Gadget Blog

This article provides practical steps to fix the most common causes of computer errors. Readers will usually need to set aside only 15 minutes for each recommendation.

Most Common Computer Errors - Computers have brought dramatic changes in our day to day lives, yet like any machine, they need regular maintenance and upgrade. There are many simple tasks which will fix computer problems and prevent errors.

In the majority of cases, errors exist in the EXE, DLL and driver files. This happens often as a result of corrupt or invalid entries in the registry. Files such as these are critically important as they write entries in the registry and these entries are later used to operate the system effectively. If a registry becomes damaged or unstable then the number of random responses and the actual response time increase dramatically.

Run Defragmenter - To begin with, run a disk defragmenter. This operation reorganizes the content of the disk to store the many parts of each file closer together and contiguously.Defragmenter use compaction to create large areas of free space on the hard drive and this means that the computer can find information faster with less errors overall.

Registry Scan - In order to fix computer errors in the registry, it is also advisable to complete periodic registry scans, as this enables unwanted data to be detected and subsequently deleted. Registry repair software are ideal to complete this operation easily. Users can choose from a variety of registry repair software, which can also complete many registry maintenance activities, for example remove malevolent software such as viruses and spyware, in addition, many of these same computer programs will also backup, scan and fix the registry and finally defragment the computer. Click on fix computer errors for more information.

Remove Spyware and Viruses - Spyware and virus programs create most of the computer errors. Viruses add malicious codes and files to the system and this adversely affects performance. This contrasts with software programmed to copy malicious code onto the computer in order to steal confidential data (spyware). This code is frequently sent to third parties later for malicious use. Fixing computer errors requires a common sense approach, which entails updating any anti-spyware and antivirus tools. Click on adware and spyware removal for more information.

Fix Boot Sector - Faulty programs, in addition to virus infections can also damage computer boot sectors, and this can prevent the system from booting. Fixing computer errors, with occur when booting up the computer is best achieved by using the relevant operating system booting CD provided with most computers. For instance, the boot CD provided for Windows XP is useful to repair any Windows installation.

Upgrade Your RAM - Insufficient memory is another source of errors, which can lead to various computer problems. Usual symptoms of these problems include the system crashing, blue screen, system hanging, sudden reboot and programs crashing and becoming unstable. To fix computer errors which also relate to memory, users can download free programs which help solve RAM and issues related to memory. These tools are usually user friendly and they can greatly enhance the performance of any system. Testing the memory of the computer is also recommended in that event.

Click on fix registry problems for more information.

This article draws attention to some of the limitations arising from relying on freeware to prevent and eliminate popup ads, in the overall context of adware and spyware protection.

Adware is a popular term to describe any software which can play, display or download advertisements on computers. Some adware are known as spyware due to their function, which consists of collecting then sharing some personal information about the users without their knowledge or consent. 

Adware popups have become a common irritation for most users and many are now looking for free ways to disable them. Google and MSN toolbars offer free popup blockers functionality and many users rely on them for protection. Unfortunately only a minority of users think about the relationship between popup ads and spyware, and even fewer think about spyware protection and prevention beyond blocking popups whilst browsing. Yet experience shows that both the removal of adware and spyware, as well their prevention are necessary steps to protect users privacy, preserve the integrity of their systems and enable a pleasant on line experience. By contrast blocking popups simply creates a false sense of security. This is due to the fact that in reality, the most serious problem with popup ads is not that they are a permanent irritation, but rather that they are the symptom of spyware infection. This issue is clearly evidenced by the fact that many popups appear when computers are not even connected to the Internet.

Changing the browser settings is free and a step in the right direction

Blocking adware popups whilst browsing is easy enough. Changing the privacy settings so that popups can no longer appear on screen can be done as follows:

·      Select Control Panel in your computer 

·      Click on the Internet Options icon 

·      Click on the Privacy tab. 

·      There is a box next to “Turn on Pop Up Blocker”. 

·      Tick this box and you will block adware popups. 

Once the settings have been changed, users should adjust the privacy levels on their computer. Another option is to use the MSN or Google toolbar. Either toolbar can improve security when browsing the Internet. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

But, how about achieving complete protection? What is the bigger picture for most users?

Unfortunately most users focus on just blocking adware popups, and forget that their computer is probably already infected with adware and spyware. Popup blockers such as those offered by the Google and MSN toolbars, whilst useful are just dealing with one aspect of privacy and system integrity protection. For more information click on block spyware.

Thinking more broadly about ways to safeguard the users’ privacy and protect the integrity of their system against the danger of adware and spyware attacks is both wise and necessary. Users should also remove spyware and adware from their computer using appropriate tools, then run an up to date anti-virus software. Often adware and spyware are downloaded without the users’ knowledge.

The most popular adware and spyware removal tools can both block and get rid of adware and spyware. The most popular adware and spyware removal software are frequently updated and rely on research teams to detect and review the latest adware and spyware. Adware and spyware removal programs can also block popups, and this deals with the root causes of adware and spyware infections. This approach is clearly superior to the reliance on free popup programs. For more information click on adware spyware removal.

This article covers simple steps that any user can follow to rapidly make any computer faster. Implementing step 1 or step 2 should take no more than 15 minutes and will work for both PC and Mac users.

 

Step 1 -  Clean the computer registry

Slow computers often have errors in their registry. The registry is comparable to a nervous system. Its main function is to connect software hardware and computer files. Over time, errors occur and this slows down computers, frequently their registry become corrupted. A simple step is therefore to locate then fix registry errors. Despite the fact that it is possible to repair the registry manually in theory, this method is not recommended. The main reason for this, is that it requires strong knowledge of the structure of the registry as well as its functions. Registry repair software are usually fast and reliable and offer overall, a better alternative to correct errors, delete unused files, poor links and deal with ActiveX components. Click on compare registry fix software for more information.

 

Step 2 - Delete and block adware and spyware

Another common reason leading to computers slowing-down, is the large number of spyware and adware, which are downloaded from the Internet, often without the users knowledge. Often, this takes place when peer to peer (P2P) networks are used to download videos and music for example. One of the simplest solutions to improve any computer’s speed is to use an anti spyware or adware software to scan, remove and block these unwanted threats. It helps to test the relevant anti spyware or adware program by downloading a trial version as most of them are free. The main features to consider are Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service, and the overall effectiveness of the software. The best software tend to be the simplest to use and rely on a research capability that constantly updates the software for new threats. Click on best adware spyware removal for more information.

 

Step 3 - Eliminate viruses

Unsurprisingly many computer viruses can slow down computers and drive down response times. Computer viruses often damage files, can consume excessive amount of memory and take a large amount of space on the hard disk. By running the latest version of the best anti-virus programs, users should overcome these problems and be in a better position to improve their computer performance.

 

Step 4 - Simple housekeeping tasks

There are many simple housekeeping tasks which can be done to improve the speed of any computer, for example uninstalling any software that is not needed.  Another tip is to stop programs launching automatically, as this will also improve the speed of the computer. Small improvements can be expected from these simple tasks.

Step 5 - Optimise the Hard disk

For hard disks which are smaller than 2GB then at least 200MB of disk should be kept free and at least 500MB for larger hard disks. The amount of free space on the hard drive is a key factor of performance as it is used by temporary files needed by software to run. This frees up space for the computer to swap files, which is used particularly when the operating system starts using virtual memory once it has run out of RAM. Unless sufficient space on the hard disk is availble, the system slows down significantly in that event. Disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows can help check for errors on the hard disk. For example, whilst the hard drive may be large enough, the problem may be that it is too fragmented or that some of its sectors have been damaged. Defragmenting the hard disk is another action, which will improve the response time of any computer. 

 

Step 6 - Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. This reduces the amount of memory available for other programs. Computers frequently run out of RAM after a while. In order to overcome this, ugrading the RAM is probably necessary. Alternatively running certain programs simultaneously should also be avoided, this option is of course free.

 

Step 7 - Stop the computer from overheating

Faulty fans are a common cause leading to the computer overheating, slowing down then freezing as a result. To overcome this problem, installing a new fan is the best solution which will reduce the computer’s temperature by increasing the airflow and ultimately improve response time.

For more information click on how make my computer faster.