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More Tips To Help Speed Up Your Computer



Paul Watson, PC Technician

Friday, December 18th 2009



More Tips To Help Speed Up Your Computer

More Tips To Help Speed Up Your Computer

In my last post, I discussed three suggestions that Microsoft makes to help speed up your computer. The Redmond giant isn’t without other tips, and I will discuss a few more of these today. It’s important to keep in mind that there are about as many reasons for computer slowness as there are computers on the market today! Although these tips offer good advice, they may not solve all of your performance issues.

Don’t Discount Spyware As A Speed Bump

Spyware is annoying, no doubt about it. It’s also a performance killer. That’s why it’s important to make sure your computer stays free of it. Spyware is a specific type of malware that can be particularly dangerous to the uninformed user. Spyware robs computers of their ability to perform by diverting the computer’s processor power. Whether the spyware is running something locally or connecting to the Internet, you can bet that spyware will slow your computer down.

Spyware can be viral, but in most cases, it represents software that users may load on their computer voluntarily. Screen savers and other little “utility” programs that appear to do one thing may actually co-opt your computer into reporting private information to a third party, or participating in activities designed to disrupt your ability to use your computer, or someone else’s ability to use theirs.

Just like anti-virus programs, anti-spyware programs exist and can help keep your computer free of malware. Many anti-virus programs combine anti-spyware measures. Some anti-spyware programs can also identify malware before you install it on your computer.

Spyware can leave a mess behind, even when it’s been removed or disabled. Often, these programs write information into the registry of the computer, where it remains after the malware has been removed. This becomes important because the computer’s performance slows down as the registry begins to fill up with useless information and code that has been abandoned. Keeping the registry clean can be a way to recapture computer performance.

Spyware, viruses and other malware can be tricky to deal with. Removal requires a competent anti-virus/anti-spyware program that is up-to-date. Many users assume that because their computer came with an anti-virus program they’re protected. In reality, most anti-virus programs are sold on a subscription basis, so if you haven’t been paying to use the program, it’s a good bet that the program isn’t working as well as you think. In fact, it may not be working at all!

Photo Credit: StageFrog2, via Flickr

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