You’re trying to get something done on your computer, maybe it’s some work, or chatting with your family, maybe you started writing that novel you’ve thought about for so long, but this damn piece of junk is so slow. If you don't want to spend money on a new computer, what can you do to solve this problem? I’ve been there, and thanks to my tech-savvy friends, I've compiled this guide to help you clean up your old computer and give it a new lease on life.
First thing’s first: You need an antivirus installed on your computer! If you don’t have one, your computer might be infected with viruses, these nasty little pieces of software, used for a variety of things (gathering info, stealing passwords or just by people looking to be purposely malicious) – tend to hog the computing power of your Central Processing Unit (CPU) and slow down your computer’s response time.
According to tests performed in June 2014, the Antivirus software with the highest level of protection (99% success rate) were:
(credit: avira.com, 360safe.com, bitdefender.com, eset.com, kaspersky.com, cloudantivirus.com)
But before you install the Antivirus of your choice, make sure that you don’t have an old Antivirus installed – 2 antivirus programs don’t cooperate, they clash and slow down your computer. To check if you have an Antivirus installed, watch this video:
Pro-tip #1: Be sure to run a full scan on your computer once in a while, as there might be infected files lying dormant in your hard-drive.
Now that we made sure you have an antivirus installed and that it’s up-to-date, it’s time to check for the other problems that might be slowing down your computer. These include “cookies” or even internet toolbars that can negatively effect your computer's speed because they might be doing “naughty” things in the background (like sending your browsing data to a company, or giving you search results that aren’t the best, but instead were paid for by advertisers).
Currently, the 2 best programs for clearing such offenders are BitDefender & Malwarebytes Antimalware Free (99% success rate or higher).
Pro-tip #2: Run a scan once or twice a week, you’ll be amazed at what you might find.
Now that we've gotten the 2 biggest things out of the way, let’s clean up those nooks and crannies. You should download a program called “Should I Remove It” – it’ll scan your computer and let you know if you have useless programs installed, with an explanation on what each program does.
Some manufacturers install their own software on laptops and desktops and much of it is not really needed (called “bloatware”) and with ShouldIRemoveIt – you can easily get rid of all of these useless programs, clear space in your hard drive and speed up your computer.
Pro-tip #3: Most search-toolbars aren’t needed, and actually won’t display the best search results, consider uninstalling them.
(Credit: shouldiremoveit.com)
This process may take a while if your computer needs a serious clean-up, but if you follow these simple pieces of advice, you’ll enjoy a faster-working computer without the need to buy a new one or pay a technician to clean it for you!
|
WI-FI GUIDE: Stop People Hacking Your Wi-Fi Password
This is how you set up a password for your wireless Wi-Fi account, to stop people using your connection for free.
Windows Paint Can Do a Lot More Than You Think! Here's How
Although Windows Paint seems like it isn't capable of very much on first glance, there are actually many things that it's capable of. Take a look at this guide.
The Only Guide You Need to Clean Your Computer
Computers collect dust and dirt, causing them to slow down and heat up. Here's how to clean them:
Become a Windows Computer Wiz by Using These 11 Tricks
These simple tips and tricks for using a Windows PC will help you use your computer and turn you into a Windows PC master!
Did You Know You Could Do These Cool Things with Windows?
Windows has many built in tools and accessories with lots of cool and handy functions. Knowing how to use them will save you time and money. So here's how!
This Free Program Means You'll Never Lose a File Again
We all hate losing files and photos on our computers. Luckily, a free program called Recuva exists to help you get your deleted files back.
These Free Tools Will Help You Download Any Video Online
These free tools will help you download any video online.
Beyond Chrome: 5 Private Browsers for Better Security
For those who prioritize their online privacy, there are some alternatives to Chrome available that could be explored.
Beware! 10 Tech Scams That Could Target You in 2024
Beware of these dangerous scams in 2024.
Photo-Perfect: Learn How to Use the Basics of Photoshop
Whether you're looking to enhance your personal photos or create compelling graphics for your business, our Photoshop tutorial is designed specifically for you.
Computer Tips: All You Can Do With the CTRL/Control Key!
The control key has more uses than just copying and pasting. These are the 20 more useful keyboard shortcuts you can do with the control key.
5 DIY Solutions to Better Organize Your Cords and Cables
Computer cables have an annoying tendency to tangle and create an unseemly mess. Here are some easy ways to prevent that.
12 Google Chrome Shortcuts Everyone Should Know
Keyboard shortcuts are immensely useful! If you’re using Google Chrome to browse the internet, we have a few neat shortcuts to share with you.
If You Aren’t Doing these Things, Your PC WILL Wear Out...
All the basics of computer maintenance.
5 Ways to Get the Most Out Of Your Security Systems
Learn some useful tips in this article that will let you know if your security system is working efficiently or not.
5 New Windows 11 Features You Don’t Know About
You may have missed these new Windows 11 features.
Everything You Need to Know About Bitcoin
The following article is an unofficial guide to Bitcoin and will explain everything there is to know about it.
The Easy Way to Clean Your Computer's Keyboard
Cleaning a dirty keyboard is quite a straightforward task, as you're about to find out.
These Gmail Shortcuts Will Save You Time & Frustration
If you use Gmail, but you don't know how to use a single keyboard shortcut, then you well and truly are missing out. Here are the most useful ones...
How to Download Streaming Movies for Offline Viewing
Here's how to download movies and TV series from your favorite streaming services to watch them offline.
Spotting WhatsApp Spam: 5 Tips for Safe Chatting
Due to WhatsApp's increasing popularity, the number of spam texts in circulation has also grown. Here's how you can spot them.
6 Ways You're Killing Your PC Without Realizing It
Want your PC to last longer? Stop making these mistakes now!
How the FBI Caught the Most Notorious Hacker
This is the story of one of the most successful hackers in the world and how the FBI caught him.
BEWARE! These File Types Could Contain Viruses
Be careful before you click any file these days. Hackers may have used them to hide viruses.
Minimize Exposure to Cellphone Radiation with This Guide
Our cellphones can be harmful to our health because of the radiation that they give off. Learn these 14 ways of minimizing your risk of exposure to it.
20 Easy Solutions To Your Annoying Computer Problems
A collection of 20 tips to help you troubleshoot common computer problems with ease!
Get the Most From Your Smartphone With These Tips & Tricks
These best tips, tricks and hacks for iPhone, Android, and Samsung users.
The Best iPhone Tips and Tricks for 2023!
In this video you'll learn a bunch of tips and tricks that have just recently been added.
Declutter Your Phone's Home Screen with These Tips
Streamline your digital life with these expert tips on decluttering your iPhone and Android home screens.
The Truth Behind Misleading Phone Charging Myths
We're putting down these rumors once and for all! These cellphone battery charge myths are untrue.
Get the Most Out of Google Photos With These Tips
These useful tips and tricks will help you get more out of Google Photos.
Take Your Computer Back to New with These Helpful Tips!
If your computer has become slow and is starting to lag, it’s probably about time you serviced it. Here's how to do it yourself, free of charge.
This One Computer Key Is Used for a Myriad of Shortcuts!
The 'Win' key is usally thought to only bring up the start menu. It actually does a whole lot more. Get a load of these dozens of shortcuts!
THIS is Why You Shouldn't Take Your Phone to Bed!
A stern warning and a cautionary tale that will explain why you shouldn't sleep with your phone...
The Only Guide You Need to Clean Your Computer
Computers collect dust and dirt, causing them to slow down and heat up. Here's how to clean them:
9 Underrated Free Websites That Will Make Your Life Easier
Yes, there are still many more useful websites you don’t know about!
10 Safe & Free Movie Streaming Sites Anyone Can Use
Check out some of the best free and legal streaming sites for your next binge.
There's a keyboard Shortcut for Nearly Everything Here!
These shortcuts will cut down the time you waste fiddling about on the computer, and make you into something of an expert.
Computer Guide: How to Format Your Computer - PC & Mac
how do we create a new computer from the old, formatting it and making it work like new? This guide will show you!
9 Facebook Marketplace Scams You Should be Wary Of
Facebook Marketplace scams have become more common than you perhaps realize. Here’s how you can avoid them.
The New Wi-Fi is Here! This is Why You Should Try It…
Wi-Fi 7 is here, and it can change the way you use the internet!
This Site Will Allow You to Copy the Text Off Any Photo!
We are here to introduce you to a website that can assist in such situations by extracting text from images for easy editing, copying, recording and distribution.
Make Everyday Computer Use Easier with These 7 Tools
Windows have many built-in tools that make everyday tasks a lot easier. However, they are difficult to find and use. This guide reveals 7 of them.
No Antivirus? Try These Free Online Virus Scanners Now!
Don’t have an antivirus installed? No problem. Try these free online virus scanners instead.
Make Your Browser Safer With This Handy Guide!
Make your browser more secure by following these easy tips.
7 Ways to Send Text Messages From Your Computer
Why use your phone to send an SMS when you have these awesome free websites?
Check When Your Shipments Will Arrive on These 5 Websites
These helpful online tools will help you estimate delivery times and track shipments with precision and accuracy.