How To Clean Up Your Computer - Free Online Computer Fix

1. Quick Fixes
To start off, you should do a few quick things that may improve performance. First, Restart your computer. Also, you should not be leaving your computer on for weeks at a time, we endorse a shutdown each night - this will cleanse your system and run diagnostics at the startup. If you are running Windows98 still, you must shutdown your computer each day or so to avoid the system from crashing. Next, go to your Control Panel and click on Add and Remove Programs - take a close look and see what programs have been installed on your computer - uninstall software that you do not use or that you did not install (spyware).

Next, run a Hard Drive Defrag (Accessories --System Tools -- Disk Defragmenter) - especially if you have not done so recently. If you have the time, we recommend also running a Disk Cleanup as well.

Free up some space, perform these tasks regularly: Empty your recycle bin. Clear out your Temporary Internet Files and Cookies (Internet Explorer / Tools / Internet Options). Make sure your hard drive is not chock-full (i.e. 97% full) - the fuller your hard drive, the poorer your performance -- you may need to delete unused files and even programs. The best thing to do is to keep programs that you don't use regularly off of your computer. You may even need to buy an additional hard drive, if you cannot free-up enough space.

2. Eliminate your Spyware
Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has been hijacked and changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don't see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your surfing behavior to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to advertisement companies. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm in trying to see if something snooped into your computer, too. If you used any Peer to Peer file sharing software such as KaZaA, you probably have literally hundreds of spyware programs installed on your machine.

Another great spyware-killing software that we recommend is: Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition from Lavasoft (download) It is a free program - download the application and the latest updates, then scan your system.

Spyware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software (Adware). It is a way for shareware authors to make money from a product, other than by selling it to the users. There are several large media companies that offer them to place banner ads in their products in exchange for a portion of the revenue from banner sales. This way, you don't have to pay for the software and the developers are still getting paid. If you find the banners annoying, there is usually an option to remove them, by paying the regular licensing fee.

Why is it called "Spyware" ?
While this may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install additional tracking software on your system, which is continuously "calling home", using your Internet connection and reports statistical data to the "mothership". While according to the privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain anonymous, it still remains the fact, that you have a "live" server sitting on your PC that is sending information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.....

More info on Spyware and Adware

3. Install and Run Anti-Virus Software
If you are a US Government employee or Military Service Member, you are authorized to receive a free copy of Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition - please refer to your computer support personnel to receive this free software. After you install your Antivirus software, ensure that you are updating the virus definitions regularly and that you actually run a scan on your computer regularly (weekly). Lastly, as most viruses are transmitted by email, ensure that your software is scanning all incoming emails, attachments, and downloaded files.

4. Install and Run System Utilities Software
By installing and regularly (weekly) running software such as Norton System Works, you can eliminate and even prevent serious software problems. This diagnostic tool can prevent or eradicate many Windows errors. Several different "scans" can be run including Windows Scan and Disk Error Scan - each will identify problems and fix them.

5. Update your Windows operating system (Windows Update)
Get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer to see what updates are required and provides you with a list of updates tailored just for you. Often, these updates include crucial security or stability patches that will fix known, chronic problems. Recent Windows XP Service Packs have solved security issues, installed firewalls for your protection, and increased the stability of your system.

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) free download includes a robust new firewall and a modest pop-up blocker. Both of these tools can help you defend your computer.

"A typical unprotected PC will come under attack
within 20 minutes of being connected to the Internet."

6. Set up a Firewall and Router
If you connect to the internet via a high speed connection (i.e. DSL or cable modem), you should protect your computer from intruders and hackers. Your high speed internet connection makes your computer vulnerable via certain ports that are open to even the most novice cyber snoop. Installing a hardware router is the best, most secure option in computer internet security. A second, less robust alternative, is installing a software firewall. A software firewall acts as a barrier between your PC and the Internet. Firewalls not only prevent unauthorized access to your PC or network, they also hide your Internet-connected PC from view. ZoneAlarm is a great free software firewall that you can install and configure to protect your computer. If you want a more feature-laden program, we suggest buying Norton Personal Firewall.

Download Windows XP SP2 and you get Microsoft's free software firewall (download).

7. Install a Pop-Up Blocker
Pop-up ads are those irritating ads and messages that pop up on your screen whenever you're online. There are three major causes of pop-up ads:

Dealing with the first two types of ads is relatively easy. You can use a simple pop-up blocker like the Google toolbar to block those ads. Download Windows XP SP2 and you get Microsoft's free pop-up blocker (download).

Installing the Google toolbar

The Google toolbar is a nice freebie that makes it easy to search the Web. As an added bonus, it can automatically block most pop-up ads that come through your Web browser. To install the Google toolbar:

8. Downloading Tips
If you use Peer to Peer file sharing software such as KaZaA, you are probably experiencing a ton of pop ups and other interruptions to your computer - as stated in #1 above, you must eradicate your spyware. However, continuing to use KaZaA will probably result in additional spyware being installed - that is because KaZaA installed such harmful software in the background. There is a great utility program that you can install will fix such problems. KaZaA Lite is a great plug-in -- it will overwrite your original KaZaA software and prevent spyware and pop ups from occurring. This will make your searches quicker and your computer run cleanly and efficiently. Be very careful when installing or downloading software - only install it if you need it and intend to use it. Viruses are becoming more and more prevalent nowadays. A new, full-featured P2P download program is BearShare.

9. Update your Drivers
Drivers are software files that keep your peripheral devices (such as printers, scanners, cameras...) running properly. Often times, these devices ship with outdated drivers. Or your drivers become corrupted. Either way, the easiest way to fix a problem with your printer, scanner, camera, etc. is to simply UNINSTALL the device, then REINSTALL with current, updated drivers. The best way to find the most up to date drivers is to log onto the company's website and download drivers directly from the manufacturer. For example, if you have an HP printer, you should go to HP's website and search for "download drivers".

To update a driver, you'll need to retrieve it from the device maker's Web site. Most peripheral makers have a support or customer care area on their Web site that contains driver files. Drivers also come on floppy disk or CDs what come with the device, though it is advisable to get the latest driver from the device manufacturer's Web site. If you need help in finding a driver look at these sites: http://www.driverguide.com/ or http://www.windrivers.com or http://www.driverzone.com/ or http://www.drivershq.com/ or perhaps http://www.mrdriver.com/.

10. How to Maintain your Computer - 5 Easy Steps
Follow the above steps and your computer should be on the road to recovery. Want to avoid the hours of work in trying to fix your computer in the future? Check out our easy steps on How to Maintain your Computer and keep it running smooth. With a little preventive maintenance, you can ensure your computer lasts a long time and remains trouble-free!