How do I keep my computer in top shape?

14 years ago

This is probably more off topic. However I use PC tune up by AVG does a great job of cleaning and freeing up space etc.

Start up items can be a big cause of slow performance and of course running of anti virus regularly helps.

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NatesMarketing

14 years ago

What about your processor? That's the most important piece of hardware.

If your processor is slow, it doesn't matter how much ram you have.

As for software:
I use Avast for virus scanning

Then I don't download dumb things. Normally, stuff that's free (unless it's from a trusted source)...there's a reason it's free...cause it comes with other stuff that slows your computer down.

That's it.

Thanks

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Joseph Then

14 years ago

CPU power determines how fast your software can run.
RAM capacity determines how many software can your PC runs without slowing down.

Most of the time, the start-up procedure slows most PCs over time. The best solution I found is to use Soluto.

Try it out: https://www.soluto.com/

But... the ultimate solution is to run a Mac.

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teleam

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Joseph Then

CPU power determines how fast your software can run.
RAM capacity determines how many software can your PC runs without slowing down.

Most of the time, the start-up procedure slows most PCs over time. The best solution I found is to use Soluto.

Try it out: https://www.soluto.com/

But... the ultimate solution is to run a Mac.

I looked into Soluto didn't like the monthly plan.

Thanks

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Karry

14 years ago

Try CCleaner. It's a free software that cleans and optimizes your computer.

Thanks
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jvm127 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Karry

Try CCleaner. It's a free software that cleans and optimizes your computer.

I agree with CCleaner not only for the optimization factor but the ability to quickly visit sites "cleanly." Some people have had issues with Paypal and other companies and the only way I have found to get around these "banning" issues is to change the IP address, clear the flash cookies, and use CCleaner to finish things up. I had my Paypal account limited and used this tactic to get a new account and keep it from getting it limited again. Sorry, that was a bit off topic but I thought it was important when related to CCleaner.
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themen710 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Karry

Try CCleaner. It's a free software that cleans and optimizes your computer.

CCleaner is nice, very fashion, but far, very very far from being a reference concerning Registry cleanup. IMHO, I'd rather think Comodo, Argente, JV16 Power Tools, Uniblue, Wise Registry Cleaner ... I mean, if you're concerned with deep registry investigation, that is. For a superficial work, CCleaner will take the dust off, only the dust
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teleam

14 years ago

Nates Marketing

here are the specs of my processor:

2.20 gigahertz Intel Core2 Duo
64 kilobyte primary memory cache
2048 kilobyte secondary memory cache
64-bit ready
Multi-core (2 total)
Not hyper-threaded

Thanks
1 reply

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NatesMarketing

14 years ago

Originally Posted by teleam

Nates Marketing

here are the specs of my processor:

2.20 gigahertz Intel Core2 Duo
64 kilobyte primary memory cache
2048 kilobyte secondary memory cache
64-bit ready
Multi-core (2 total)
Not hyper-threaded

Your processor sounds fine for what you're doing...ie loading Firefox.

You probably have some programs running in the background that you wish weren't. Of course, it's best to not get in that situation, but it happens. I would follow zxboss's directions.

Thanks

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Elvis Michael

14 years ago

Run Disk Defrag on a schedule:
Configure Disk Defragmenter Schedule in Windows 7 or Vista

Disable unnecessary startup programs such as instant messaging and others. you can still run them (this will not delete them.) It just prevents them from starting up automatically along with Windows 7:
How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows

By the way, if you're running a 32-bit system, only 3.25GB (or so) will be recognized/available/free.

Nates, free stuff being dumb or shady is a HUGE misconception, to say the least

Hope this helps.

Thanks
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NatesMarketing 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Diablo2

Nates, free stuff being dumb or shady is a HUGE misconception, to say the least

I'm just saying, if you don't know what you're doing ~ be cautious about "free" programs.

For example; my parents - their computer is constantly slowed down, because they just click things. Download programs that "speed up your computer" without knowing what they're doing...they just see it's free, speeds up their computer, and wham...they're computer is slower than ever before.

So, yes, not all free stuff is bad...and if you know what you're looking for, it's fantastic. But, for those that don't know what they're doing...be cautious.
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teleam

14 years ago

BTW Firefox runs slow too. I just tried to check one of the links you recommend and it didn't load.

Thanks

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zxboss

14 years ago

As stated above, the first program to install is CCleaner. This will clean your clogged up registry, registry files that dont have use, etc. Also removes temporary files and junk thats taking up space for no reason.
You can also deselect useless programs that automatically start up once you turn on your computer, hence slowing down start up time, and running in the background constantly using up your CPU and RAM. Good thing to remember - Keep your start up clean, and youll have a fast system.
Best of all, its free.
CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download

Step 2; Run disk defragmenter ( start, accessories, system tools > disk defragmenter)
Good to run this tool every once in a while. No need to do this regularly.

Step 3: Just incase you have malware that you're unaware of (which some antiviruses dont even pick up). Download Malwarebytes. Its free, and highly recommended.
Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware download

Now your good to go. Best of luck

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zxboss

14 years ago

And would recommend switching from firefox to chrome. This will solve your browsing being slow issues.

Thanks

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jamescanz

14 years ago

I highly recommend some sort of virus protection as well.

Even though this is something that doesn't necessarily affect it running it lightning speed...

It can prevent your computer from not running at all

Thanks
1 reply

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teleam

14 years ago

Originally Posted by jamescanz

I highly recommend some sort of virus protection as well.

Even though this is something that doesn't necessarily affect it running it lightning speed...

It can prevent your computer from not running at all

I use Bitdefender as my virus protection. I used to use AVG, but had a falling out with them over how I should pay. I don't like automatic payments especially after a year goes by.

Thanks

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zxboss

14 years ago

Sorry for another post, as Diablo said, if your running a 32bit version of windows, the system will only be able to use and recognise 4GB. To find out which version of windows your running> start, right click my computer>properties. If its 32bit definantly upgrade to 64bit to be able to use your complete 8GB of ram.

Thanks
1 reply

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teleam

14 years ago

Originally Posted by zxboss

Sorry for another post, as Diablo said, if your running a 32bit version of windows, the system will only be able to use and recognise 4GB. To find out which version of windows your running> start, right click my computer>properties. If its 32bit definantly upgrade to 64bit to be able to use your complete 8GB of ram.

I have 64 bit system.

Thanks

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smodha

14 years ago

Backup your personal data and wipe your machine every 1/2 years.

That's what I do, except I use Ghost to take an image so I can re-install the OS with all my apps in one go.

That's a bit more advanced so I suggest you keep it simple.

Thanks
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teleam

14 years ago

Originally Posted by smodha

Backup your personal data and wipe your machine every 1/2 years.

That's what I do, except I use Ghost to take an image so I can re-install the OS with all my apps in one go.

That's a bit more advanced so I suggest you keep it simple.

I have been using Acronis, but lately it won't back up it gets to a certain point and hangs.

How do I find out about Ghost?

Thanks

Thanks
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DJL 14 years ago

Go to norton.com. They have it on sale right now at a discount.

Originally Posted by teleam

...How do I find out about Ghost? ...
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- teleam 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by DJL
  
  Go to norton.com. They have it on sale right now at a discount.
  
  Looks like I'll pass on Norton...Bad experience with them.
  
  Thanks though
  
  Thanks
  
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KimW 14 years ago

Originally Posted by teleam

I have been using Acronis, but lately it won't back up it gets to a certain point and hangs.

How do I find out about Ghost?

Thanks

Contact Acronis support or get ShadowProtect by Storagecraft.
In my opinion much better than Ghost.

By the way,nice to see this much response to a thread like this.
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JMac

14 years ago

Teleam,

Most of the posts above are aimed at specific symptoms and not the cause. You mentioned your computer is slow, Firefox is slow, your backup does not work. As mentioned above, cleaner is a god first step. A good second step is to look for malware that is not considered a virus and is not found with antivirus programs. Look for a program called malwarebytes, it is free and designed to find the malware and ransomware that are missed by antivirus. After running cleaner and malwarebytes, a defrag as mentioned above is recommended.

If these three steps don't fix the issue, you have a problem in your operating system (windows). The nest best step would be to backup your files and have your laptop reinstalled back to the way it was when it was purchased. If you or any of your friends don't know how to do this, find a local community college in your area and give them a call and get a hold of the IT instructor there and have him recommend a student. A wipe and reload is a very basic task for IT students and you can probably get it done for $50 instead of paying geeksquad $200. A relationship with an IT student will probably reap you other benefits down the road too.

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teleam

14 years ago

Originally Posted by JMac

Teleam,

Most of the posts above are aimed at specific symptoms and not the cause. You mentioned your computer is slow, Firefox is slow, your backup does not work. As mentioned above, cleaner is a god first step. A good second step is to look for malware that is not considered a virus and is not found with antivirus programs. Look for a program called malwarebytes, it is free and designed to find the malware and ransomware that are missed by antivirus. After running cleaner and malwarebytes, a defrag as mentioned above is recommended.

If these three steps don't fix the issue, you have a problem in your operating system (windows). The nest best step would be to backup your files and have your laptop reinstalled back to the way it was when it was purchased. If you or any of your friends don't know how to do this, find a local community college in your area and give them a call and get a hold of the IT instructor there and have him recommend a student. A wipe and reload is a very basic task for IT students and you can probably get it done for $50 instead of paying geeksquad $200. A relationship with an IT student will probably reap you other benefits down the road too.

Thanks for your suggestions. The computer I was referring to Is my desktop. I hardly ever use my old lap top (can't afford a new one). I downloaded malebytes and was impressed by its performance ( It caught 20 ) that my anti virus missed. Soon as I get my social security check. I am going to buy it.

One more question what kind of spell check works with firefox? Ever since the upgrade they took Google toolbar off that has a good spell checker.

Thanks

Teleam (Tom)

Thanks
1 reply

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butters 14 years ago

This is the thread you need for software.

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...e-without.html

enjoy

Hardware side of things, depends what you want to run, I just got a new mac and that will run anything I want pretty much but you can easily make a decent windows PC for half the price. Just get a decent processor, RAM, CPU and GFX card (Not so much this but it can help). Unless your doing heavy video editing, there isn't that many more things that will be heavy for a basic PC to run.
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- MP80 14 years ago
  
  Hi Tom,
  
  Sounds like it's going well so far; Viruses, RAM, etc, are sorted.
  
  Personally, I wouldn't install Google Chrome, but would just use IE9, which should already be installed? It is an excellent, light, fast, reliable browser.
  
  BUT, that's just me. Obviously, you have a reason for not using it, and Chrome is well regarded by most people anyway (I think Firefox has had some issues lately.)
  
  Likewise, I prefer Norton360 for my virus protection (plus, it has so many other useful features), but you can't go wrong with Malwarebytes, and I believe Kapersky is also excellent (just to throw in another option.)
  
  One of the reasons that I don't install any Google software is that they bundle it with other crap (toolbar, etc) and, in my experience, it doesn't uninstall completely. After uninstalling everything (or so I thought) I found a google program silently running in the background, and attempting to access the internet 24 times per day (my firewall was blocking it.) To me, that is Trojan-like behaviour, so I steer clear of Google these days.
  
  Anyway, I digress , but that does lead me to my next point...
  
  You need to check which programs you [unnecessarily] have running in the background. These will start up everytime your computer does, and most of them try to check for updates/etc, when you connect to the internet. You can find them by using CCleaner (another vote here for that; CCleaner is highly recommended, if not essential, imo.) Just open the program, click tools->startup, and you will see 4 tabs showing you the software that starts when your computer does. You can disable each one by selecting it, and then using 'right-click' for your options.
  
  It will be obvious what some of them are, but you will need to search online for information on others. Some are needed, so you can't disable them all, of course (out of about 60 programs, I have 18 enabled.)
  
  Then, I would do the same with my browser.. Click options->manage add ons, and disable things such as the flash player and any toolbars that aren't needed. As I've said, I'm using IE9, but I'm sure firefox, chrome, etc, will have similar settings...
  
  PS - Defragging is overrated these days, and I would be very surprised if a modern computer, running Windows7 64-bit with 8GB of RAM, needed defragging (mine never does, and hasn't for years.)
  
  Thanks
  
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MartinPlatt

14 years ago

Originally Posted by teleam

I hope that this is Post is ok. What I mean one cannot not do IM if one's computer acts to slow . What software do most of you recommend? My computer is acting so slow especially Eudora. I used to have a good PC cleaner, but that was on my old HD that went kapowee.

I have Windows 7, three terabutes HD and 8 Gigs of Ram

Yes I did back up but now all of it.

Thanks for any help and or suggestions.

Tom

You can use these cleaning products that remove files and unused registry entries - that will definitely speed things up. What CPU you got, and how old is the machine?

You might also want to look how many processes are running - background applications.

With your e-mail - is your mailbox really full? Do you archive and delete old mails, or just let it grow and grow. E-Mail can get really slow with a lot of mail, especially when starting up.

What I actually do is install my operating system on what is called a vhd or virtual hard drive. I have all my data storage on other drives (or volumes) and I reinstall the operating system, then re-point it to the data storage that is on the other volumes.

Once you get used to doing it, it's pretty quick and easy.

Hope that gives you some ideas.

Thanks
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1byte 14 years ago

System Mechanic Pro, hands down, is the best out there in my opinion, and is the "bee's knees" of utility suites.

I've tried many different things, including CCleaner, Advanced System Optimizer, Norton, BitDefender, AGV, Avast, MalwareBytes, etc., and finally settled on System Mechanic Pro as my utility and anti-virus solution for all of my computers. The Pro version is a comprehensive all-in-one suite that includes anti-virus, as well as all the tools and utilities of CCleaner, et al, plus many more.

I have it set up where it will automatically defrag and optimize my computer in the background when I'm not actively using it.

One license of the Pro Version will cover all computers in your household. I highly recommend it, and think you will be as pleased with it as I am.
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Nathan Bumstead

14 years ago

I agree with Smodha... Computers just get OS rot after a while. It might take you a while to reload the first time, but it'll go fast once you have done it a couple times.

Windows may not be perfect, but I would take my PC over my wife's iMac anyday. Her's can't stay connected to the network and wrecks 4 DVD's every time she tries to burn 1. And it cost over $3,000. Mine has one of the fastest quad core Intel CPU's you can get right now, I have 32Gig's of RAM, and it only cost me $910 ordering parts from Amazon (including the OS).

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teleam

14 years ago

I made a grave error. I thought there were 8 gigs of ram on my computer, but I later checked it's only 4 the rest is accurate refer to earlier posts.

I have done most every thing that was suggested, PC cleaner,System Mechanic and Malware Anti- Malware. Now my computer is worse. It freezes almost every time after it runs a while, and or if left alone for while. I tried to restore but it says it can't some to do about turning off anti-virus. I did that and it still won't restore. I am at wits end.

Does anybody know what is happening?

Thanks

Tom

Thanks
1 reply

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MP80

14 years ago

Originally Posted by teleam

I made a grave error. I thought there were 8 gigs of ram on my computer, but I later checked it's only 4 the rest is accurate refer to earlier posts...

..Does anybody know what is happening?

Hi Tom,

It could be a problem with not enough RAM then.. 4GB is probably borderline, imo. If so, you [usually] would notice a performance improvement by switching off unnecessary programs though... (temporary fix only.)

I am assuming that you have Windows set to update automatically? If not, or you aren't sure, type 'update' down in the search box, and select Windows Update -> Check For Updates.

If that's all ok, type 'report' into the search box (lower LH corner) and select 'view all problem reports'. From there you can choose which events you want to report to Microsoft, and they will [hopefully] provide solutions and suggestions for each problem.

Thanks
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butters

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MP80

Hi Tom,

It could be a problem with not enough RAM then.. 4GB is probably borderline, imo.

Unless you are gaming or running some serious video editing software, this will be more then enough for most programs you will use in IM.

Thanks
1 reply

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MP80

14 years ago

Originally Posted by butters

Unless you are gaming or running some serious video editing software, this will be more then enough for most programs you will use in IM.

Hi Butters,

That is a fair comment; most people would probably be ok with 4 (I prefer 8GB though, and have experienced problems with 4 in the past.)

In spite of this, these problems do have some of the hallmarks of not enough RAM (OR a virus, OR software that needs a patch, etc...)

Tim, are you sure that you are running a 64-bit version of Windows? If not, then you aren't utilizing the full 4GB of RAM (as others have already pointed out.)

Sorry if it is a dumb question.. but I always like to check the obvious first. I know you said that your computer is '64-bit ready', but that doesn't necessarily mean you are running a 64-bit OS.

To check.. click the Windows icon (bottom LH corner again), right-click 'Computer', and select 'Properties'.

Next to "System type" it should say '64-bit Operating System.'

(CCleaner will also tell you, at the top of it's window, just by opening it.)

Thanks
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teleam

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MP80

Hi Butters,

That is a fair comment; most people would probably be ok with 4 (I prefer 8GB though, and have experienced problems before with 4.)

In spite of this, imo these problems do have some of the hallmarks of not enough RAM (OR a virus, OR software that needs a patch, etc...)

Tim, are you sure that you are running a 64-bit version of Windows? If not, then you aren't using the full 4GB RAM (as others have already pointed out.)

Sorry if it is a dumb question.. but I always like to check the obvious first. I know you said that your computer is '64-bit ready', but that doesn't necessarily mean you are running a 64-bit OS.

To check.. click the Windows icon (bottom LH corner again), right-click 'Computer', and select 'Properties'.

Next to "System type" it should say '64-bit Operating System.'

(CCleaner will also tell you, at the top of it's window, just by opening it.)

Yes I did what you say. I looked under operating system and it says: " System type 64-bit operating system" My computer is a Dell inspiron 530 and I have been (when this computer doesn't freeze up) for upgrading Ram and found that this computer and this is what I found:"Your computer only supports modules made with a specific type of chip. Should you find what seems to be the exact same memory elsewhere for a lower price, be sure to double check that the model number matches exactly and the vendor is selling a quality part. When you purchase memory from 4AllDeals, it comes with a lifetime warranty, fast, telephone technical support by USA-based technicians and a quality product that our company stands behind."

Thanks
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MP80

14 years ago

Originally Posted by teleam

Yes I did what you say. I looked under operating system and it says: " System type 64-bit operating system" My computer is a Dell inspiron 530 and I have been (when this computer doesn't freeze up) for upgrading Ram and found that this computer and this is what I found:"Your computer only supports modules made with a specific type of chip. Should you find what seems to be the exact same memory elsewhere for a lower price, be sure to double check that the model number matches exactly and the vendor is selling a quality part. When you purchase memory from 4AllDeals, it comes with a lifetime warranty, fast, telephone technical support by USA-based technicians and a quality product that our company stands behind."

Ok, thanks for the reply.. I would leave it as-is for the moment then; that is unlikely to be the problem (unless you are running some resource-hogging software, etc.)

Also, from memory (pun intended

), I think Windows 7 may notify you if your RAM is insufficient.

How did you go with reporting problems to Microsoft?

My computer was crashing recently, and they had some helpful suggestions which ultimately solved the problem. (Turned out my Graphics card needed a driver update.)

Thanks
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teleam

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MP80

Ok, thanks for the reply.. I would leave it as-is for the moment then; that is unlikely to be the problem (unless you are running some resource-hogging software, etc.)

Also, from memory (pun intended

), I think Windows 7 may notify you if your RAM is insufficient.

How did you go with reporting problems to Microsoft?

My computer was crashing recently, and they had some helpful suggestions which ultimately solved the problem. (Turned out my Graphics card needed a driver update.)

I did what you suggest I open reports and viewed all problem reports. I found a few but that's all it did. They were old reports from 2012 and have been sent.

I have to take care of some business today ( I go to school part time Tuesday and Thursday), and I am going to leave my computer on hopefully It won't hang by the time a get home. If it does I am going to start uninstall some programs. My daughter says I have to much on my computer and she may be right. Sshe has a Dell too and not once have any problems with her computer.

If all goes well I see you in a few hours.

BTW I have Dual Monitors with a video card bought last year. Just a thought if that could make a difference.

Tom

Thanks
1 reply

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MP80

14 years ago

Originally Posted by teleam

I did what you suggest I open reports and viewed all problem reports. I found a few but that's all it did. They were old reports from 2012 and have been sent.

Great, make sure that you check again later to see if they have any solutions.

Originally Posted by teleam

I have to take care of some business today ( I go to school part time Tuesday and Thursday), and I am going to leave my computer on hopefully It won't hang by the time a get home. If it does I am going to start uninstall some programs. My daughter says I have to much on my computer and she may be right. Sshe has a Dell too and not once have any problems with her computer.

Cool.. The other thing that I was going to suggest was perhaps having someone from your college take a look at it.

Originally Posted by teleam

BTW I have Dual Monitors with a video card bought last year. Just a thought if that could make a difference.

RAM-wise, I believe they should be ok (although I've never used dual monitors.) But many people run them with as little as 2GB, or less, without any problems.

If you wanted to check.. Can you disconnect one? If so, it might be worthwhile to see if that makes any difference.

Also check the manufacturer's website for a driver update for your video card. Mine was NVIDIA, and they had an update that was less than a month old, even though Microsoft reported that all of my drivers were up-to-date.

As I said earlier, my computer had crashed 7 times recently, and the video card driver seems to have been the cause (I bought this computer brand-new, less than 1 year ago.)

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teleam

14 years ago

BTW

I got rid of most background programs using system mechanic. I seem to prefer it over PC cleaner. I have the free versions.

Tom

Thanks
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butters 14 years ago

Have you typed msconfig into "run" and turned off all your start up applications when you power up your computer? That could be another way to make it quicker.
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celente

14 years ago

stop looking at porn and reading the warrior forum and do some work.

There....your welcome!

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butters 14 years ago

Originally Posted by celente

stop looking at porn and reading the warrior forum and do some work.

There....your welcome!

Was really awkward doing them on the train... Got some real dirty looks
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teleam 14 years ago

Originally Posted by celente

stop looking at porn and reading the warrior forum and do some work.

There....your welcome!

Hey A**Whole I am 71 years old and I don't look at porn. And you can see that I have been on this forum for a few years and have very little posts.
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teleam

14 years ago

butters,

It runs a little faster, I am concerned about it freezing all the time. I will look into your suggestion though.

Thanks

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teleam

14 years ago

Yes I have updates automatically. Just yesterday I had some updates installed.

I'll give your suggestion a go.

Thanks

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timgreen

14 years ago

To be honest I think the simple solution to a lot of computer problems is to just get rid of all the crap you have on their, treat it like your office, if you don't need it, chuck it!

Also your desktop I literally have nothing on my desktop and it speeds up the start up and running so much, put the programs you go on the most pinned to the start menu.

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teleam

14 years ago

Originally Posted by timgreen

To be honest I think the simple solution to a lot of computer problems is to just get rid of all the crap you have on their, treat it like your office, if you don't need it, chuck it!

Also your desktop I literally have nothing on my desktop and it speeds up the start up and running so much, put the programs you go on the most pinned to the start menu.

I go to college ( yes an old man still going to school) and need MS office.

Thanks
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Steve L 14 years ago

Originally Posted by teleam

I go to college ( yes an old man still going to school) and need MS office.

Have you tried Google Docs or Libre Office? Is MS office really a necessity these days?
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- teleam 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Daniel San
  
  Have you tried Google Docs or Libre Office? Is MS office really a necessity these days?
  
  Last semester I didn't have MS office. I had Open office and couldn't get my home assignments so I bought MS office and didn't have a problem.
  
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TheFriendlyPanda

14 years ago

Originally Posted by teleam

I hope that this is Post is ok. What I mean one cannot not do IM if one's computer acts to slow . What software do most of you recommend? My computer is acting so slow especially Eudora. I used to have a good PC cleaner, but that was on my old HD that went kapowee.

I have Windows 7, three terabutes HD and 8 Gigs of Ram

Yes I did back up but now all of it.

Thanks for any help and or suggestions.

Tom

Tried vacuuming your CPU and GPU heat sinks?

I use SlimCleaner for all of my computers these days. It does everything I need from defragging to cleaning junk files. I also use it to destroy some of my private data completely. It comes with inbuilt features for DoD 5220.22-M and Gutmann method.

If I can recall it's fully opensource, has nice support and is completely free.
SlimCleaner Free - CNET Download.com

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John Romaine

14 years ago

You need to get into a habit of performing certain tasks in an ongoing basis. Sounds like there's quite a lot you haven't done in some time.

I'm an ex government IT administrator, so take my advice for what its worth to you.

1.Close all applications. Check to make sure what your specs are telling you are right. Match up the amount of ram the OS is telling you against what you know is PHYSICALLY in the box. If its not right, you *may* need to re-seat your memory. (I doubt it though)

2. If that's cool, check the amount of free space you have on your HDD. Make sure its not maxing out. If thats cool, move on. Otherwise you'll have to make some room by uninstalling some stuff.

3. Run an anti-virus scan. Update the signature files before you do.

4. Download and run CCleaner. Run that and remove anything that it detects as "crap". (Thats what the C stands for

Also run the registry fixer while you're at it. Back up the reg if you like. Be sure to update any signature files before you run it.

5. Reboot.

6. Download and run Malwarebytes. Scan the entire system and clean up anything that looks suspicious. Be sure to update any signature files before you run it.

7. Reboot.

8. Run Windows update. Bring the OS up to date.

9. Reboot

10. Reset the browser back to default settings. Clear the cache.

11. Reboot.

Try it now.

You should only need to defrag if you've owned the system for years and never done one (AND you've done a shit load of installing and uninstalling of software)

You might want to (just as a final precaution), run CCleaner again at the end to make sure everything is dandy.

You should now see a noticeable difference.

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sonas 14 years ago

As others have already recommended and I can fully agree, outside of a really good Anti Virus program, I regularly use the following free programs to keep my computers in top shape:

Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware

CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning

Defraggler - File and Disk Defragmentation
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thatjc

14 years ago

I'm a professional Windows PC Consultant (besides writing eBooks and building and marketing websites). I maintain over a dozen Windows machines and do periodic maintenance involving about 20 inspections and tasks. I do both on-site and remote access maintenance over the Internet.

My recommended products are:
* JV-16 Power Tools from Macecraft for optimizing Windows, killing unnecessary autostarts, cleaning registry, etc.
* AVG Internet Security (there are several other good security programs). If you set AVG very aggressive, it will also do more than Malwarebytes to protect from malware.
* Acronis True Image backup to 2 USB external backup drives (keep one off-premises and swap weekly)

I have a blog for Windows users, "Windows Wisdom" - lots of tips and advice.

Hope this helps...
_jim coe

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Steve L

14 years ago

Install Linux Mint 14 "Nadia" Cinnamon Edition.

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Sillysoft

14 years ago

I didnt read all the posts in this thread, but did you look at your task manager to see if anything is eating up cpu and or memory?

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floralysp

14 years ago

Well,
I check my system from time to time with an Antivirus. A virus can make the system really slow.
Defrag your hard drive, where you sytem is installed on, from time to time and I would recommend format them once in a half or 3/4 year and reinstall your OS.

CCleaner also is a great tool to keep your computer clean, it´s free!

Thanks

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Michael Ten

14 years ago

With a fast computer, it should last you 3-7 years. I think that you have a fairly fast computer.

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Melkur

14 years ago

Just a thought, but if the system is running really slowly, Acronis can't complete backups and now the machine's randomly locking up completely, doesn't that sound like potential disk problems?

If it were my machine, I'd be tempted to run some disk diagnostics over it - mhdd, for preference, booted from a SystemRescue boot CD, unless anyone can suggest something a little more user-friendly?

Thanks
1 reply

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teleam

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Melkur

Just a thought, but if the system is running really slowly, Acronis can't complete backups and now the machine's randomly locking up completely, doesn't that sound like potential disk problems?

If it were my machine, I'd be tempted to run some disk diagnostics over it - mhdd, for preference, booted from a SystemRescue boot CD, unless anyone can suggest something a little more user-friendly?

Recently My HD failed and I had this one put in. This hard drive is less than a year old.

Thanks

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teleam

14 years ago

MP80

When I got hoe yesterday I found my computer has freezedl up so I turned it off. I am lgoing to try one more thing. I am going to clean the inside and get rid of the dust. I realized I haven't sleaned it for almost a year. I read somwehre if the processor gets to hot the computer locks up.

Tom

PS

Sorry for the dowuble post. I thought it didn't take.

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teleam

14 years ago

MP80

When I got back home yesterday I cound that my computer has locked up. I am going to try one more thing. This weekend I am going to clean the inside of my computer. I hearded that the processor gets real hot if their is a lot of dust accumulation. I realized that I haven't clean my machine in a few months

Tom

Thanks

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teleam

14 years ago

My computer seems to be working ok now. I want to thank everyone for their help.

Tom

[ 1 ] Thanks

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serryjw

14 years ago

Originally Posted by teleam

I hope that this is Post is ok. What I mean one cannot not do IM if one's computer acts to slow . What software do most of you recommend? My computer is acting so slow especially Eudora. I used to have a good PC cleaner, but that was on my old HD that went kapowee.

I have Windows 7, three terabutes HD and 8 Gigs of Ram

Yes I did back up but now all of it.

Thanks for any help and or suggestions.

Tom

Malwarebytes & system mechanics. I use the free but there are paid versions

Thanks

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How do I keep my computer in top shape?

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