What?? Something useful? I need to check whether this site is a scam or not!
So I've been using Windows computers for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, I'm probably known by all laptops everywhere as 'The Black Hand', simply because almost every computer I touch seems to inevitably catch some virus or bug that costs a lot of time, trouble, and dosh to fix.
But with this notoriety comes some useful application: since these bugs have plagued me, I've had to spend long days on Google search, looking for ways to improve my computer's performance and looking out for viruses.
So here's a couple of tips to make your laptop or computer run faster or stay away from viruses. Disclaimer: These only apply to PC...mostly. So Mac users, sit back and weep, for more Google searching is in order.
1.) Task Manager is your best friend.
Seriously, I can't count the number of problems I've fixed simply by learning how to use this simple application. It's at the simple combination of ctrl-alt-delete, and the solution to countless headaches is there at your fingertips. For instance, say your browser isn't responding. You're trying to end the task, but it just isn't working. So bring up Task Manager, go to the 'process' of your browser (under 'processes' it'll look something like 'iexplorer.exe' or 'chrome.exe' or whatever browser you use), right click on that process and click 'end process'. Maaaaagic.
Not only can it help with ending unresponsive programs, it can also let you know if a process is bogging down your CPU. Sometimes, you might recognize that your computer is running really slowly, slower than usual. Well, this can easily be remedied by ending the process that's using up so much memory: just go to the process tab of Task Manager and see which one is using up the most memory. Then end it. Kaboom.
2.) Run 'disk cleanup' regularly.
'Disk cleanup' is a simple application that gets rid of unnecessary files that clog up your CPU. You can find it by searching the Start Menu quite easily, and it's very straightforward and simple to use. If you're worried that it'll delete a document or game, be at peace: it knows better than that. All in all, it's a simple way to clean off the dust and rust and get your computer running a little better.
3.) Don't download free programs.
Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule. If the free program is by an actual business (like Google), then it's safe to download. Or, if the program is free but has an 'upgrade' or 'pro' version, it's usually safe to download. But if the above two aren't true, and the free whatever-it-is-you're-looking-at sounds too good to be true, chances are it is too good to be true. That's how scams get you; by promising cookies and ice cream, but when you accept the deal, you get dirt cakes and dry ice.
4.) Always have some sort of antivirus program.
These programs are essential to have, which is why all Windows laptops and computers come with a free one (though it's not spectacular). These programs block bad files and are tuned to hunt down malicious software, and trust me, that's something you need in this day and age. Personally, I use 'Microsoft Security Essentials', but I prefer something like 'Norton Antivirus'. If you're a cheap person (because both of those cost money), Windows actually comes with an antivirus program that's fine called 'Windows Defender'.
Make sure you run scans from these programs every once and a while. Viruses sometimes lie dormant, so you don't know they're there until that little jack-in-the-data files pops up and wrecks your computer.
5.) Keep about 1 GB of free space on your computer hard drives.
Yeah, the computer might say it can hold 10 GB of information, but guess what? As soon as it maxes out, it gets really sloooooooooow. So keep some free space so that the normal everyday processing junk has a place to go, and make sure you run that 'disk cleanup' application daily.
If you need to, buy a removable hard drive - those little USB things that can hold documents and games and stuff. You can get big ones, too - up to terabytes of information. The point is you don't need to keep everything on one computer; and in fact, it's not a very good idea to. You should have backups of your documents and such on a removable hard drive, so in case your computer crashes, you still have all your information.
I realize this is all a bit tech-speaky, and if you're one of those people who just knows how to play Minecraft and type documents, well, this obviously isn't for you. Looks like Google's your best friend now.
Oh yeah!
6.) GOOGLE IS YOUR BESTEST FRIEND!
You can find everything on Google. No kidding. I learned about 90% of the above information just surfing the web. So if you run up against a problem, don't spend hundreds of dollars when you can spend half an hour surfing the web and fix it!
That's all for now, folks.
