| I spend most of my day working online. That means | | | | nasty virus, but WHEN." When you install the software, |
| that speed and performance from my computer is of | | | | set up an automatic scan on a daily basis, perhaps in |
| utmost importance. My computer isn't just a | | | | the middle of the night so you're not interrupted in your |
| convenience - it's my lifeline and I can't do my job | | | | work. |
| without it. There are a few tasks that I perform on a | | | | 3. Defrag your hard drive regularly. Windows has a |
| regular basis that insure top performance. Everyone, | | | | built-in disk defragmenter, but I haven't found it to be as |
| no matter how non-technical you consider yourself to | | | | efficient as others that I have purchased. It's not an |
| be, needs to know just a few basics in order to keep | | | | expensive software, and you should check out the top |
| your computer in tip-top shape. | | | | recommended products and make the investment. |
| 1. If you surf the internet a lot, it is particularly important | | | | 4. Clean the registry regularly. This will require that you |
| for you to delete temporary internet files and clear | | | | purchase a good registry cleaner software. If you find |
| your browser history. This should be done at least | | | | your computer is acting sluggish, this could be the |
| once a month, maybe more often if you are a heavy | | | | problem. I clean my registry on a weekly basis and |
| internet surfer. Deleting browser history will not wipe | | | | more often if I see signs of less than optimal |
| out your favorites files or subscribed feeds. I wouldn't | | | | performance. |
| recommend deleting cookies because they help with | | | | It is not within the scope of this article to recommend |
| your web browsing speed and keep you from having | | | | specific products, but if you want to read about a |
| to enter the same information over and over again. | | | | product review, go to the Cnet website and look |
| Find directions in the manual for your operating system. | | | | around or just use your favorite search engine for |
| Or, ask your best techie friend or any high school kid. | | | | information on the topic. |
| 2. You MUST have good malware and virus protection | | | | I have a local computer technician whom I consider to |
| software in place. If you don't buy one of the top-rated | | | | be a vital part of my team. I cannot imagine doing my |
| brands, at least put one of the free ones in place, but I | | | | job without having him somewhere nearby to make |
| recommend that you do your due diligence and | | | | recommendations, untangle a mess I may have made, |
| purchase a good protection package. I cannot | | | | or to help me keep my hardware and operating |
| emphasize this enough - this is NOT optional. I'm a | | | | system running smoothly. |
| motorcycle rider, and there's a saying..."It's not a matter | | | | I can highly recommend One On One Computers, in |
| of IF, but WHEN you'll drop your bike." The same thing | | | | the Myrtle Beach area. Wherever you are, find |
| applies here..."It's not a matter of IF you'll be hit with a | | | | someone you trust. |