Posted on 05/28/2009 11:24:21 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
A sucker buys a new PC at the first signs of a slowdown. A savvy power user gives his aged PC a fighting chance for redemption. From tweaking your OS to compressing files to overclocking your videocard or CPU, there are plenty of ways to tune up a computer, and none require a trip to Bob’s House of New PCs. Follow along this step-by-step as we show you 21 of our favorite techniques for making a PC better, stronger, and faster — for free. These essential tweaks and tune-ups range from common-sense caretaking measures to practical adjustments that you'd be foolish to ignore. Combined, they release your PC's untapped potential and breathe new life into your system.
You know to update your antivirus definitions and run Windows Update, but did you know about that massive security hole in Acrobat 8.0 or the potential risks of running that obscure unzipping app you favor? Probably not. That’s where Secunia’s Personal Software Inspector (http://secunia.com) comes in. PSI uses its massive database of security holes to monitor all the apps on your machine and let you know which ones need updating. PSI even provides a link to any available patches and is on constant vigilance for new application security holes as they arise.
(Excerpt) Read more at maximumpc.com ...
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P FRL.
Ccleaner
SpyBot (run the Tea Timer, too. It works)
MalWareBytes Anti-MalWare
AVG Anti-Virus 8.5
DeFraggler
ZoneAlarm
All free and easy to use. Once, twice, thrice a month or so keeps your PC running zippy-quick, Don't forget to update your video and sound card drivers whenever possible. Video drivers come out almost monthly or so.
bflr
ping
Thanks for posting - a self-ping for home, where I do have one old soldier that could use a little help.
Macbots Attack in 3...2...1...
Secunia? have to check it out. I stayed a month in a place called Secunda in Sud AFRiKa..
I’m getting the laptop ready for a 10 day boat ride to alaska and back. already defragged it and virus updated.. but ya never know what else may be hitching a ride these days.
Thanks - very useful info.
bump
Since I am not here simply to bash, my recommendation is back up your files, buy a bigger drive and reinstall a clean OS.
...0!
Just kidding.
But I haven’t bothered with any of this garbage at home anymore after switching.
These days, a sucker buys a PC, or a Mac. The vast majority of all personal computers are little more than photo-storing e-mail terminals; kids these days are getting by just fine by using the schools’ computers when (if?) they do any schoolwork and using smarty fones to do all their vital texting and surfing.
Alaska....hmmm...has it warmed up yet?
Looks interesting.. will have to look at later at home.
long range forecast looks pretty good, 60ish , it’s been wet for awhile but looks to be clearing up .. I hope. no matter, we’ll be fat as walruses in no time. ;-)
Bump
bump for later reading
New oil and filter.
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