are written in the notice or warning. I don’t blame you for having that kind of attitude towards Windows’ occasional ranting. I myself am guilty of that sometimes. The words in the warning or message box seem either gibberish or too technical to comprehend. In the fatalistic hope that things would turn out just fine by clicking ok (after all, ok means ok, right?), many users blindly click the first button that they see, especially if it’s selected or highlighted by default.

It’s Actually Telling You Something

The authors of Windows didn’t just randomly copy a page of the operating system’s manual and paste it on the error or warning boxes, though. You can bet your mouse’s left button that the designers carefully thought out all the error messages that Windows could utter in case it hiccups. I would even dare say that around 50 cents of the operating system’s price tag accounts for the time that the programmers have spent in writing those error messages.

It’s not wise to ignore error messages. Warning or error boxes that pop up on your screen are Windows’ way of telling you that it’s not feeling well and that it probably needs some tweaking. The fact that you know nothing technical other than Ctrl+Alt+Del doesn’t mean that you don’t have to exert any effort to try to address those messages. The most prudent thing to do when you see Windows coughing is to take note of the thing’s that it’s telling you and try to Google on it for clarifications and solutions.

The Blue Screen of Death

If you’re too lazy to open Google, then just continue reading this post. I’ll just spoon-feed you as to the possible causes.

One of the well known (and dreadful) error messages that you could get is the blue screen of death (BSoD). This curse is usually caused by faulty hardware, such as the motherboard and SIMM modules. Overheating on the CPU can also cause your monitor to spray blue paint all over its screen.

Solving BSoD problems caused by faulty hardware can easily be solved. However, the solution could be a bit of a burden on your pocket. Sputtering peripherals usually need to be changed. Although you could have it examined and dissected by a technician, chances are is that the numbers on the repair costs are almost the same as the price tag for a brand new part. I recommend that you just buy a brand new component rather than having your old peripheral undergo e-surgery.

Soft Solution for a Hard Problem

Before you buy a new component, though, make sure that it is really the problem. There are times when the peripheral is actually ok but appears to be not working due to a defective or incompatible device driver. Make sure that all the supporting applications or drivers that are necessary in order for the component to function are already installed. Update them regularly by visiting its manufacturer’s Web site for new releases or by checking driver repositories on the Internet, such as Driver Detective.

BSoDs are also caused by faulty Registry. If this is the cause of your operating system’s problem, you can solve it by running System Restore. If you failed to create a restore point, then seek the help of a Registry cleaner, such as RegCure. This program could rid your operating system’s registry of unwanted lines and instructions.

You don’t have to read every post in this blog to realize that running a full virus and registry scan at least once a week is as imperative as taking a bath at least once a day (I really hope that you do). We’ve devoted almost every article in this blog to campaign for PC optimization and security, and you cannot attain either if you don’t check your PC regularly for viruses and other malware.

At first glance, it seems that there’s no excuse for us to skip or fail to run a full system scan. After all, it takes just one click to scan your whole PC for malware. However, a typical hard drive contains thousands of system and other data files. Depending upon the depth or thoroughness of the scan that you’ve set, the antivirus software would generally rummage through every item in your computer. This process would definitely be time-consuming.

In this era where time is more valuable than gold, many simply cannot afford to freeze their tasks just to make way for their antivirus and anti-spyware programs to do their job. While there is such a thing as multitasking, sharing PC resources with an antivirus could be a problem since a security suite that’s running a full system scan would be very jealous of anything that tries to get the CPU’s attention.

Deadlines and other tasks should not be made as seemingly reasonable excuses to skip a full system scan. Unless you’re working 24 hours a day, there will definitely be pockets of time where your PC’s CPU would feel useless or neglected. Make use of these periods to flex your antivirus and registry scanner’s muscles. Schedule scans during lunch breaks or even after office hours. Every PC task can be done automatically, so you don’t have to baby sit the whole process. Trust everything in your anti-malware programs or to your task scheduler. It will take care of everything.

There was a time when computer jargon was understood by bespectacled persons only. Those days are definitely gone. At present, everybody knows what OS means or what AV stands for.

The computer will undoubtedly beat sliced bread as the most common item known to man in a few years time. When that point comes, don’t be surprised if the United Nations adds Assembly Language, Visual Basic, or C++ along with Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish as one of its official languages.

A working knowledge of computers is unquestionably indispensable. It’s not that hard to learn how to use one. You don’t have to buy a dozen Dummies book about PCs in order to learn how to operate them. All you have to do is devote a few hours of your day on a daily basis in pounding that keyboard and see what happens on the screen. Trust me, the method may seem to be designed for Neanderthals, but this was how many computer geeks learned their favorite pastime.

Make sure that your PC is safe from external threats so that you won’t be disturbed in trying to find out what those F keys are for. System file or Windows registry infection could surely hamper your effort in trying to get to know your unit more intimately. Invest in an antivirus and a registry cleaner before you do anything with your PC.

It’s difficult having an obsessive-compulsive disorder. People who have this tend to repeat things needlessly or be overly cautious about something. One of the things that you’ll immediately notice in a person who has this is his penchant to always clean things. Now imagine what suspicious looking pop ups or notices could do to that person.

It’s not only obsessive-compulsive or OC persons who always feel the need to meticulously check his computer for unwanted applications. I won’t be surprised if you run your antivirus or registry cleaner once or twice daily, especially if your PC’s hard drive practically holds everything that is dear to you.

Already Taken Cared Of

Although I’m quite particular about PC cleanliness, both in and out, I don’t feel the compulsion of having to scan through my whole system everyday for viruses. For one thing, antivirus programs already do this, albeit silently in the background. Every activity in your computer is already being monitored by your security suite. You’ll most likely be prompted if the software detects any attempt to change the entries in your Windows registry or modify your other system files.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I’m not saying that you don’t need to get directly involved in keeping your PC safe from unwanted software. All I’m saying is that you don’t need to get jumpy everytime something suspicious transpires in your computer.

Good and Bad Bacteria

Not all pop ups are caused by spyware. Although pop ups are the necessary consequence of spyware or adware infection, this is not always the case. There are some who come from legitimate applications or Web sites. It may be that the manufacturer of your operating system or other program is reminding you to update or renew its license. Reminders are often in the form of pop ups, especially if they’re urgent.

Before you press the panic button, carefully scrutinize the pop up first. Check if it’s a notice for an update. If it is, then see if you really have the software that is stated in the message. If you have that program installed, then the pop up is a legitimate notice. You don’t need to run an antivirus for that as it will most likely go away after a few appearances.

The Sign

If the notice or pop ups get too annoying for comfort, such as when it appears every minute or every hour without telling you what to do, then chances are is that your PC is infected with a spyware or adware. This is especially true of the pop up is advertising something. In this case, you’d better run a full system scan.

While PC users need to be very careful and vigilant against malicious programs, they need not be too OC about it. Running an antivirus to check on every pop up is overkill, especially if the notice is not persistent or appears to be coming from a legitimate source. Check the pop up first. A minute of scrutiny could save you from hours of needless scanning.

One of the reasons why I hate cleaning my desktop is because of the multitude of wires attached to it. Looking at the back of my PC’s casing reminds me of Rapunzel’s golden locks. If my memory serves me right, around 5 wires or cables entangle each other for accommodation at the various port sockets. Aggravating this eyesore are their lengths which could definitely strangle your patience when the time to clean and untangle them arrives.

Haircut

While you couldn’t dispense with the wire that connects your PC to the power outlet, there is one that you could do away with – the DSL cable. Ever since laptops started threatening the existence of desktops, wireless routers sprouted like mushrooms. Indeed, the very essence of mobile PCs would be defeated if it is nailed to the table next to where the DSL cable is. By setting up a wireless router in your home or at the office, you could unshackle your notebooks and other electronic gadgets that can connect to the Internet.

Share the Wealth

It’s not only laptops that catapulted the wireless router to the pedestal of Internet connectivity. High speed DSL connection also made wireless access viable. Take note that a router’s main task is to enable multiple users to share one common Internet source or access. Sharing a 10mbps connection is a must. I mean, what do you need the extra 9MB for? However, if you’re still stuck in dial-up, then sharing that 56kbps that your ISP is giving you is like sharing a single spaghetti strand with just one meatball on it.

You don’t need a Computer Science degree at Princeton or NYU in order to be able to set up a wireless network right at your own home. Most of the routers that are available in the market today are like RTWs. In case you haven’t noticed, the user’s part in installing a PC peripheral is usually just confined to connecting the power or the USB cable on the component.

Before Buying a Router…

There are a few things that you have to consider before opting to blanket your house with wireless Internet. First and foremost is security. If you don’t intend on sharing your wireless Internet with your neighbor, then I suggest that you buy a router with a limited range. Of course, you could always secure your network by using passwords, but it’s better to nip the problem in the bud.

Another thing that you have to consider is viability. You may have a fast Internet connection, but if you have a dozen family members living under one roof, then your generosity might just frustrate you in the end. Before setting up a wireless network, consider the number of people who would be using it. If they’re many, or a few but would be downloading megabytes or gigabytes of files, then I suggest that you upgrade your DSL plan first before even trying to share the blessing.

There are many risks in connecting to the Internet. Make sure that you have the necessary system and security tools, such as a registry cleaner and an antivirus, before warping into cyberspace.

It’s Christmas Eve. The last thing that I should be doing is discussing PC problems with you guys. However, I can’t contain my excitement in sharing with you the gifts that I think I would be receiving.

On top of my list is a Mac notebook. Although many consider a Mac as a novelty rather than as a real functioning computer, I’m still excited with the thought of owning one. I’ve never had a Mac desktop or notebook before. My first PC was a 386SX clone. My mom almost bought me a Mac, but unfortunately (or fortunately), it was the Intel-based unit that was on sale.

While the PC and the Mac are starting to blend or morph into something that could seamlessly work together, differences still abound. This makes file sharing very difficult. And since 95% of the computers in the office are PC-based, the chances of successfully or productively using a Mac at the office are as slim as the latter’s new notebook.

Another present that I think I would be getting is a copy of Vista Ultimate. What I have in my new notebook is just a registered copy of Vista Home Basic. While the copy has already satisfied my curiosity as to how the new Microsoft OS looks and feels, it hasn’t allayed my fears with regard to dependability. If just for my peace of mind, I want the full (licensed, of course) copy Vista.

The license of my other system and security suites are already expiring, so I guess a good present for myself would be a new set of PC defenders. I’m thinking of trying a new antivirus for a change. Norton has already been my companion for almost a decade. While many regard it as the most reliable antivirus in the market, many are complaining that it’s making their system slow. I might try McAfee’s. Hmm maybe I’ll even try the freeware available in www.cnet.com or www.pcworld.com.

All of these might just be wishful thinking, though. I haven’t seen any box under our tree yet. Who knows, I might just be receiving gift checks or coffee mugs (again). I guess I’ll just be getting software license renewals (from me!!). While I may be contemplating on changing my antivirus, I will definitely be retaining my registry cleaner. RegCure has effectively kept my PC free from unwanted instructions brought about by malware attack or incomplete uninstall procedures.

My friends at the office usually wonder as to why their unit runs slower than mine considering that we’re using the same type of laptop. Even the applications that we have are also the same, except for the registry cleaner. The antivirus came in free when our boss gave the laptops to us. However, that was the only sentinel that came with the unit. My officemates were already contented in having a lone antivirus to protect their unit. I wasn’t. Judging by the way our units are running, I could definitely conclude that an antivirus is not enough in keeping and protecting a computer from things that could slow it down.

Do you ever wonder why your hard drive sometimes spins like crazy even if you’re not doing anything with your computer? Halloween is still 9 months away so don’t suspect that this is another ghost story. However, the reason behind that mindless spinning can be equally terrifying.

We all know that malware usually works behind the scenes. No self-respecting virus author would expose his work to any third-rate anti-virus software. So in order to increase the life span of his creation, he would develop it in such a way that it could run without being noticed.

Fortunately, no bad deed goes unnoticed. There are many ways by which you could detect the presence of unwanted applications without resorting to a laborious full-system scan.

If your hard drive is working overtime without you demanding anything from it, then chances are is that it’s working for somebody or something else. A virus or a malicious code may have been inserted in your registry which instructs your system to do needless loops, or worse, perform destructive functions.

Be very observant when you’re using your PC. If it slows down, try rebooting. If it still runs at a laggard pace, then run your anti-virus and check if your system is clean.

Contrary to what some believe, optimizing your PC is just as easy as playing Solitaire or Minesweeper on Windows. Many users are sometimes intimidated by the gamut of details that come out of their screen after a disk or system scan.

There are several tools by which you can improve the performance of your PC. One of my favorites is the disk defragmenter. This optimization option can be very helpful, if not a must, for users like me who always install and uninstall applications in their computer.

The ideal arrangement of files or applications in a hard drive is that they should occupy a single, contiguous space so that it could easily be accessed. However, this is not always the case. The hard drive writes files on the first vacant space that it finds. However, that free disk estate cannot usually accommodate the whole file. Hence, half of the file or application is placed elsewhere in the disk.

A disk defragmenter solves this dilemma by rearranging the files in the disk in such a way that each file or a group of related files are placed on a specific and contiguous portion of the disk. This would make it easier for the computer to access them since it won’t have to sort out its entire hard disk to open the file or application.This is just one of the ways by which you could harness the full potential of your PC. Don’t limit yourself to this option alone though. Clean your registries and make sure that your disk is in top shape, too.