Every new years day reminds us of a fresh start, of a new you. This certainly applies as well to your computers. Just like ourselves, we have to unload some stuff from our computers to last another year.

These simple maintenance tips will help you and your computers start the year right, avoid computer issues and boost your computer’s total performance.

Clean your computer from yester-year’s clutter
As we use our computers, bits and pieces of temporary system files are being stored. Whenever we surf the internet, temporary internet files are continuously downloaded and stored into our hard drives; when we install programs, temporary system files are also kept; when we create documents or presentations, temporary files are stored as well.

Collectively, these bits and pieces of temporary files eat up a large chunk of space in our drive.

The easiest and simplest way of cleaning this is by using Windows’ Disk Cleanup utility that is usually found under Start>>All programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>>Disk Cleanup. Alternatively, you can use your preferred third party cleaning tool to do the job for you.

Audit your programs list
It can be very healthy for your computer as well if you uninstall programs that you don’t really use. Most especially additional anti-virus software that can cause software conflicts on your system.

Common unused programs as well are your browser add-ons like toolbars, not only that it makes your browser look crowded, it slows it down too. Make a rundown of your programs at Control panel>>Add/Remove programs or Programs and Features.

Update programs, virus definitions and windows hotfixes
To spare yourself from annoyances coming from program bugs, it is recommended that you install all updates whenever they are available. Make it a habit to install important Windows updates so as to make your computing more stable and hassle free.

Look into your computer’s security
Ensuring security is always part of your computer usage hygiene. Antivirus software or any other security software has to be kept updated, ongoing (not expired) and working.

Daily scans are recommended, weekly is a must. In the event your paid antivirus subscription had expired (or is almost expiring) please ensure that you see to it that your computer is continuously protected.

There are limitless possibilites for a malware intrusion on your computers and and expired antivirus software may give hackers an easy access to your files.

Clean your computer inside-out
Your computer is a machine that can accumulate a lot of dust over time. Keeping it physically clean allows air to flow, and this helps keep your computer’s temperature levels down.

If you’re using canned air, please follow the instructions listed in the can. If you’re with an expert or you’re knowledgable with computer hardware, also reseat your hardware peripherals and your memory sticks.

Be careful when dealing with computer hardware; mishandling can cause serious damage to your computer.

How can Techie Now help?

These simple computer maintenance tips should be done on your computer every 6months to keep your computer in good working condition. If you’re not very comfortable in doing these yourselves, our techies would be more than happy to help you out with our PC Performance Booster. We’ll take care of your computer as if its our own.

When your hard drive dies an untimely death,  that’s when you realize how vulnerable your  files (photos, videos, documents, music, etc)  are after wiping off clean the entire drive. And  I’m not kidding when I say that once they’re  wiped off; there’s no way of getting them back.

Most of the severe virus infection cases we’ve  handled left us no other choice but to wipe off  the hard drive clean after several unsuccessful  attempts to remove the infection.

On a lighter note, prevention is always better than cure. There’s a simple way of saving all of your precious mementos by storing your files in multiple locations.

Backing up your files ensures that your files are secure in the event of crashes, virus infection, and some technology disaster. In line with this I’d like to discuss your options for backup:

Local Backup

This is saving a copy of your files to a separate folder or partition on your hard drive. This serves like a backup just in case the file is accidentally deleted or infected by a virus; however this too will be affected if your hard drive crashes.

External Storage Backups

Backup and restore is easy and relatively safe to use; however this is at risk for data loss due to fire, theft and other physical accidents. Storage media like disks can be bulky in large quantity and can be expensive if a huge amount of files are involved.

This is the most common form of backup. This is simply creating copies of your files and storing them in an external media like external hard drive, usb flash drives, CD/DVD’s, magnetic tapes, etc.

Cloud/Online Backup

This type of backup is already having an increasing number of popularity due to its security and convenience. Also known as remote backup, this is uploading/saving your files on a remote server with a network connection and securing it with a password.

This method eliminates the external storage backup risk however it is highly dependent on internet speed and connectivity to backup and restore. Normally, subscriptions are required for this to get a large capacity allocation, so it can be a bit expensive too.

Performing a backup only involves copy/paste of files; or better yet, you can use software that can automate the process. Several things you to get u started are:

How can TechieNow help?

Backing up files should be regular hygiene for all computer users. This eliminates data loss in the event of computer crashes mostly brought about by severe malware infection. Let Techie Now give you our expert opinion about the options you have to secure your data while we clean the virus off of your computer.

General Computer Repair

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