Computer help and links
I decided to set up a page so people can get some helpful tips and links to keep their computers running in tip top shape.
These are a few basic tips to always do to keep your computer running well:
1. Run and keep up to date an antivirus program, there are many that will cost a small amount of money and even a couple free ones. There are many I will only list a few here. To find more just do a Google search. I also recommend doing an online scan as well. Online scans do not replace having an antivirus program that should be running all the time, however if you have a doubt that your running antivirus program is not catching something than run them as well.
Ones that cost money:
Free ones:
Online Virus Scanning:
2. Download and run Adware/Spyware prevention and removal programs. They can really slow your computer down. However be warned that if a certain Adware/Spyware is linked to a program you want to use, the program may not work right without it. The ones I use are Spybot Search and Destroy, AdAware and Spyblaster.
3. Run an Pop Up Blocker, Pop up's are when you go to a web page and another window opens with some kind of ad in it. They are annoying and they can add Adware/Spyware as well. They don't stop all pop ups but will stop many of them. The ones I use are FreeSurfer and the Google Toolbar.
4. Delete your Temporary Internet Files. Just use the Help/Search function on your computer to find where that is or do a Google search. I won't list where to get to that because I don't know what Operating System you have.
Here is a tip, have you ever went to save an image from a web page and it will only save as a untitled.bmp? It may be because your Temporary Internet Files are full.
5. Defragmenting your Hard drive:
Fragmentation is something that happens on your hard disk as a normal part of file operations. Any disk is divided up into little discrete units called "clusters." Any given cluster always either belongs to a particular file, or is marked as available. One file may be stored on dozens or hundreds of clusters. Every time a file gets added, deleted or modified, there's a tendency for the parts of it to get stored in different places on the disk.
Again do a Help/Search on your computer, Start Button -Help, they way to get to that differs from one Operating System to another. I Defragment at least once a month.
6. Run a Firewall. I run both a Hardware Firewall and Software one. These are really important if you are on DSL or Cable Internet.
Hey I have to let everyone know for more computer help go here:
He is one of my best geek buddies!
I update and run a full virus scan on my computer at least once a week, the same goes for Spyware updating and removal.
If I get error's I write down the full text on the error, including numbers or letters, and try to do a Google search and see if someone else has had the same error and if they found a solution to it. If not then I try forums, the one I belong to now is BestTechie. Scroll down to techsupport hyperlink. Do a search in those forums see if someone else has had the problem and how to fix it. If not then join up and post your question.
Make sure you check my friends web site for more helpful links HotSpots Tech Help.