How to Run A Virus Scan on Windows

Software, , ,
30
Sep 2013

MSE_Icon

The easiest and most efficient anti-virus available for Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 is Microsoft Security Essentials. The software is free, simple and doesn’t bog down your computer like other anti-virus programs. If you don’t already have it installed on your home or office computers, grab a copy from Microsoft here. You can check if it’s installed by looking for the green icon that looks like a house in your system tray next to the clock at the bottom right of your screen as shown here:

MSE_Download_Page

Once you’ve installed Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) follow these steps to run a virus scan:

1. In your system tray, next to your clock, double click on the green MSE icon

mse-system-tray

2. Once the MSE screen loads, click on Scan now

MSE_scan_complete

3. When MSE finishes scanning, it will display the results of the scan

MSE_Screen

That’s it! MSE is a great free program that helps keep your computer free of viruses and malware. Check out other ways you can speed up your computer here.

What are some ways you keep your computer free from viruses?

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3 Steps to Removing Malware
3 Steps to Removing Malware

Tips on Speeding Up a Slow Computer

Software, , , ,
28
Sep 2013

Sad_Laptop

A slow computer is not just a pain to work with but it can drastically slow down your productivity at home or in the office. There are almost an unlimited number of reasons your computer is running slowly. If the slowness started after a new software or hardware update, or you recently recovered from a virus infection, here are some steps to take to speed up your home or office computers as well as your productivity.

Remember to always backup your data before trying any of the tips below.

    1. Run a virus scan. Modern viruses run in the background and hog up your computer’s resources

 

    1. Delete temporary files stored on your computer. Go to My Computer-> Right click on the C drive->click Properties then select Disk CleanupDisk_Cleanup

 

    1. Download the latest Windows updates, hotfixes and Service Packs

 

    1. Uninstall unused programs: Start button->Control Panel->Programs and Features Remove programs you no longer use. If something doesn’t look familiar, leave it alone as it may be required for your computer to run properly

 

    1. Don’t run unnecessary programs at start-up

 

    1. Update your operating systemwin7_rtm_08

 

    1. Purchase a new computer. Computers have become so affordable these days that the best performance boost you can get for the price is purchasing a new computer for your home or office

 

If the above tips don’t help, contact your local computer repair shop to have a computer tech examine it.

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