A computer is the same as anything that has moving parts (car, washing machine), it needs regular maintenance and servicing. Failing to do so with slow the computer down, and affect its running performance.
Now for the good news, there are 4 software programs that you can run that clean, tweak and will keep your computer in tip-top condition, and they are all free! We’re big fans of free software for home-use, and while we use these programs, we use the paid ‘business’ versions.
OK, the 4 programs:
- AVG will protect your computer from unwanted viruses that come from the internet and emails.
- CC Cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that removes unwanted and unnecessary junk.
- Malwarebytes identifies and removes bad advertising files and programs.
- Spybot – Search and destroy programs and files that are bad.
Each software program is explained in detail below, and each is 100% Free. Sometimes you have to look to find the free version, but its there.
Each software program has a free version for home-users (low-end) and paid versions for business users (high-end), and even the paid versions are low-cost, excellent programs that we’d probably recommend even if they weren’t free.
Each program above is linked to where you can download it. Once downloaded, you install the software and then run it. Each program will explain what its doing, and generally what needs to be done after it runs. Each program can be configured to run manually (when you tell it to) or configured to run automatically (like every night, or every Tuesday). It will even tell you when there is a new version available for download.
Now, if you understand the basics of software then download, install and run each program. If you don’t understand software, or it sounds a bit technical then call a specialist with computer repairs to come and do it for you. Don’t put it off! Don’t think the issue will just go away. Every minute you spend online, your computer is storing hundreds, if not thousands of tiny files that will only put you at risk and slow you down.
AVG AntiVirus Software
Detects and stops viruses, threats and malware. Stops viruses before they arrive on your PC. Stops unsecure links and files Advanced protection that allows you to share files safely. Prevents online spam and reduces the risk of you falling prey to online scams. Ultimate protection for credit card numbers, bank details or other personal information you enter online.
CC Cleaner
CCleaner is the number-one tool for cleaning your Windows PC. It protects your privacy online and makes your computer faster and more secure. Easy to use and a small, fast download. Removes temporary files, history, cookies, download history, form history.
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes detects and removes all traces of malware including worms, trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware and more.
Spybot – Search & Destroy®
Spybot – Search & Destroy® removes startup programs, deletes files and backs up up important registry settings.
Advice
So, if your computer is running slow, takes forever to start-up, takes a long time to do anything, then its time you cleaned it up. Doing only one of the above is not enough. AVG is great for detecting bad viruses before they get to you, but a lot of bad stuff is stored on your computer already that requires the other programs to remove.
Back-Up
The only way of protecting yourself against losing all your hard work, is by regularly backing up your files. While the software above will help make your computer run faster and more efficiently, only backing up protects you when hardware fails.
I’ll be writing a how-to on back-up software, programs, and hardware shortly, so stay tuned.
Top Tips
- Download and install each program
- Configure each program to run automatically as often as you feel its required Set it to run when the computer is left on, but you’re not using it (during dinner?)
- Configure each program to alert you to new versions.
- Thank the writer of this very handy page by sending him lots of money!