[SERIOUS] Ten Tips to Keep your Computer Running Smoothly

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
01/03/2010 22:49

If you ignore all ten tips you're bound to have problems in the very near future! http://www.infohq.com/Computer/computer_maintenance_tip.htm

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
01/03/2010 23:01

Do you think that when you first purchase a PC or Laptop you should be given at least an hours tuition on how to operate the computer?

How many people buy a computer and think they know how to operate it only for them to call up the technical department of the provider within the first day or so because something has gone wrong, that us usually a simple error.

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
01/03/2010 23:05

this little program keeps my computer running sweet as a nut.



http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner

Soupseed


Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 101

Message Posted:
01/03/2010 23:39

Good auld Crap cleaner!

Sazna


Joined: 12/09/2009
Posts: 1177

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 06:51

Thanks Hans very useful info and thank you msg 3 for download link.

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 07:37

and get the internal fan cleaned after a few years of use as it may be clogged with dirt and dust and the computer will crash as it gets hot. I reckon many people will have thrown their old lap top put at this juncture thinking it dead but all it needs is a quick fan clean by a computer shop or technical person.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 08:40

I used to teach a course called the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and I feel that should be the minimum to be able to get the most out of a PC.

Texas


Joined: 22/09/2009
Posts: 634

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 08:58

Anyone have a activation code for Registry Reviver, please!



Free drink on me.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 10:43

RE msg 2, No1Doyen: (...) Do you think that when you first purchase a PC or Laptop you should be given at least an hours tuition on how to operate the computer? How many people buy a computer and think they know how to operate it only for them to call up the technical department of the provider within the first day or so because something has gone wrong, that us usually a simple error. (...)

=> You are absolutely right, Bill. I'm always amazed how many (in TRNC: older) people buy an expensive laptop and haven't got the slightest idea what their computer can do for them. Last year I ran a computer course for such people and concentrated on email, Skype, downloading music, virus protection and other popular or necessary subjects. It was very rewarding to see the faces when some of them connected to (grand)children in the UK and elsewhere for the first time!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 10:51

RE msg 8, Texas: (...) Anyone have a activation code for Registry Reviver, please! Free drink on me (...)

=> I don't want to be holier than thou, but be very careful. Malicious software is often added to hacked software and the same goes for cracks ("free", illegal activation codes). Never install such software/registration keys without running up to date anti-virus software!

P.S. If software is essential for your work/hobby: pay for a safe download/key. You usually get some free updates and technical assistance from the developer. And it makes it profitable for him to develop your cherished software further.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 13:34

My tips:



Don't waste your money on seperate security software!



I have previously had Mcafee, F-Secure and Norton on different systems. All of them regularly had 'conflicts', especially Norton! The annual subscriptions are also a rip-off.



If you are using Windows, get Microsoft Security Essentials for free, as I was advised to do by my IT people.

Windows built in firewall is also all you need.



http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/



Also remember to set your browser to automatically clear your browser history, cookies, temp files etc, or do them manually every few days or so. It's amazing how they can clog up your C Drive.





Rob

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 13:57

"..Also remember to set your browser to automatically clear your browser history, cookies, temp files etc, or do them manually every few days or so. It's amazing how they can clog up your C Drive..."



I normally do it manually every couple of days. How can you set your browser to do it automatically Rob?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 13:59

Hans. Tip number 4 suggested to Run Scandisk and Defragment at least once a month. Whats that all about and how do you do it?

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 14:25

Bill re msg13



I think Hans has signed orf!



Scandisc, or disc clean, checks for disc errors & trys to correct or isolate them.

Defrag is like having someone in to sort out your CD collection! It puts all the ABBA ones together from wherever they've been in the house, and does the same for everything else, making things faster to find & freeing up valuable wardrobe space,..... sort of!



Go to Start,.. All Programs,.. Accessories,.. System Tools.



Make sure you dont do 'System Restore' by mistake.



When defrag has started you may want to dust off and read your copy of War & Peace!





Rob

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 14:29

Bill mgs 12



Start,.. Control Panel,.. Internet Options,.. General and Advanced tags.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 14:45

Thanks Rob. Han's probably went for a 'liquid' lunch again )

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 17:04

RE msg 16, No1Doyen: (...) I think Hans has signed orf! (...)

=> I apologise, Bill. Had a very interesting afternoon playing chess. Playing Guido, yes. Nice weather. Almost made it. But. Score now: 27,5 - 2,5.

greengate8


Joined: 07/12/2008
Posts: 156

Message Posted:
02/03/2010 18:59

Rob&Jo



Fully agree about microsoft security essentials - it 'does what it says on the box' - and it comes automatically for windows 7 (home edition), but it is not needed in the W7 Ultimate edition, as there is another bit of code already built in to replace it.



If you do download it from Microsoft, ensure you get the correct version for your system, as there has been conflicts with different versions of vista.



Alternatively, for cleaning/security try IOBit Security 360 it free, and for virus checkers try AVG

Hope this helps