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I noticed a lot of people in chat or threads complaining about how their PC's are running slow when browsing, starting up or shutting down. Well, I thought I'd make a thread that lists a bunch of programs to download that will hopefully remedy that.
I don't claim to be a computer expert, but over the years I've learned a thing or two about keeping my PC clean and running smoothly. These are all programs that I use currently and will vouch for each one of them. Keep in mind that the following statements below are simple suggestions and should be treated as such.
These are FREE programs I use that I'd recommend the average person to consider using as well: (copy pasted from a previous thread)
Have some $$ to spend?Get avast: (Antivirus)
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
Run a scan.
Get SUPERAntiSpyware: (Spyware Remover)
http://www.superantispyware.com/down...ntiSpyware.exe
OR
Spybot - Search & Destroy: (Spyware Remover)
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
(I personally use both)
Run a scan.
Get Online Armor (Firewall)
http://download.cnet.com/Online-Armo...-10426782.html
OR
PC Tools Firewall Plus (Firewall)
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
Leave it on always -- turn off Windows Firewall or any other firewall if using this, as they will conflict.
Get CCleaner: (Cleaning Tool)
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
Run a clean.
I'd recommend investing in TuneUp Utilities -- this is a nice little program that will pretty much tweak, clean, and fix your computer in any way possible. With this and CCleaner, your computer will be in the best working condition possible (after all the appropriate scans and cleans).
http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/
http://www.download.com/TuneUp-Utili...-10206416.html (Read the reviews)
Couple other things to consider:
A couple other handy programs you may want: (optional and also free)Performance Options-- depending on what Windows you have, if you know how to get to the Control Panel there should be a System Performance Option, which will speed up your computer by decreasing what's loaded on Windows.
For Windows XP you can find it in Control Panel. Look for System (System Properties) then go to the Advanced tab. Once in there look for Performance, then click the Settings button. Dot the 'Adjust for best performance' option then click Apply/OK. It will take a few seconds, but your windows will revert back to the original classic style, but I GUARANTEE that you will notice a great performance increase for your comp from doing this.
Defragging -- by going to your System Tools under Accessories in your Start menu, you'll find Disk Defragmenter. RUN IT. It will pretty much clear up any issues you may have with your hard drive that would cause programs to run slow. (A similar option is available in TuneUp).
Dusting -- after a while dust builds up inside your computer (especially with the fans) and can cause parts to overheat. What does overheating mean? Your computer has to compensate by running at a slower speed. If it ran at normal speed it would heat up too much and possible fry something.
Consider opening up your computer (when it's off, of course) and taking care of all that dust in there. A can of compressed air will do the trick just fine. You'd be amazed at how many complaints of slow computers are simply caused by too much dust build up.
MSCONFIG -- I wouldn't recommend this unless you know what you're doing, but it is an option. If you go to Start, Run, and type MSCONFIG a window will pop up. Basically it's settings for Windows that lets you chose whether you want to allow programs to run at start up or at all. TuneUp and CCleaner also have a Startup option as well, which is easier for people who don't know exactly what they're doing.
You can also go to Control Panel, Administrative Tools, and Services, where you can pick out what programs you want running while your computer is on. Again, I don't advise doing this unless you know exactly what you're doing, because you'll likely end up turning off something you may need. However, this method does offer a "description" box that details what the software is used for, which is very helpful.
That's all I can think of at the moment. If anyone has any questions or comments about the programs I've mentioned or anything I've said, then feel free to reply. Like I mentioned at the top, I'm no expert or anything, but I've learned a lot from my many mistakes over the years, and try to keep my computer running as smooth as possible (and it does) using the many applications I've noted.TCP Optimizer: (I no longer use this method, so I don't know if it still works - 8/12/12)
http://www.speedguide.net/files/TCPOptimizer.exe
This is a run-once application to increase internet speeds. THIS WORKS. It's a simple program that tweaks your net settings that will enable maximum internet performance from your service provider. I've tested this personally and it does work. I've made a post about it in the past, where users have also claimed to see an increase in their downloads and what-not.
I don't recommend using this if you use TuneUp's Speed Optimizer, as the two will conflict. Instead, just use TCP Optimizer if you choose to go this route. I'd personally recommend this if you want to see an increase in your download speeds. If you use this, run it then click the bottom where it says Optimal Settings, then hit Apply (you will have to restart afterwards).
Firefox:
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
Do away with IE or any other browser and get this. Firefox is the safest and one of the fastest and most customizable browsers available. I've been using it for years and it hasn't let me down. Of course, this is merely a suggestion. As long as you run the appropriate cleans and use the right programs any browser will work just fine.
UPDATE: 11/11/2010
Firefox has run into a lot of crash issues lately, as well as being a memory hog. Although it still remains to be the safest of the browsers, it's not necessarily the fastest or best any longer (in my opinion).
Google Chrome:
http://www.google.com/chrome/
Ever since Firefox has been F'n up a lot on me lately, I've been using Google Chrome for my casual browsing. It remains to be THE fastest browser I've used and splits the memory processes up in your computer, so it's not a huge memory hog like Firefox has been. I'd advise checking this browser out if you want speed.
Peer Guardian:
http://phoenixlabs.org/pg2/
If you want to feel a bit safer against someone or something that may want to enter you computer, consider getting Peer Guardian. It's basically like another firewall that will block specific IP's from potentially getting inside your comp. This is entirely optional. If you want that added security, get this, otherwise, Online Armor (or any other firewall) should do the trick just fine.
Revo Uninstaller:
http://download.cnet.com/Revo-Uninst...-10687648.html
A lot of people don't realize that once you delete something, remnants of the file are sometimes still left behind. It may just be a folder or a registry file, but either way, it's still in your system. Revo basically removes the program normally, but also gives you the option to run a system scan that searches for other pieces of the file that may still remain. It will sniff it out and give you ability to remove it all entirely. This is a nice way to completely remove something. There are other nifty features that you can play with, as far as cleaning your comp goes, which is why I highly recommend this. NOTE: If you're already using CCleaner often then you don't really need this.
Lastly, I'd like to state that if none of the above work for you, then it's time to get yourself a new computer, because it's amazing that it's even still functional at this point.
:soadeto2:
EDIT: (7/14/14) I've come across some easy-to-use articles that also help users speed up their comps by tweaking/disabling certain things in their OS and whatnot. Some things in the articles may have already been covered here, but there are other things that haven't been. Most of it is pretty common knowledge for us tech geeks, but it may not be for others. And trust me the things in the articles do work and you WILL notice a performance increase. If you're running VISTA, kill yourself. If you're somehow still running XP. UPGRADE THAT SHIT :2far:
Windows 7:
http://www.askvg.com/master-tutorial...-7-super-fast/
http://www.askvg.com/windows-7-servi...set-to-manual/
Windows 8:
http://www.askvg.com/master-tutorial...-8-super-fast/
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Originally Posted by Dr. Loomis
