6 Tips To Speed Up Your PC!

In this article you will find six simple tips to boost your computer’s performance and keep you safe when using the internet.

1. Use keyboard shortcuts! Seriously, if you try this a few times, you wont go back to the old slower way. There are loads of shortcuts and most focus involve the Windows key. Windows Key + Tab cycles through the programs on the taskbar in Vista using its Flip3-D feature. Windows key + M minimises all windows immediately. Windows + L locks the computer if you have to leave your desk unattended.

2. Another repetative timewaster in Windows is the delete confirmation message. It is one of the most annoying and unnecessary prompts you will encounter. In the course of an average computing month you will have told Windows hundreds of times that yes, you really do want to delete that file! To switch off this nag, right click on the Recycle Bin and untick the option to display the delete confirmation dialog.

3. If you are using Vista, why not keep your hard drive in the best possible condition by scheduling an automatic disk defragment. Click start, type defrag and click enter. Tick ‘Run on a schedule’ box and then click modify. Here you can tell Vista exactly when and how often to run a defragment. Once a month would be enough to keep you performance levels high.

4.Update Windows regularly. Computer hackers are constantly finding new ways to attack your computer with viruses & other malware. Microsoft continually searches for security vulnerabilities in their software and provides security updates to fix them. The security fixes are available, but computer users don’t get them installed quickly enough. Head into your Control Panel & turn on Automatic Updates right away. An added advantage of activating Automatic Updates is that Microsoft provides other software updates that make your computer run better and faster. For example, an update may fix an issue with a hardware device, improve the performance of your computer, or deliver improved functionality.

5.Set effective passwords for all user accounts on your PC. Dont forget the Administrator account. The best way to protect yourself from malicious hackers is to effectively password protect all your user accounts. An effective password will have at least seven characters & will contain a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.

6. Use the best security software on your Computer. The number of virus infections has never been higher and so a lazy attitude to internet security will end up in disaster. Do some research to find a strong antivirus program. This will be the main component of your PC’s security. Without a good antivirus engine, malware infections will invade quickly. Avoid the ‘security suites’ from the big vendors that bundle antivirus, antispyware and firewalls in one bundle. In many cases they are problematic and low quality. Instead, install a strong plain antivirus program, followed by the best separate antispyware that you can find.

Remember, you computer is like a pet, its not just for Christmas. You have to look after it. Take some action now!

Discover more about Virus Removal, PC Health Care and the best antivirus software