How To Manage Startup Programs

General, Software, ,
05
Nov 2013

CCleaner_logo_2013

In the never ending battle to keep your computer running quickly and smoothly, one of the less obvious culprits are the programs that start each time you start your computer.  Most if not all programs load in the background so you don’t actually see them starting up.  They are however taking up resources and slowing your computer down not just when they are running, but especially when they are starting up.

Here’s how you can use the free program CCleaner to manage your startup programs, spare your computer’s memory and keep it running fast.

Download_CCleaner

1. Download and install CCleaner free

CCleaner-Run-Start-Menu-Installer

2. Open CCleaner

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3. Click on Tools and Right click on any startup programs that are not 100% needed and disable them from starting up

If you are not sure which programs are necessary and which are not, consult with your office or home IT support.

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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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Keep your computer running cool
Keep your computer running cool

Keep Your Computer or Laptop Running Cool to Avoid Overheating

Repairs and Upgrades, ,
16
Sep 2013

How long has your desktop been sitting in the same place? It’s either on the floor or tucked away under a desk. Do you often place your laptop in your lap, or on the couch or on the floor when using it? In this previous blog post, we covered some of the most common causes of computer problems today.

One commonly overlooked source of computer problems is overheating, and one of the causes of overheating is dust build up in the laptop/computer case. Here are some ways you can keep your systems clean and running cool:

1. Vacuum vent screens and case fans

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Any household or shop vacuum should be strong enough to pull the grime and dust build up from the case screens or laptop vents.

2. Make sure fans are working

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Typically there are 2 fans in computer or laptop cases. One fan pulls the air in while the other blows the air out keeping a constant circulating flow of air. Fans can sometimes burn out, so measure yours and find the same size on amazon or ebay for a couple of bucks.

3. Vacuum inside of the case

Onsite_PC_Solution_Keeping_Computer_Cool (2)

Use the narrow nozzle of your household or shop vacuum to very carefully remove dust, cobwebs and dirt build up inside of your computer case. Take care not to touch any components insite of the case.

4. Blow out the dust from laptop vents

Onsite_PC_Solution_Keeping_Computer_Cool (4)

When you notice your laptop running extra hot or shutting off on its own, that may mean a good amount of dust has build up inside of the fan vents. You can either blow into it yourself a few times, or use a can of compressed air to give all vents a few gentle spritz of air.

Spend 15 minutes following the above steps every 6 months and you can prevent avoidable overheating issues with your laptop or computer. Also, who doesn’t like a clean computer!

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Common causes of computer problems
Common causes of computer problems

Common Causes of Computer Problems

Repairs and Upgrades, , ,
16
Sep 2013

Common Causes of Computer Problems

Working with a slow or malfunctioning computer can feel like using a typewriter with keys missing. Somehow you are able to make it work but it can be a slow and painful process. Computers, servers, laptops and these days even tablets need routine maintenance to run smoothly.

If you want your computers to work for the long haul it’s important to take the time to maintain them. Before delving into some of the most common solutions to these issues, it’s important to understand why your computer or office network is performing poorly. Issues can be caused by hardware, software or sometimes related to both. Here are some of the most common causes to our modern computer headaches:

Reading through this list may have triggered for you some possible reasons that you are experiencing system slowness or some other problem. In the next series of blog posts we will go into some basic steps you can take to remedy some of the above computer issues.

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