Computer tips

[orange_wings]

Hi again!

Since I've stated not long ago that it's better to put off buying a new computer for now, here are tips to make the most out of your current computer instead! :D

1. Speeding up you computer
2. Computer security: Avast, AVG and others
3. Browsers: Opera, Firefox and Firefox plugins
4. Image programs: Gimp and Inkscape

Comments

[kucheekybadkuya]

Hmm, the safe mode while defragging is a good idea. Especially for my laptop which always has too little free disk space which is bad enough for heavy processing as it is >_>

Besides CCleaner and Spybot Search and Destroy, I also use Spyware Blaster, which basically preblocks a bunch of harmful crap for IE/FF and Ad Aware. Once a week or so I run Spybot, Spyware Blaster and Ad Aware just to be safe - for some reason Spybot tends to catch stuff Ad Aware doesn't and vice-versa.

Another program similar to CCleaner is TuneUp Utilities - there's a free trial version you can use for 30 days and beyond that you can still use it I believe, there's just a time limit you have to wait through everytime you open the program which is just a small inconvenience. Cleans up registries, frees up junk etc.

And then there's the nifty solution to the little annoyances in life: Unlocker >D

[orange_wings]

I actually don't seem to get too many adwares and such most of the time, so lucky me. XD It might have to do with the fact that I only frequent a few sites, that I download rarely from weird places, and when I do download it's usually either forcing out Youtube clips (no problems there) or downloading open source programs (no attached malware). P: It's not that I actually have high morales against using pirated software, actually. Open source just does the job just fine most of the time without consuming as much computer resources. I don't even want to Imagine what my poor laptop would be like if I tried to use the latest version of Photoshop on it. I barely even use MS Word on it. X'D

[kucheekybadkuya]

Ah, good on you that your web travels are relatively undodgy XD I go to all sorts of sites so picking up unwanted stuff is pretty common, I love my internets too much. If you find that whatever spyware cleaning progs etc. you use are sufficient no pointing adding more anyway, although since you use FF Spyware Blaster might come in handy since it regularly updates w/ stuff to preblock for you.

And hey, your computer is lucky to have you, w/ that resource-minimising philosophy her lifespan should be pretty good >_> Welcome re: Unlocker, that reminds me - the wonderful folks who made CCleaner finally came up w/ a free file recovery prog called Recuva. Still in the beta stages though. Great for folks who are all liek omg I keep deleting shit by accident all the time. Or if your not-so-tech-savvy family members *cough my parents cough* throw out shit then come crying to you XD

[kucheekybadkuya]

That'd be Recuva. *fails*

[kamecchi]

Thanks for pointing out the add-ons I should have! ♥ I just installed them and can't wait to use these babies out!

[orange_wings]

You do that! I feel the same way whenever I install add-ons as well. b: Yeah, baby!

[reversegaia]

I have heard many speak of the lameness that is Norton. Plus, renewing it sucks. I got it for my birthday a few years ago and after a year it was like "MOAR MONIEZ PLZ!" ...bah -_- I'll have to get the free un you use.

I am a Firefox user. I've heard from some one was better than the other, but as you said, preference. But really, if a fox wielding the power of fire ever showed up at an Opera house, I'm pretty sure no one would leave there alive.

All in all, a very handy-dandy collection of links and recs, Ow :D

[orange_wings]

"MOAR MONIEZ PLZ!"

WORD. I can't believe I had subscribed to it for a while.

I'm glad this guide was somewhat useful to you! :D

[ubasrawr]

another awesome program is "hijackthis" you can find it easily on download.com

Any programs you are running in the background it will find and display, then you are able to delete/disable that program from starting up or running.

Saves you a ton of memory especially if you run a slow comp on a low memory stick.

[orange_wings]

Eeexcellent! *rubs hands in glee* Will get that!