How To: Optimize Your Computer

How To: Optimize Your Computer

A computer is almost like the best friend you never had. It stores all the information you want; allows you to play games whenever you feel like it; gives you access to a whole world wide web of information; has new functions that you discover on a daily basis; and best of all, it never talks back.
How do you plan to care for this friend of yours, the one that always seems to be there and readily at your service? Get the most out of your computer by ensuring that it remains virus-free and does not lose potential space and memory.
optimize your computerHere

are some basic ways to optimize your computer's functions, so that it works as quickly as possible.

Defragmenting

This is something that should be done every couple of weeks, to ensure that you save space on your hard drive and ensures a longer life for your hard drive.

Keep it on

Avoid shutting down and rebooting your computer at the end and start of every computer session. Don't be afraid to keep your computer on for long periods of time; simply re-start your computer weekly to make sure your RAM is cleared.
If you do keep it on, set your computer to go into "sleep mode". Similar to a screen saver, your computer will go into sleep mode after a given period of inactivity (a longer period than for activating a screen saver).
Your computer will go right back on with a touch of a key, or with the slightest move of your mouse. By setting your computer to go into "sleep mode," you are not only saving energy while leaving your computer on, but you are also preventing your hard drive from spinning.

Screen saver

Install a screen saver onto your computer to activate after a few minutes of computer inactivity. This is good for your monitor, as it prevents images from "burning" your computer screen.

Firewall

If you are always logged on to the Internet with a constant connection, make sure to install a "firewall" to prevent people from getting into your computer via the Net. ZoneAlarm by Zone Labs is a popular and highly recommended brand of firewall.
This will ensure that your computer remains secure from possible intruders. To check it out, visit Zone Labs.
Similarly, if you use instant messaging software such as ICQ or MSN Messenger, exit the program every time you leave your computer. Keeping these on for extended periods of time increases the chances for another Internet user to gain access to your computer and get information such as your IP address. If you aren't on the computer, you're better off closing these programs.

Clear your cache

Your cache stores all temporary Internet files on your computer, which end up there whenever you download or visit a page on the Net. Clearing this every once in a while is a good idea, as these files are unnecessary.

Scan disk

Run a scan disk on your computer every now and then to make sure that everything is safe and sound on your computer. The scan disk can detect bugs, errors and even possible viruses.

Minimize fonts

Although having a wide range of fonts is fun and adds variety to your documents, limiting the amount of fonts you have on your computer is a good idea; fonts take up memory on your computer.