1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. To do this, make sure NO programs are open, and?
a. In Windows 95, 98 or Me, go to C:WindowsTemp and delete everything inside the Temp folder.
b. In Windows 2000 or XP, make sure that you can see hidden folders. Go to C:Documents and SettingsAdministratorLocal SettingsTemp folder. Delete everything here.
2. Empty the Temporary Internet Files regularly. Go to your Control Panel and double-click the Internet Options icon. Choose to Delete Cookies, and to Delete Files
3. Check your hard disks for problems.
a. For Windows 95, 98, or Me, double-click My Computer. Right-click the C-drive and click on Properties. Click on the Tools tab and choose to check the computer for problems.
b. For Windows 2000 and XP, double-click My Computer. Right-click the C-drive and click Properties. Click on the Tools tab and choose to check the computer for problems. Click on Check Now.
4. Download a good 3rd Party Disk Check and Optimization Utility HERE... http://www.lapeertechgroup.com/downloads.asp
5. Or, you can do a few of the performance tweaks yourself, if you have Windows XP. Right-click on My Computer and click on Properties. Click on the Advanced tab. Under the Performance section, click on Settings. On the Visual Effects tab, you will see a list of check boxes. You really don't need any of them for Windows to run.
6. Turn off Active Desktop.
a. In Windows 95, 98 and Me, right-click on the desktop and in the pop-up menu, choose Active Desktop. Inside that option, uncheck Active Desktop
b. In Windows 2000, right-click on the desktop and in the pop-up menu, choose Active Desktop. Inside that option, uncheck Show Web Content.
c. In Windows XP, right-click on the desktop and in the pop-up menu, choose Properties. On the Desktop tab, choose Customize Desktop. Now, on the Web tab, make sure that there are no websites chosen here.
7. Use a good AntiVirus program, such as AVG AntiVirus. Get it HERE... http://www.lapeertechgroup.com/downloads.asp
8. Get rid of Spyware. Install two different AntiSpyware programs: AdAware SE and SpyBot. They compliment each other and catch Spyware that the other misses. Get SpyBot HERE... http://www.lapeertechgroup.com/downloads.asp. Get Adaware SE HERE... http://www.lapeertechgroup.com/downloads.asp
9. Streamline MSCONFIG. You can use a utility, called MSCONFIG, to turn OFF unnecessary Start Up items.
a. In Windows 98, Me, and XP, click on StartRun and type msconfig. Click on the Startup tab. This is a list of everything that is running in the background. Now, be careful, some of these you do need. Some items to keep are Ctfmon.exe (XP), Scan Registry (Win98, Me), Task Monitor (Win98, Me), System Tray (Win98, Me), LoadPowerProfile (Win98, Me), Rundll.32, any AntiVirus programs (such as McAfee, Norton, or AVG). Others, you can uncheck. Remember, if something doesn't work because you turned it off, it can always be turned back on.
b. For Windows 2000, MSCONFIG must be downloaded HERE... http://www.perfectdrivers.com/howto/msconfig.html.
10. Defragment your hard drives.
a. To defragment your hard drives, double-click on My Computer. Right-click on the c-drive and click on Properties. Click on the Tools tab and choose to Defragment Now?
Good luck. I hope this article has helped you. If you live in the Lapeer County, MI area, and would like a Professional professionally TuneUp your computer(s) in your home or business, please contact Lapeer Tech Group at (810) 793-1093
I have worked in the IT field since 1989 and hold several Microsoft certifications. I am a network administrator and owner and operator of Lapeer Tech Group, located in Columbiaville, Michigan (just outside of Lapeer). During these years, I have supported both Macs and PCs, am an accomplished graphic and web designer, and have had the opportunity to support 2nd and 3rd level enterprise networks for GM, EDS, Delphi, and Delco.
If you would like to get in touch with me, you may do so at (810) 793-1093, or by email at jim.shutes@LapeerTechGroup.com. My website is http://www.lapeertechgroup.com
Benton shuttle to Midway .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareI'm eighty-one years old and I bought my first computer... Read More
Plasma and LCD TVs are the latest trend in home... Read More
I have always been interested in computers, but in the... Read More
I have a p3 500MHz PC with 128MB RAM, 10.2... Read More
IntroOne of the big advantages of PCs over earlier types... Read More
1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. To do this, make... Read More
Since the DOS days, batch files have been one of... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
Passwords have a strange dual nature. The stronger and safer... Read More
Do you know how many fonts are currently installed on... Read More
While most small businesses really do need to find a... Read More
The battle is heating up for market share, home movie... Read More
All over the world, people carry with them walkmans and... Read More
When you think of a help desk, what do you... Read More
Computers are supposed to speed up our productivity?to help us... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
JVC developed and used a high-performance reflective film to produce... Read More
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer... Read More
Confused by EDTV vs HDTV? We don't blame you. The... Read More
Computers are available in different shapes, sizes and weights, due... Read More
MP3 players are Hot! Playing music has come a long... Read More
Up until the recent past, those who wanted to take... Read More
The first step is: Start > My DocumentsSo you have... Read More
So you've got some spyware, ad-ware, or viruses on your... Read More
First things first, what is Firefox? Well, it's a browser.... Read More
limousine Chicago airport Arthur ..Do you use Windows standard uninstall feature? How do you... Read More
Microsoft Certifications are one of the most widely acclaimed, pursued,... Read More
After another security hole recently surfaced in Microsoft's Windows operating... Read More
When you think of a help desk, what do you... Read More
Plenty! When we made the decision to be our own... Read More
With their solid-state technology, compact size, and abundant memory, portable... Read More
No matter how fast your processor and regardless of how... Read More
Are you frustrated with your PC?Is it feeling sluggish or... Read More
Computers are everywhere, and vary in specification, brands, sizes, shaped,... Read More
Occupational Therapy Made EasierMedical downloads for the pda have improved... Read More
With renting methods such as online DVD rental and pay-per-view,... Read More
This is not your typical lost data story. I was... Read More
CCNAs and CCNA candidates hear it all the time: ???Get... Read More
Computers are available in different shapes, sizes and weights, due... Read More
Viruses, software failures, power failures, human errors, hard drive failures... Read More
All over the world, people carry with them walkmans and... Read More
While most small businesses really do need to find a... Read More
If you don't have an mp3 player, and even if... Read More
It's hard enough as it is these days to get... Read More
I have always been interested in computers, but in the... Read More
Cookies, not the kind that Mom makes, but the computer... Read More
How long do you think DVDs have around? 20 years?... Read More
Do you remember the old saw about how computers would... Read More
1. Before sitting down for coding, you must have formal... Read More
Projectors have come a long way in the past few... Read More
Personal Technology |