Keeping Your Computer Fast & Safe

Diamond · Mar 9, 2009

Keeping Your Computer Fast & Safe

Introduction: This guide will contain multiple techniques which I have established which can aid in keeping your computer safe and clean. It's no secret that the internet can be a dangerous place for obvious reasons. You should take the necessary steps to make sure that you have "defended" your computer as best as possible. There are multiple different types of tactics which some people might use, but this is my perspective on things. There a multiple products you can purchase, but mostly this guide will make you aware of what you can do, mostly without purchasing anything. Some of these procedures you might not have heard of and I assure you they will keep your computer clean and safe.

Running Disk Cleanup
What is Disk Cleanup? Well, a disk cleanup is a computer maintenance device which is a part of everyone's computers which is designed to clean and free up disk space withing your hard drive.
How can I run Disk Cleanup? Disk cleanup is pretty simple to run. Just follow these instructions and it should be easier than you think, for those of you who don't know what a disk cleanup is.

Start by going to the "Windows button" in the bottom left hand corner of your screen, better know as "Start".

Next proceed to "All Programs" which is in the drop down menu. Then go to "Accessories" then "System Tools" then finally click "Disk Cleanup".

You will be prompted asking if you want to clean up all the files or just yours, choose your preference then proceed. Remember once it shows you what it's going to do make sure all you have clicked are: Downloaded program files, Temporary internet files, Recycle bin, and Temporary files. It should look something like the image below.

Running Disk Defragmenter
What is Disk Defragmenter? A disk defragmenter, much like a disk cleanup, is a program which is included in the Windows program. It attempts to increase access spread by moving around files to create more space, which is known as defragmenting.
How can I run Disk Defragmenter? This process is basically the same as the previous one, just a different step towards the end.

Start by going to the "Windows button" in the bottom left hand corner of your screen, better know as "Start".

Next proceed to "All Programs" which is in the drop down menu. Then go to "Accessories" then "System Tools" then finally click "Disk Defragmenter".

Now, I recommend setting a schedule for it, something like every 2-3 weeks, more isn't particularly needed. You must select the drive which you desire to be defragmented, then proceed by checking the drives. The defrag can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours depending upon how clean your computer is. If you look at the image below it's something like that on Windows Vista. If you have a different type of Windows it should work the same.

Other Pointers

Don't download any software or programs from untrusted websites which you may not know. When doing this you should scan files before you download them. Don't go on some forum downloading programs that some user has posted.

Use other programs to keep yours safe and clean. Make sure you take the added expensive of buying an anti-virus software. Most work well, but it's basically all about preference, get what you like as long as it is effective.

Make sure that your hard drive is well cleaned and there isn't a bunch of junk on it. There are multiple programs which you can sue to do so, but I can't particularly recommend any specific program although I have heard Ccleaner works well.

Do not open attachments in emails which are sent from people that you don't know. In fact, most viruses are acquired this way and by preventing this you can easily be on the road to a safer computer. Do not open emails from users you don't know, just delete them as spam. Don't open .exe, .com, or .bat files unless you are positive that they are safe to open to whomever has sent you them.

What to Click?
Pop-ups- Pop-ups can be dangerous and shouldn't be clicked. If something pops up saying "your computer isn't safe, click here!" ignore it, it doesn't know the content of your computer. If you stay away from pop-ups you can prevent a large portion of viruses.
Porn Sites- I know it's disappointing that I am going to say this, but don't visit unsafe porn sites. These sites that are free are the main reason for the installation of spyware on your computer. A lot of crap can enter your computer from porn sites.

Internet Explorer or Firefox?: Internet explorer isn't the safest browser in most peoples opinions and in my eyes it's true. You should change up your browser if your using IE or make it more secure. Upgrading to the most recent version of IE would also help greatly, their team is coming out with more and more secure features with each update. Instead of fortifying your IE you might as well download Firefox, it's much safer IMO.

Using any Firewall: Windows has it's own firewall built within your computer. It's basically a security center where you can deal with your firewall, defenders and malware protection. Without firewalls you would be susceptible to viruses and other things which can harm your computer. Make sure you update your firewalls regularly because hackers and the such find holes and security errors within firewalls which they can exploit. There are also security holes within your software sometimes. You might want to make sure you install a firewall because this will ensure that those holes cannot be exploited.
Lastly, install anti-spayware software. This is basically a removal program of spyware. The spyware program which you can install will protect you from multiple security threats which are likely to be detrimental to your computers health. I've heard Spy-bot works well.