Here are six simple steps which, if followed, will result in faster peformance and a more secure computing environment.
1. If you have never used keyboard shortcuts, now is the time to try. These can save you lots of time and extra mouse movement! Take Windows + M for example. This simple shortcut minimises all open windows in one quick sequence. Imagine how long it would take to click minimise on each of ten open windows. Windows + E open Windows Explorer directly. Windows + L locks your computer if you need to leave your desk.
2. Turn off the delete conformation message dialogue. It quite unnecessary since you can always recover a file from your Recycle Bin if necessary. This might sound simple but repetative tasks like this take up a lot of time considering that you will encounter it hundreds of times each month. To turn off this nag, right click the Recycle Bin and deselect ‘Display delete confirmation dialog’.
3. Run Windows defragmenter at regular intervals to keep hard disk performance in good shape.The defragmenter does this by physically organizing the contents of the disk to store the pieces of each file close together on the hard drive. This results in noticably faster performance. Do a defrag once a month, or better still schedule this task (you can do this if you’re using Vista).
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. Create good passwords for all of the User Accounts on your computer. Many users choose to leave accounts wide open with no passwords. Even worse, is the Administrators account which exists by default on all Windows XP & Vista machines. This account gives total access to your computer system, and in most cases has never been password protected. Remedy this immediately by creating a fresh set of passwords for all of your accounts. Remember to use a mix of letters and numbers and throw in a couple of uppercase letters for good measure.
6. Install strong Antivirus Software. Do some research to satisfy yourself as to an effective antivirus software as some programs are decidedly mediocre. A good antivirus will form the mainstay of your computer’s security while on the internet. You can increase your security further with strong antispyware protection. A few years ago you might have got away with neglecting this issue, but certainly not today. Weak security will be quickly exploited by the latest rogues, trojans and rootkits.
Youve arrived at the end. Be a responsible computer owner, head off and try these tips out!
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Fri, Oct 16, 2009
PC Security