How to get a faster computer.

[AnOddName]

The code as is follows:
Green = Normal
Blue = IMPORTANT!
Red = Title
Orange Bold = A Link, Of course.

As you probably DON'T know, I have the fastest computers in the "How fast is you computer?" Thread

I'm here to tell you how you too, can get a faster computer.

Epilogue

My name is AnOddName and this is my story

1. My computer with Dial-Up

Well, to have a faster computer, a lot depends on your ISP, Internet Service Provider.

I used to have an ISP called Compuserve.

CS was terrible. It was Dial up and extremely slow.

It easily was infected with viruses and became much slower...

Then we switched to Adelphia, which was A LOT faster.

2. Adelphia

After we bought Adelphia, my sister started downloading things.

She downloaded programs like "Smiley Central", "Zwinkey", "Bonsai Buddy", and "Zango Games"

DON'T GET THESE!!

These are all things like Spyware, Malware, Etc.

So our computer became VERY slow.

Since I knew that most of it was viruses and things, I uninstalled them all, if the couldn't be uninstalled, I Removed them from the computer totally. (If your computer is getting slower, I would suggest this as a basic way to gain speed.)

Adelphia came with an Anti-Virus program called Freedom.

Freedom was a pretty good program, and it kinda helped.

Then, Adelphia changed to Comcast, so it got even faster.

3. Comcast

Comcast is supposedly the fastest ISP in Pittsburgh, so, of course, my sister downloaded some more.

Comcast came with an Anti-virus program called McAfee.

McAfee automatically scanned programs that were downloaded and deletes them if they are infected, So we never really get anything too dangerous.

If we did get something dangerous, I would Uninstall it or remove it, like I mentioned before.

So now my computer is really fast and have quick downloads.

My name is AnOddName, and that was my story.

Viruses, Malware, and Trojans.

There can be viruses in E-mails as attachments.
They disguise it to look like a picture, you click it and BOOM virus.
So don't even open strange e-mails

What seemed to be a good virus protection software is PC Security Shield It does cost money, but it had a high rating.

Malware, A.K.A Malicious Software, is designed to destroy, wreak havoc, hide information, and disrupt or damage computer systems.

Malware is another form of a Virus.

Trojans are programs that appears like you want them, but actually contain something harmful.

The contents of a Trojan can be a virus or a worm, destroying your computer. Example:

Originally Posted by My Computer Is Slow

When I downloaded the free game, it turned out to be a Trojan, and now my computer is ruined. NOW I CAN'T DOWNLOAD ANYTHING!

A lot of Anti-virus and firewall programs are in the Links section.

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Great tips

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Some of the programs didn't have an uninstall option, so I had remove it in "Add and Remove Programs".
(It can be found in My Computer, then go to Add or Remove Programs, which is on the left.)

To remove a program, just click Change/Remove and it should automatically remove it.

Another option you have is to remove things that have a large MB size.

I have a program called Guitar Tracks Pro 3.
Its a recording studio on my computer, so it takes up a lot of memory.
So I don't plan deleting that...

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Also, you can go to "Add and Remove Programs" and look around for programs that you don't need. A lot of useless programs come with the computer, so I just removed them.

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Another thing you can do is defragment your disks every now and then. This can help a lot in some cases. Fragmentation in the disks makes the computer do extra work it doesn't really need to do, so when you defragment, it eliminates that problem and makes your computer run more efficiently.

Start-->Accessories-->System Tools-->Disk Defragmenter

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Never, EVER download anything strange, like the examples I gave.

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Have good Anti-virus software like Symantec , Avast!, or AVG
Norton and Symantec are the same, so you can download either.

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A few more things you can get are CounterSpy because if you computer became really infected, neither McAfee or AVG may be able to find it. Download CounterSpy, works like a charm.

It comes with a free 30 day trial before you have to buy it, but it's definitely worth it.

There is also a program called CCleaner, clears all of the deleted files, unused extension files and other things off your comp, a long with solving some computer issues.
You may download it if you wish.

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You may end up with some spyware on your computer, too.

Spyware is software that secretly gathers information through the user's Internet connection without their knowledge, usually for advertising purposes.

Spyware programs are usually bundled as a hidden part of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet.

As soon as you install it, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and sends that information in the background to someone else.

A good free Spyware protection program is

Spy Sweeper

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I have heard a theory that sometimes Pop-ups contain things that can harm your computer...
There are many pop-up blockers on the Internet that can stop pop-ups all together.

Google Toolbar has a pop-up blocker built in.

It is a very good toolbar. Even I have it

GET MOZILLA FIRFOX
It greatly increases internet speed, and helps alot

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LINKS!!

Symantec $

McAfee $$

AVG $$

FIREFOX! (Can't believe I forgot... Thanks AE! $

Avast! $$

CounterSpy $$

PC Security Shield $

Spy Sweeper $

CCleaner $

Google Toolbar $


$= Trial or Free $= Costs Money

A guide to computer speed by: AnOddName

==================================

Terminology

ISP: Internet Service Provider. A company that provides an Internet connection.
Dial Up: Very slow Internet access using a modem and an ordinary telephone line.
Virus: A program able to create more of itself, and modifies other programs usually to cause damage to the computer.
SpyWare: Any software that secretly gathers information through the user's Internet connection without them knowing, usually for advertisement. Spyware programs are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that you can download from the Internet. When they are installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and sends that information in the background to someone else.
MalWare: A.K.A Malicious Software, is designed to destroy, wreak havoc, hide information, and disrupt or damage computer systems.
Trojan: Also called Trojan Horse, Trojans are programs that appears like you want them, but actually contain something harmful.
Un-Install: Using the Un-Install feature is how to properly and completely remove a program from your computer. This is usually done by the programs own uninstall utility, or by using Add/Remove in Control Panel.
AntiVirus Program: An AntiVirus (or Anti-Virus) obviously, is software that searches your hard drive and floppy disks for any known or potential viruses. There are many different Anti-Virus programs, as I listed in the "Links" Section of this Guide.
E-mail Virus: Viruses often come in E-Mails as attachments. You can receive these by entering your real E-Mail in the fake Advertisements like "FREE PS3! CLICK HERE!"
Firewall: A Firewall is a Program that limits access to and from the Internet on your computer. It prevents infected downloads and it also prevents virus programs and other things to connect to the Internet from your computer.
LAN: A local area network. It is s a computer network covering a local area, like a home, office or small group of buildings such as a college.
WAN: is a group of computer networks connected together over long distances. Example, The Internet is a WAN.
Freeware: Software that is available for download, free of charge
Shareware: Copyrighted software that is available for personal use for a small fee, usually after a free trial, and often downloadable from the Internet.



Credits

- Me
- Apache, For Disk De-fragmentation
- Sharpshooter, For CounterSpy and CCleaner



TIPS COURTESY OF ReaperPlaya



1. Ad-aware 2007
2. Ad-aware watch 2007
3. A virus blocker [Try not to download one. Buy one from the store and always will scan something )
4. Lots of ram on you computer (It increases your computer speed)
5. More memory (120GB is good)
6. And a good internet, like IE7, firefox(the newer version), Comcast (Fastest internet around) etc. If you have wireless internet, make sure your network that you are using is security enabled. That means you need a password to access the newtork. [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED]. And if you lose internet connection, then theres something wrong with your computer (You've been infected with ad-aware or an virus) or there is something wrong with your network. But remember, if you have a security enabled network, make sure you know the password AT ALL TIMES!

MOAR FROM Reaper:

Ok. Im going to give you people some tips (again) for a fast computer and how to keep it protected.
NOTE:BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING THAT IS SHOWN BELOW, PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO! IT IS BERY HELPFUL AND WILL HELP YOU ALOT! NO JOKE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnHAS1OjlE4 <---- Right There
~-~-~-~-~-Protecting Your Computer-~-~-~-~-~

DO NOT download anything from a toolbar that comes with Internet Explorer 6&7. (examples: Smilie Central, Screensavers, etc.) Once you download this, BAM! Virus, trojans, worms, and Spyware.

It is highly reccommended you do not download a Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware programs from the internet(they can contain Trojans). Instead, buy a computer protection program from a store like MicroCenter, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.

KEEP WINDOWS FIREWALL ON AND VIRUS PROTECTION IS ON AT ALL TIMES!!
(To make sure it is on, Start>Control Panel>Security Center
It should be like this:
Firewall:On
Automatic Updates:On
Virus Protection:On

If you find your computer running very slow and the last time you logged on it was running fast, you should scan your computer once (both anti-virus and anti-spyware) immediately! If you scanned your computer and if your anti-program didn't find anything, then you have too many files/programs on your computer.

-~-~-~-~-~How To Make Your Computer Running Fast-~-~-~-~-~

There are a lot of ways to make your computer to run as fast as it should be or as fast when first used. I will tell you how below.
1)Add RAM to your computer.
2)Add more memory 320-750 recommended if you use your computer a lot and do a lot of work on it.
3)Delete programs that you dont use anymore. Run Disc Clean Up and Disc Defragmenter.
4)Arrange programs to start up after you log into your computer.
Here is a video from youtube explaining this process(Does Work)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnHAS1OjlE4
NOTE:WHILE DOING THE STEP WITH THE START UP, DO NOT UNCHECK YOUR ANTI-VIRUS OR ANTI-SPYWARE PROGRAM! THAT IS TO BE LEFT ALONE! AND MAKE SURE YOU DONT UNCHECK EVERYTHING!
OR
You can do a process called System Restore lets you go back a date from anytime you have used your computer.

1.Log on to Windows as Administrator.
2.Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore. System Restore starts.
3.On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
4.On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system checkpoint in the On this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.
5.On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
6.Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Restoration Complete page appears.
7.Click OK.

NEVER! I MEAN NEVER DOWNLOAD A PROGRAM CALLED SPYSHERIFF! IT JUST MAKES YOUR SITUATION WORSE! IT DOWNLOADS TROJANS, VIRUSES, ETC. FROM THE WEB AND ON TO YOUR COMPUTER! IT WILL MAKE YOUR COMPUTER CRASH AND SEND YOUR INFORMATION TO THE WEB!!(Spyware)

Thank you and I hope this works for you. Rate my tips please!
-rEaPeRpLaYa

[Apache]

McAfee sucks balls. It's like the worst security program ever, too many holes. Norton FTW.

Also, defragment your disks every now and then. This can help alot in some cases. Fragmentation in the disks makes the computer do extra work it doesn't really need to do, so what this does is eliminate that problem and makes your computer run more efficiently.

Start-->Accessories-->System Tools-->Disk defragmenter

As oddname stated, don't open/download foreign files/objects/e-mails etc.Disk clean-ups help alot too. They clean-up the unnecessary files on your computer by deleting temporary internet files,clears recycle bin,deletes memory dump files(from BSODs),compresses user files, and a bunch of other things I can't remember. Just make sure you know what you are deleting, before you delete it.

Errr...I think that's all for now.OddName stated the rest.

[JediLucas5]

WOOT AON MAKES GREAT GUIDES!! sticky please1111

[two11]

Originally Posted by JediLucas5

WOOT AON MAKES GREAT GUIDES!! sticky please1111

uh.. this guide is horrible..

[AnOddName]

Originally Posted by two11

uh.. this guide is horrible..

*slits wrist*

jk...i just threw together a guide for the heck of it

Ill edit the rest Apache said tomorrow...
Nintendo wii isn't the best at copy and paste
lol

[sY]

McAfee < Norton < AVG < CounterSpy

Honestly, i just recently downloaded CounterSpy because my comp became really infected, neither McAfee or AVG were able to find it. Downloaded CounterSpy, worked like a charm.

It comes with a free 30 day trial before you have to buy it, but it's definitely worth it.

Also, there's a program called CCleaner, clears all of the deleted files, unused extension files and **** off your comp, a long with solving some computer issues.

[AnOddName]

Originally Posted by SharpShooter

McAfee < Norton < AVG < CounterSpy

Honestly, i just recently downloaded CounterSpy because my comp became majorly infected, neither McAfee or AVG were able to find it. Downloaded CounterSpy, worked like a charm.

It comes with a free 30 day trial before you have to buy it, but it's definately worth it.

Then i'll add that too...
but like i ssid before, nintendo wii

[mreitz]

if you had a mac you wouldnt get viruses.

[brohana]

i want a mac, but alot of programs i have dont work on macs
anyways, i dont think this a good enough guide to be sticked but its useful
we have crappy AVG free version that does like nothing against viruses,
thats why i have the slowest comp on the How fast is you computer thread
but i will definently try this, thanks

[DisSleeper]

Originally Posted by Apache

Norton FTW.

Umm... was that a joke? :/