Most people that have a computer will certainly encounter a time when they will say “I’ve got a virus problem.” So what will happen if you experience this problem? Will you simply take your computer to a repair shop and let them handle the problem?

Nowadays, there are several tips which you can get from the internet so that you can easily fix computer problems with regards to getting a virus. In addition, this article will teach you some steps which you can do on your own to get rid of the problem.

Step #1: Open Internet Explorer or the other browser you are using. Click on the “Tools” button on the toolbar and choose “Internet Options.” Once here, make sure that you are on the tab called “General” and choose the delete button in the section called “Browsing.” You will then receive a pop up menu. Choose the options “Delete Files,” “Delete History,” “Delete Cookies” and “Delete Forms.” Doing this will get rid of every temporary internet files which may contain some viruses.

Step #2: Click on the right button of your mouse on “My Computer” and choose Properties. Choose the tab “System Restore” and click on the check box of “Turn Off System Restore.” Once you have done this, click on Apply then choose OK. There are many viruses which copy files into your folder for System Restore. By turning this option off, it will stop viruses from reinstalling once you have restarted your computer.

Step #3: Go to your Start button on the toolbar and choose Run. Type in the command: ‘winmsd’ and hit the enter key. Once this opens, expand the “Software Environment” simply by clicking the sign beside it which looks like a plus. Then click on “Startup Programs.”

Step #4: Once you are on Startup Programs, you must check the reputable software, malware or the viruses and see if you can find them online. If there are viruses on your Startup Programs, you will need to run some online virus scanners which you can easily get from the internet.

Step #5: Lastly, remove viruses manually if virus scan will not work. Normally, viruses begin with the keywords “HKLM” in the Startup Programs. This can easily be done by choosing Start on your toolbar and then choosing Run. Type in the command ‘regedit.’ You should then look for the virus in your Windows Registry, choose it and then finally delete it. This will then stop you from saying “I’ve got a virus!”

How Can Techie Now Help?

Having a virus is one of the biggest problems that computer users encounter. If you experience this problem, Techie Now can give you a hand. Techie Now can help you with any PC support services: virus and spyware removal, performance optimization, installation and configuration, and general repair. Worry no more now, contact us and get better services at a better price.

www.TechieNow.com

Today is Blog Action Day ‘09: Climate Change, when all bloggers unite to blast the world with messages to raise awareness on climate change and bring our readers into action about it. More details at www.blogactionday.org.

We ‘ll do our bit  by giving tips on how to save power and resources in general at your workplace and PC.

Tips to have a green workplace and PC

This practical advice will not only help the planet but also save you a bit of money!!

• Do you really need that big screen? – The smaller the screen the less power it will consume. You’d also use less plastic!
• Unplug any unnecessary USB device – Look around… for instance, that external hard drive that you have always plugged in but you only use a couple of hours a day… unplug it and start saving.
• Only run the programs you need – The more applications you have running the more busy your CPU becomes. With CPU usage comes heat. To combat heat your computer will turn on the fan, increasing speed as needed. Hence, using more power.
• Use the sleep feature wisely – If you’re leaving your computer for more than 10 minutes is probably better to turn it off or hibernate it rather than putting it to sleep.
• Paper recycling – Need to say more?
• Minimize your searches – Search engines footprint is large. One single search may not have a big impact but if we all stop doing random or aimless searches then we could give the entire computer grid – and the earth – a break.
• Are screensavers energy efficient? - This is a long discussion, to keep it short we’d say that is better to have your monitor go to a blank screen or sleep when not being used.
• Talking about monitors – If you go away from your desk consider switching off the monitor…. even that little LED consumes energy. If we all do it we can make a big difference.
• LEDs on power strips - same as above… many power strips have got switches with LEDs.
• Is your computer running slow? – If it is then you’re also consuming more energy than what you should. Consider getting the issue resolved. Sometimes more memory helps. Also, at www.TechieNow.com we can help with our ‘Performance Optimization Service”. Just visit our web page.
• The 3 Rs: Reduce, reuse, recycle – Your paper, toner, ink cartridges and even your computer can be recycled!
• Windows power options – it’s there for a reason… make sure you go to Control Panel / Power Options and optimize your power usage.

How can Techie Now Help?

Our “Performance Optimization Services” will ensure your PC runs as efficient as possible hence saving power and supporting the cause against climate change. If you have a slow PC just come to our site and we’d be glad to help.

www.TechieNow.com

I bet that when you bought your computer it was running fast but it’s just a matter of time before you have a slow PC in your hands. It seems that way, right?

There are mainly four reasons why your computer may be slow:

1. Certain programs and services need to start at the same time as Windows
2. Malware (viruses, spyware, etc)
3. General clutter in your system
4. Fragmented hard drive

In this article we’ll provide some typical solutions that you may want to try.

Software Installation which slows my PC

Unused applications still running in my computer

This happens to all of us. We browse the web, we fancy an application, we download it, install it, try it and, in most cases, we forget about it! Some of these applications possibly launch at start up and run in the background without you noticing it, hindering your computer’s performance.

Our recommendation: check your installed applications often and uninstall the ones that you don’t need. To do this go to Control Panel, click on “Programs and Features” (Vista) or “Add/Remove Programs” (XP). Review the list and uninstall the ones that you don’t recognize or simply don’t need.

Programs and features (Windows Vista)

It’s also recommended that you then run msconfig. This tool requires a little more technical understanding but in many cases you’d be able to make the correct decisions on what to leave running or not. This is how you do it:

1. Go to the ‘run’ prompt by pressing Windows Key + R
2. Type ‘msconfig’ and press enter
3. Msconfig will start, click on the StartUp tab.
4. Go over the items in the list and uncheck any that you think you don’t need running all the time
5. Press ok and restart your PC

msconfig

My computer is slow! Is it because of a virus?

We have clients that come to us explaining that their PC is slow and ask for an optimization service. In some cases their computers have viruses, spyware and other types of malware that slow down their computers.

Our recommendation: the typical prescription for malware (aka virus) problems is:

1. Install an Antivirus program, make sure it’s turned on  and up to date
2. Run the scan procedures of your Antivirus
3. Make sure your PC has got the latest security updates from Microsoft
4. Enable your Windows firewall

How much clutter is in my PC? Is it making my PC to slow down?

There are two places where clutter accumulates: the Windows registry and the hard drive.

Windows registry clutter

The registry is used by Windows and your programs to store configuration data. As you work with your computer the registry may accumulate unwanted entries causing slow down and even system crashes. There are several tools out there that clean your registry. At TechieNow we don’t endorse any registry cleaner tool in particular but we do recommend that you exercise extreme care when selecting one because a bad registry cleaner can do more damanage than good.

Clutter in my hard drive: temporary files, cache, internet browsing history, etc.

Most programs save temporary data in your hard drive. This data is supposed to be cleaned by Windows or the application itself. However, this doesn’t happen in most cases.

Our recommendation: Run Windows CleanUp utilityand clear the Internet browsing history frequently.

Fragmented Hard Drive

The best scenario for your hard drive is to have all data continously located within the drive. That way the disk reader spends less time jumping from one location to another to find the next bit of information. However, this is not always the case. Most times data is scatter across your slowing down your PC.

To avoid this situation run Windows defrag often. Depending on your disk usage this maybe monthly or weekly.

How Techie Now can help ?

Then why should you come to Techie Now for help?

This is why:

• The above process is relatively simple but if you’re not too comfortable with technology then you may benefit from our expert support
• Sometimes the tools mentioned above are not enough and you need to clean your system manually. Our Techies can perform ‘free form’ repairs without being restricted to specific tools
• Maybe you know how to boost your PC performance but then you also know it takes time. We can do this for you while you do something more productive or enjoyable!

www.TechieNow.com