Have you noticed your computer processing a little slower than normal? Maybe you can't get your e-mail as quickly as you used to. Or maybe you just want to put your foot through the monitor screen because it keeps freezing anyway and you're not getting anything done. Save your loafers. In actuality, you might need a little memory boost. Every computer relies on RAM, random access memory. RAM resides on your computer hard drive, so to boost your RAM, you first need to take a look at your hard drive and then get to work cleaning up your computer.
Routinely checking and cleaning your RAM will keep your system running more smoothly. Just a few different checks will maximize your computer's performance while you sit back in your ergonomic chair and think about your next project instead of the frozen screen in front of you.
To make your RAM bigger and improve the speed of your computer, just increase your memory. You can do this a couple of ways. Defrag your computer to rid it of unneeded files. Doing this will make everyday processes like a word processing program or your accounting program boot up and run faster. You won't find yourself chewing your nails in anticipation for the next window to pop up.
Maybe you need to purchase another hard drive. You can install it easily and with little extra cost, and doing so will maximize your computer's speed. You'll find yourself blown away by the lighting quick speed of programs on your computer. Those of us that use our computers regularly will greatly profit from more memory. Two hard drives really will make a difference.
The wimpiest hard drives usually come with the computer; so if you're still using your factory hard drive, buy another one. To install a new hard drive, you only need a screwdriver. You can find the right hard drive by asking a technician at your local computer hardware store. They should point you in the right direction. Then just follow the instructions in the package.
Another hard drive might not only save you the frustration that a slow computer causes, but it will save you the headache of lost files. It gives you another places to save your files, a virtual additional filing cabinet. This saves you stress in the end and allows you to sleep better at night and work better in the day.
As you work with your hard drive, spend time cleaning out your files as well Delete what you don't need and then back up what you do want to keep. There's nothing worse than finding yourself in the middle of an assignment with a blank screen and the hum of a dying hard drive in your ears. So do what you must to keep your computer in tip top shape and ready for your next task.
Today, many people are using their computers to connect with friends and family, manage their finances online, and to shop. All of these activities make it increasingly important for users to safeguard their computers, since you could inadvertently be welcoming the schemes of hackers, attackers, and crackers.
Phishing for personal information to steal your identity and hijacking your computer to attack others are daily threats on the internet.
There are inexpensive steps that can be taken to make your computer more secure. Here are twelve critical precautions to take now.
1. Make a backup copy of information that is important to you, and keep it separate from your computer.
2. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently.
3. Get a good firewall. Without a good firewall your computer is vulnerable to viruses, worms, and Trojans, malware and adware from the Internet. Both the benefits and differences of hardware and software based firewall programs should be taken into consideration.
4. Set the browser and email configuration on your computer for optimum security. Hackers frequently use Active-X and JavaScript to insert harmful programs into your computers. Cookies are pretty harmless, but they do keep track of what you do online and build a profile of information about you. It is recommended that you choose your security settings for the internet zone to be at High, and the settings for trusted sites zone to Medium Low. (These are the minimum recommendations, and you can set your security higher, if you wish to do so.)
5. Make sure you have antivirus software installed and that it is set to receive automatic updates. Automatic updates insure you are protected from the latest viruses.
6. Don't open email attachments from unknown sources. Knowing the person who sent you the message is not sufficient, as even the account of someone you know may inadvertently pass on a computer virus to you. So be cautious of ANYTHING that you open!
7. If you don't know where a program comes from, don't run it. Another word of advice is to avoid sending programs like this to your colleagues and friends, even though the content might be entertaining. There might be a Trojan horse that wants to infect your computer, and theirs.
8. Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to "hide file extensions for known file types". Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will, by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.
9. When your computer is not being used you should turn it off and disconnect from the network. This will help to prevent an attack from hackers.
10. Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you experience a hostile breach of your system.
11. Unrestricted physical access to you computer should be prohibited. Allowing others to use your computer can put the security of your computer at risk if there is sensitive or proprietary information on it.
12. Use strong passwords. Pick passwords that people would have a hard time guessing. Often-used password phrases are names of kids and animals, as well as important dates like anniversaries and birthdays. Since there are passwords required for all you do on the computer, some people generally use the same one over and over. That is not the best move! If you only use one password, a hacker can get into all of your personal information. In the event that you find it absolutely necessary to record your passwords, be sure it is not on a note attached to your monitor! This may seem funny to you, but it is something many people do. And it's a bad idea for obvious reasons!
Both Gregg Hall & Jason Mann are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Gregg Hall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lingerie, Desserts and Mortgage. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as at. Gregg Hall's top article generates over 3350000 views. to your Favourites.
Jason Mann has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Home Management and Health. Jason Mann is editor of the Technology Basics Section at , where you'll also find ideas and tips for hobbies, home and garden, persona. Jason Mann's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.