How To Keep Your Computer Running At Top Speed

I shouldn’t be writing this. If too many local people find out about this, it could really cut into my business. I’m going to write it, anyway, because I want people to know how to clean their computers and keep them running at top speed. Over time, most computer users allow their computers to become infected, by viruses and spyware, or bogged-down with temporary and junk files. Here are my tricks.

Internet Best Practices

Just because it’s blinking, it doesn’t mean you HAVE to click it. The internet is where most of the temporary files and infections come from. Understand that there are websites specifically designed to infect your computer or steal your information. Yes…there are bad people in the world.

Stop downloading everything! Well…not everything…but limit what you download to things you know you need (or will need). Make sure what you download has a real purpose.

Avoid clicking ads. Especially ads that are made to look like they’re part of the content of the page you’re viewing. I’m going to list which software you can use, to clean and disinfect your computers, so avoid the temptation to click on ads that promise a “one-click fix” or anything else that leads you to believe it will speed up your computer. Most of that software will just make the problem worse.

Cleanup

To initially clean up a computer, I use CCleaner, from Piriform. It removes temporary/junk files and it comes with other tools that can be used to uninstall programs and limit which processes start with Windows. You can also use CCleaner to scan your registry, for errors, then fix them individually or in bulk!

Antivirus

I used to switch antivirus programs on a fairly regular basis. But for the last 5 years or more, I’ve been using AVG Antivirus. It updates itself and will automatically scan your computer, on a schedule that you choose. AVG Antivirus Free protects against viruses and spyware. Premium versions offer additional avenues of protection.

Spyware/Malware

Malwarebytes Antimalware is my choice for finding and removing spyware/malware. The free version doesn’t offer real-time protection, but it does allow an unlimited number of manual scans and definition updates.

If you still have infections, after using Malwarebytes Antimalware, you might also want to try Spybot Search & Destroy. It may take longer to run a scan, but I’ve used it in the past to cleanup some tough infections.

Thing(s) To Remember

You’re using these programs at your own risk. Familiarize yourself with each program, before making changes to your computer. Use the linked resources to learn more about each product.