Another Day With My PC

Even before Vista was released, experts have already warned about the operating system’s appetite for RAM. Indeed, it’s the most demanding program as far as system resources are concerned. 2GB would usually already suffice for Microsoft’s latest OS. However, you might be in for a surprise when you take a peek at your system’s gauges.

Being the OC that I am with regard to system performance, I usually check on the meters as to how my PC is doing. Upon checking my RAM, I was surprised to discover that only a tiny fraction of it was left available. I nearly panicked, thinking that one or both my SIMM modules are either defective or totally went dead on me.

Before rushing to the phone to call my RAM maker’s customer service hotline, I decided to pour ice-cold water on my simmering fear and anxiety first by researching on the problem. I was only a few pages on Vista’s guidebook when I discovered that the OS has a unique way of handling Alzheimer’s. A lot of RAM was still left in my PC after all. What happened was Vista just placed the unused memory space in a cache labeled as SuperFetch.

SuperFetch allocates memory space to programs or processes as they need them. This ensures that each kilobyte is used to its fullest. This is definitely better than leaving memory to rot in idleness.

So the next time you check on your RAM meter, don’t be surprised if you see that you only have a few megabytes left to burn even if you’re not running any program at all. But this doesn’t mean that you can be complacent when your system slows down. Don’t just blame it on the possibility that SuperFetch might be conking out on you. Consider every possible problem. Who knows, your PC’s slowdown might really be caused by a bad memory module.

We have all had a problem with our PC speed becoming slow, and not working very efficiently and effectively, bu there are some tips that can help you to optimize your computer performance and increase your PC speed. The very first tip to increase your PC speed, and the easiest one to implement, is to avoid running multiple programs at the same time. When more than one program is running at the same time, PC speed decreases because of multiple tasks. If you only open and use one program at a time, you will be amazed at how much your PC speed increases.

Minimize the number of programs and services on your startup menu, and your PC speed will increase substantially. Many users have programs on the startup menu that are very rarely used, but these programs are started and running every time your computer starts up or boots. This uses valuable resources which could be used to help improve the PC speed and performance instead. Remove any items and programs which are not needed every time your computer is started, and keep only those programs which must be opened at every single start up. This will give you a faster PC speed and minimize your frustration.

The easiest and best way to increase the PC speed of your machine is contained in two specific program types, and these are anti-spyware and anti-virus programs. Spyware especially can really clutter up your hard drive, and drastically affect your PC speed. Most spyware programs take over your PC and install other undesired software programs without the user being aware of this. All of these programs running may end up taking most of the resources, and this results in a very slow and sluggish PC speed.

Installing anti-spyware and anti-virus software is not enough by itself to keep your PC speed at optimum levels, because new malware and spyware versions are appearing regularly. Updating the definition directory of your anti-spyware and anti-virus software regularly, preferably once a day right before the scan is done, will guarantee that you are protected against all threats which may slow down your PC speed, even the newest ones. Without updates, you could have a number of electronic infections which may slow your PC speed, without the security programs even being aware of those specific infections as a risk.

Using a registry cleaner or manually editing the Windows Registry may help to improve your PC speed, but the results may vary widely, depending on how large your registry is and how many entries in the registry should be removed. Manually editing the Windows registry to improve PC speed may be a huge risk, because if the wrong items are altered or removed it can affect the Windows operating system and all of the functions of your computer. Delete the wrong entries and you may end up with an expensive piece of useless junk. If you are not sure, never erase an item in Windows Registry just to improve your PC speed, or you may be very sorry that you did.

Programming is not that esoteric. While applications are made up of ones and zeroes, modern programming tools or languages already allow us to create software using words that do not compete with Morse codes as far as understandability is concerned.

Many of today’s viruses or spyware infect programs by inserting seemingly meaningless words or series of characters into the lines that make up the application. If you want a hands-on experience in removing malicious codes, then you could do so by opening up the program into its bare essentials. All you have to do thereafter is to look for the line that is not included in the original make up of the software. This may seem easy if the lines or codes are just a page long. However, most applications nowadays contain kilometers of programming sentences.

Malware that strikes Windows registries also perform their pernicious act in similar fashion. You may remove the malicious line or instruction by yourself without the aid of any tool, but this is very dangerous as any erroneous alteration could lead to a system crash. This is the reason why you should leave Windows registry cleaning to RegCure. RegCure eliminates unwanted instructions inside your system’s registry, thereby enhancing your PC’s performance and ensuring the integrity of your operating system.

Don’t you just hate it if Windows greets you with a sluggish start? No matter how powerful your processor may be, too many applications in your startup list would definitely drag your system down.

You should live with this if the programs are necessary ones. However, you should be indignant and furious if those applications are useless sets of zeros and ones. Unkempt registries often make the CPU perform tasks that are not needed anymore. This usually happens when a software was not uninstalled properly as some if its files, especially the drivers, are left undeleted in the system. As a result, the computer still tries to run these programs or load their drivers as if they’re still there or are still active.

Run your registry cleaner regularly in order to ferret out unwanted lines in your Windows registry. This would save your system from allocating precious memory space for programs that are not used or needed anymore. You may also check what programs are being loaded during startup through a freeware called Autoruns.

One’s marriage to a computer only lasts for about 2-3 years on the average. The union gets rocky after a year, with the human spouse beginning to complain that his or her electronic partner is not as sweet and reliable as it was when they first tied the knot. By the second year, a divorce is already in the works. Depending on how patient the human husband or wife is, the tie is usually severed by the third year.

If actual human divorces weren’t so expensive, I think that it would be much shorter than the separation of the union between man and computer. Clothes are not the only items that people change frequently. Everybody or everything seems to be expendable nowadays.

Needless Change

Unless you’re a collector of vintage items, you’ll definitely prefer an electronic partner that’s younger and faster. The desire to quickly ditch the one you have is made even much stronger by the fact that computers are being sold at very tempting prices. It’s not surprising then that many people treat their laptop, desktops, and other electronic gadgets as sort of wardrobes that they could quickly change every time their whim demands it.

For those who do not have the resources to shuffle PCs as if they’re cards, all they could do is either minimize their expectations or decrease their reliance on their e-spouse. This may be a cost-effective way of saving the marriage. However, this stagnates the union and the growth of both partners, especially for the one who’s breathing. But this doesn’t mean that one should immediately jump on the gun when his partner becomes a drag. There are ways by which such relationship could be revitalized.

Mindful

Many attribute their computer’s sluggishness to old age. Processors usually become obsolete after 2-3 years, while RAMs shrink in comparison with new models. As with humans, old age also brings about poor or deteriorating memory. Physicians usually solve this problem through food supplements and series of mental aerobics. For PC technicians, they tackle this problem by simply increasing the computer’s memory.

PC users often commit the mistake of tagging their aging processor as the culprit in their unit’s constructive demise. While they do get a bit of improvement in speed after a processor “transplant,” they soon realize that their computer’s old illness comes back to haunt them. The solution to this problem doesn’t lie on Intel’s new creation. It may surprise many and disappoint those who went through several processor and peripheral upgrades to know that all it takes to give their PC a shot in the arm is by injecting a gigabyte or two of RAM into their system. This cheap and simple band-aid beats most types of upgrade by about a mile and a half.

Before conducting a major upgrade on your PC, make sure that you’ve considered all the simple and cost-efficient solutions first before digging deep into your pockets, as well as into your PC’s casing. PC Optimization is not an esoteric or an expensive endeavor.

I was browsing for something the other day when I heard my sister throw out a series of profanities on her computer. I jokingly told her that her PC might answer back. She just smirked. She then vented her anger on me and asked why is her Internet connection is so slow. I was quite surprised considering that we’re using the same DSL connection via a wireless router.

I checked her PC and ran a series of bandwidth tests. Everything seems ok. In fact, her PC seems to warp around cyberspace a lot faster than my laptop. I also explained to her that bandwidth is not usually the culprit in slow chat response time since IRCs or IMs don’t require a 1mbps connection in order to relay messages on time. In fact, even a dial-up connection would do, unless you’re having a teleconference.

Before cursing your ISP, check your connection stats first. The Web site that you’re browsing might just be having a down time, or the person you’re chatting with might have just taken a few winks.

No matter how fast your processor is, chances are is that your surfing speed would soon drag down due to unwanted data build up, plug-in issues, or failure to update your browser. You don’t need an antivirus or anti-spyware program for these problems. Putting grease into your laggard browser is as easy as clicking a few buttons.

If you’re using Internet Explorer, just click on Tools • Internet Options then click on Delete Browsing History. If you’re using a third-party utility suite, such as Norton Systemworks, then you have to open up its control center and choose the appropriate option to delete unwanted browser clutter.

For plug-in problems, all you have to do is disable it. In Firefox, just choose Tools • Add-ons, then Disable. In Internet Explorer, click on Start • All Programs • Accessories • Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).

As for the updates, you don’t have to worry about Internet Explorer if you’re using Windows and Windows Update is set to automatically receive patches. For Firefox, just click on Help • Check for Updates.

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.

Despite the advances in computer hardware and software, many are still wooed by the simplicity of the applications of old.

There used to be a time when writing letters or documents on a word processor was not so complicated. The only word processing options for anybody back then who dared to snub the typewriter for a Mac or an XT is Bold, Italicize, Underline, or Indent. Life was sweet until Microsoft Word came along.

Many of those who grew up and fell in love with DOS, WordStar, or Lotus 123 had a hard time moving on and accepting the fact that the help guide of the current office applications are as complex and confusing as the nutrition facts written at the back of the burrito packs sold on a nearby 7 Eleven store. Even those whose first computer experience was with a Pentium 4 are now longing for a hardware or application that is simple and easy to use.

I hope computer and program makers would realize that what people want is not something which is faster and more powerful, but one which is simpler and more useful.

Before you attribute slow browsing to a virus or spyware, there are a couple of things that you have to consider first. It’s very easy to blame it all on malware. However, you might be wasting your time scanning your entire hard drive for something that may not even be there.

Your ISP may claim that it’s making a 1mbps room for you, but more often than not, their claims are not exactly a hundred percent true or accurate. There are a number of reasons why this is so. First, your ISP may actually be cheating on you. Second, your DSL cable or modem may not be of a good kind. Third, your PC or software may already be obsolete and cannot recognize the new innovations that your ISP is using in providing you with high speed Internet access.

There are many tools or software that you could easily download on the Internet in order to determine the actual bandwidth that you’re receiving from your ISP. Check www.cnet.com for one.