Things That I Know

If you use the Internet, your computer is constantly being bombarded with spam, cookies, adware, spyware or even viruses. There are many ways to combat these things, but today we’re just going to look at the basics.

First of all, if you don’t have a firewall set up, do that. Firewalls act as a buffer, or filter, between your computer and the web. A firewall is kind of like a bouncer at a club, deciding who gets in and under what conditions. Firewalls can keep unwanted agents from accessing your computer, and should be step-one in protecting your system. There are many reputable companies that create firewall software, and more than likely, you got some of that software on your computer when you bought it. Otherwise, a simple search on the web, or trip to your local electronics store will solve your problems.

Of course, a firewall will only help prevent more damage from being done. If there are things on your computer slowing you down, you need to find them and fix them. For this there are a few tools you can use that are already on your computer, and a few you should download.

Downloadable Cleanup Software

• Spybot Search & Destroy - Spybot is free and will search your hard drives for spyware, adware and other unwanted items.

• CCleaner - Free tool that will help clean up your computer’s basics. Internet history, cookies, temporary files, recycle bin, etc.

• Window Washer - More advanced version of CCleaner. Costs $29.95, but has a free trial. Very simple to use.

Cleanup tools on your Computer Already

Find them here:
Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools

In the System Tools Menu, there are two tools you’ll want to use regularly. The first is Disk Cleanup, which is similar to CCleaner and Windows Washer. It will clean up your temporary Internet files and such, helping to improve the performance of your machine.

The second is Disk Defragmenter. What this does is scan your hard drive(s) and moves pieces of files around to better organize your space. When you save things on your hard drive, your computer doesn’t always put the files in the best places it could put them. You may have two files that would work best together that are in two completely different locations on your hard drive. Defragmenting takes those fragments of files and moves them around to more ideal locations. This should also help improve the speed and performance of your computer if done regularly.

All of these tools can be used in conjunction with one another, and should be used together. I would recommend running CCleaner or Windows Washer daily, and Disk Defragmenter weekly. And if you don’t already have a firewall in place, that’s your top priority.

It also doesn’t hurt to go through your Add/Remove Programs Menu from the Control Panel to make sure you don’t have any software running that shouldn’t be. Never remove anything you are unfamiliar with. But if you come across something you don’t think belongs, do a quick web search on that software. If it turns out it is spyware or adware, you can remove it. But always check first, if your not sure what you’re dealing with.

If you know what these buttons do, feel free to push one

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