Do you want to speed up programs on your computer because your computer slows way down when you run more than two or three programs at a time?  There are several ways to speed up your PC or laptop without breaking the bank.

Use the free tools that Windows provides for system upkeep.

You can make sure all of your software runs faster by using the tools that Microsoft puts on your system.  All versions of Windows come with a disk defragmenter, available in “System Tools” under the Accessories menu.  It’s a good idea to use this tool at least once or twice every month.

It’s also a good idea to check for Windows updates on a regular basis.  This doesn’t just help your computer run faster–it also keeps it safer (though not immune) from viruses and spyware programs.

Check for viruses and spyware on a regular basis

It could be that certain unwelcome software on your computer is causing your programs to run slowly.  In this case, you may be able to speed up programs dramatically by performing a couple of scans with free software.

There are several free anti-virus and anti-spyware programs available online that will do a good job of keeping your computer safe if you use them regularly.  While the upgraded versions often have features that are worth the price you pay, the free versions will work fine just as long as you remember to use them on a regular basis!

It’s best to have at least one anti-virus and one anti-spyware program on your computer.  These days, many programs combine both functions.  Any computer will be safe with three of these programs installed on the hard drive.

Having more than three of these programs in operation on your computer will likely slow down system functioning, without offering a significant increase in protection.  The most important thing isn’t quantity or even quality; the most important thing about these programs is whether or not you remember to use them every week!

Keep your registry clean so that your Windows system doesn’t get bogged down.

One of the prime culprits of slow computer function is a cluttered or damaged registry.  Unfortunately, this is also the least known!

The Windows registry can accumulate damaged, out of date, or erroneous files over time.  This happens for a variety of reasons that usually have nothing to do with the individual computer owner.  Speed up programs on your PC or laptop by running a free registry scan.

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If you’ve had your computer for more than a couple of months, you’re probably at the point where you want to speed up loading time for your programs or your computer in general.

Defragment your hard drive.

It’s easy to defragment your hard drive–and this can really speed up loading for your files, programs, and operating system.  Fortunately, this is just about the easiest maintenance you can perform on your computer.

• Click on the Start menu.
• Select “Accessories” (you may have to click on “All Programs” to see this).
• In the Accessories menu, select “System Tools”
• Click on the Disk Defragmenter
• Run it!

Do this at least once a month.  If your computer sees heavy use, go ahead and run it every week or two, even if it tells you that you don’t need to.  This will speed up loading for everything on your computer and help keep it running smoothly.

Root out all spyware from your system!

These days, spyware is just a fact of life for most people.  It doesn’t have to be.

Spyware eventually appears on most computers as a way for advertisers to keep track of various marketing information.  Some spyware is actively dangerous to your computer, while other spyware “merely” slows your computer down.

There are a variety of anti-spyware programs on the market today. Some offer free versions, while others are free (with a donation box, of course!)

Download one or two of these programs and run them every week or so.  Every time you catch and delete a new spyware program, you’ll be glad you did.

Make sure your registry is clean and in good working order.

Spyware, adware, and other malicious programs can leave errors on your computer that anti-spyware and anti-virus programs do not remove. These problems usually reside in the Windows registry, which is a routing database for all the “action” files for all of your programs.

Malicious programs often leave behind their malicious traces in this database, as anti-spyware and anti-virus programs do not also act as registry cleaners.

In addition, this database can become cluttered and damaged from a variety of factors over time.

A cluttered, damaged, or out-of-date registry is the most common culprit for slow-loading, slow-running computers.  Most reputable registry cleaners offer free scans to anyone interested.  Speed up loading times on your computer by scanning your computer today!

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Have you ever tried using a public PC? Some of you might probably answer in the negative. Indeed, going to Internet cafés to surf the Web is starting to become unfashionable these days as portable computers continue to get cheaper.

But don’t expect net café’s to totally disappear soon. No matter how small PCs get, you won’t always find it convenient to carry it around with you. So there will definitely come a time when you’ll be forced to use a computer that’s not yours.

Using a public PC can be dangerous, so you’d better limit the things that you’ll do whenever you’re using one. Public computers are notorious for being a melting pot of viruses, just as public toilets are. Hundreds of people have already used it, so there’s a big chance that one of them might have introduced a worm in the system maliciously or inadvertently.

One of the things that you shouldn’t do when you’re using a computer that’s not yours is to engage in e-commerce. Whenever you buy things on the Internet, sensitive financial data will be asked of you, such as your credit card number. Many worms are embedded in public PCs that capture keystrokes, especially those that are keyed in on online stores. Unless you would want to give a virtual supplemental card to hackers, don’t conduct financial transactions on a PC that other people also use.

You should also think twice in accessing your e-mail or other accounts on a public computer. Again, malware that are designed to capture passwords are often injected into public PCs. Try to limit the things that you do in a public computer. Checking the latest NFL or NBA results is harmless. But checking your bank account balance on a net café can be suicidal.

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I’m sure many of you would want to start 2009 with a clean slate. May I then suggest that you start the new year with a clean and secure PC. There are many ways by which you could accomplish this.

Delete Unnecessary Files

If you’ve worked and traveled a lot last year, then your desktop or laptop may be filled with pieces of evidence of your industriousness and restlessness.  The proofs that I’m referring to are the countless files that you’ve saved and sent to your boss, and the equally innumerable multimedia files that you’ve compiled during your weekend getaways.

If you do not intend to open or access these files anymore at the start of the first working day of 2009, then I suggest that you either delete them or transfer them to an external hard drive. Delete old files that you don’t use or need anymore. While they may take up only a few kilobytes of your enormous hard drive, they can still slow your computer down. You’ll feel their weight during system scans or when you conduct an automatic search of files or programs on your computer. Search engines will scour every data on your hard drive, including ones that you’ve already forgotten. Hence, the more files you have on your hard drive, the longer the searches and scans will take.

Reformat Your Hard Drive

If you really want to forget any memory of last year, then you might want to consider performing the ultimate purge by reformatting your hard drive. While this would surely eliminate any malware residing in your primary storage device, your hopes for a virus-free new year would largely depend, though, on the data that you would reintroduce to your computer. Make sure that the storage device which contains your backup files is free from viruses and spyware. You may have unintentionally backed up copies of some or all of the malware that were saved in your hard drive.

Clean Your Registry

Whether you choose to perform a selective purge or nuke everything in your hard drive, your PC’s performance might still not improve if you have an infected Windows Registry. Everything that runs on your computer almost always involves or requires the participation of the Registry. It’s therefore imperative to keep the Registry free from the influence and control of any malicious application. A healthy Registry can efficiently manage the flow of traffic inside your computer. An infected or defective Registry, though, could clog your system with needless instructions or processes, thereby putting a strain on your computer’s resources.

Invest in a good registry cleaner. While you may have an efficient antivirus program, it’s not designed to handle Registry infections or problems. If you’ve experienced a system slowdown last year despite negative reports by your antivirus or anti-sypware software, then your Registry might be the culprit. RegCure can free your new year from the ghosts of the previous one. Start your new year right. Install all the essential programs and delete the unnecessary ones.

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Don’t get too nostalgic on your favorite antivirus software. While many are revolting on the growing complexity of applications, this cannot be a good justification in sticking to old versions of your programs, especially if those are tasked to keep your PC free from malware.

There are some people who stubbornly stick to old antivirus programs, contending that they seem to be more efficient and easy to use. However, a security tool is only efficient if it’s updated. Malware changes and evolve at a rapid pace. An antivirus or anti-spyware program that’s not updated is like an FBI agent who’s looking at a kindergarten picture of 23-year-old murder suspect.

Software makers do not release new versions of their creations just because they’ve changed its font or background color. Well, maybe some. But developers of security suites issue new versions or editions of their programs because the situation demands it. We all know that computer viruses are being born and release in cyberspace every minute. Hence, antivirus applications need to continuously evolve in order to keep up with the race.

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Back in the 80s and mid 90s, the word “spam” was associated with something that’s arguably delectable and pleasant (unless you’re a vegetarian). Nowadays, spam has acquired a whole new different meaning, one that’s anything but delightful.

9 out of 10 e-mail accounts receive spam mails on a regular basis. The lucky few who do not either have the Pentagon e-mail server as their host or have not yet figured out how to activate their account. If you’ve availed of one of the many free e-mail hosting or services on the Web, then I’m sure you don’t need any intro as to what spam mails are all about.

Deceivingly Harmless

Spam mails come in many different forms. It could be benign, such as those that advertise discounts on various department stores. At times, though, it could be malignant and dangerous. Many viruses and spyware have been distributed through bogus mails purporting to be legitimate advertisements or correspondences from somebody or some institutions that you know.

Spam mails might seem harmless, especially if it doesn’t include any attachment. But beware. A significant number of these e-mails contain links which will lead you to infected Web sites. A day of reformatting and reinstalling is just a careless click away.

Cracks on the Wall

Many e-mail account hosts have already remedied this problem by blacklisting several Web sites and e-mail addresses. While this has considerably reduced the number of unwanted mails, a good number still make it past through the filter. And don’t expect the number to dwindle just because Yahoo!, Gmail, or Hotmail’s database of spam senders are filled to the brim. There could be as many spam addresses as there are alphanumeric combinations. In other words, don’t even bother to count it.

Antivirus or anti-spyware suites also include Internet security applications which guard e-mail accounts from being a dumping ground of e-mails asking for solicitations or luring people into false and fraudulent investment programs. But again, they could only filter so much or so many. Spam mails would still be able to pass by them one way or another.

Some Web security suites even play it easy by just barring all incoming e-mails except those addresses which the user have defined as safe. While this would really keep unwanted mails and files out of your computer, it may also keep the desirable and legit ones from getting in. You definitely wouldn’t want to miss that 50% off Bulgari promo ad, would you?

All in Your Hands

No matter how stringent your e-mail account host’s security measures are, chances are is that you’ll still continue to receive spam mail from time to time. Some argue that spam mail won’t harm you if you won’t open them. However, the fact that you’re being annoyed by an oversized inbox that’s fast depleting your free space could already be considered as a form of harm that’s worth preventing. Hence, efforts should be exerted in order to minimize or even completely stop this form of nuisance.

You could lessen the number of spam mails that you’re getting by being very careful and picky with the online newsletter or ad subscription that you’re availing of, either knowingly or inadvertently. Be wary of sites or services that ask for your e-mail add. You can be sure that they’ll be sending you something on your virtual mailbox.

If you have an uncontrollable compulsion to open each and every mail that you get, then at least be sure not to immediately and mindlessly download the attachments. Scrutinize the mail first and its source. If you find that it’s legit, then by all means download it.

A clean and virus-free mailbox depends mainly on the user and not on the host or on the security suites that are installed in your computer. You must be pro-active in keeping your PC, its registry, and other important files and components free from harmful programs.

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The Antivirus program has long been taking credit for malware-free PCs, and many say that it should rightly so. Indeed, as its very name suggests, it is the one tasked to filter or ferret out viruses in our computers. However, the claim and accolade cannot be solely attributed to the antivirus software anymore. Times have changed and threats have multiplied. It is not surprising then that the antivirus program’s monopoly on PC security has gradually been eroding.

One of the security tools that’s already considered as indispensable as the antivirus is the firewall. A firewall is program, system, or device that acts as a gate between your PC and cyberspace. It checks every data or packet that comes in and out of your PC, thus ensuring that nothing unwanted goes in and out of your unit.

Unheard Of

Firewalls were not considered as important a few decades ago when the Internet as we know it today was still being brewed. In fact, only bespectacled computer science majors may have known of its existence. Firewalls gradually started to become a household name when the Internet was made available commercially.

Today, firewalls are already integrated in almost all operating systems, thereby highlighting its importance in PC security. Antivirus makers also bundle firewalls in their merchandise, acknowledging the fact that an antivirus software cannot fend off malware alone when the computer is connected on the Internet.

Tag Team

Firewalls and antivirus programs complement each other. They cannot effectively defend our PCs without each other. While you may contend that an antivirus is already enough on a unit that is not connected on the Internet, the lure of cyberspace and the various ways by which you could easily connect thereto is too strong and too tempting. It should be noted that many programs already require an Internet connection for registration and updating purposes.

Registry Cleaners

There are other applications that complete the security tools line up of every PC. A registry cleaner, such as RegCure, is also a must-have. There are times when malware escape firewall and antivirus checkpoints. When this happens, the unwanted programs almost always turn their sights first on the operating system’s registry. No antivirus and firewall function or feature could save your unit in this situation. The complicated task of ridding your registry of unwanted alterations is within the competence and expertise of a registry cleaner alone.

Each security program has its own area of responsibility. Keeping your PC free from malware is a team effort between your system’s firewall, antivirus, and registry cleaner software. Make sure that you have all installed in your computer.

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Viruses and spyware are often blamed for computer slowdowns. Analysts and experts would usually prescribe a full system scan whenever they’re being bugged (pun unintentionally intended ) about laggard PC performance. But is malware the sole guilty party when it comes to a slacking PC?

Unwanted and pernicious programs are not the only ones putting a sack on the back of computers. Sometimes, even legitimate programs could be the burden that slows down PC performance. Applications that demand CPU attention would definitely make your PC run in slow motion. Running multiple programs at the same time could also produce the same effect.

Aging hardware could also be the culprit. Current applications are either already too big or too demanding for old processors and peripherals to handle. Running Vista on a Pentium II processor is like asking a turtle to overtake a rabbit. Your system will either try in vain or just simply expire trying.

There are many other reasons why computers tend to be slowpokes. However, it is conceded that malware is the most likely cause of it. Hence, don’t think twice in getting your antivirus and registry cleaner to work whenever your PC seems to be slowing down. Check your hardware and other programs, too, while you’re at it so that every nook and cranny is swept.

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Do you ever wonder why your computer seems to be doing something even if you’ve already finished using it?

While you may think that something’s fishy is going on when your hard drive or DSL light blinks on you even when you haven’t touched the keyboard for quite some time already, your PC may actually be doing something that’s completely legit albeit without your permission.

Legit?

Take for example auto updates. Many programs update themselves automatically whenever you’re connected to the Internet. Windows XP and Vista are well known for this. There are many other programs that update themselves without prompting the user for each download session. Hence, do not be surprised why the hard drive and DSL lamps on your PC keep on flashing.

This doesn’t mean that you should smile whenever your PC seems to be working overtime. We all know that malware works undercover. Hackers take time and effort to make sure that their creations are as invisible as the latest bomber of the US Air Force.

As the saying goes, though, no bad deed goes undetected and unpunished. There are many ways by which you could check if malware is slowly taking over your system. If you’re observant enough, you could detect the presence of unwanted programs even without an antivirus’ sirens.

Circumstantial Evidence

While flashing DSL and hard drive lamps on an idle PC is not a concrete sign of spyware or virus infection, you could reasonably presume that something quite smelly is going on inside your unit. Many types of malware need Internet access so that the hacker or other malicious programs could access the host unit. Every upload and download, then, would naturally trigger the DSL light. Data are also being transported in that process. Hence, your hard drive lamp would most likely be flickering signs of impending doom.

Blinking lights are not sure gauges malware activity. However, they could help you in detecting them. Hence, antivirus and registry cleaner programs are still indispensable. Even if you develop a very good nose for sniffing viruses out, you would definitely need help in eradicating them.

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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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