@echo off
msg * Shutdown computer.
shutdown -c “Sleep Tight” -s
msg * Shutdown computer.
shutdown -c “Sleep Tight” -s
Showing posts with label Tricks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tricks. Show all posts
Sunday, 12 January 2014
Notepad trick to use it as a Diary
- Open notepad
- Type .LOG
- Save the file as LOG.txt
- Write anything in it and it will be saved with the time when you edit it.
Matrix Notepad Trick
color 2
:start
echo %random% %random% % random% %random% %random % %random% %random% % random% %random% %random % %random% %random% % random% %random%
goto start
Save this file as Matrix.bat
Make sure the file type is kept as ALL FILES while saving it as a .bat file.
Notepad Trick to Open DVD Drive
- Open Notepad.
- Copy the code given below onto the notepad file:
Set oWMP = CreateObject(“WMPlayer.OCX.7?)
Set colCDROMs = oWMP.cdromCollection
do
if colCDROMs.Count >= 1 then
For i = 0 to colCDROMs.Count – 1
colCDROMs.Item(i).Eject
Next
For i = 0 to colCDROMs.Count – 1
colCDROMs.Item(i).Eject
Next
End If
wscript.sleep 5000
loop
- Save it as “Ketan(you can choose any name).VBS”.
Notepad Trick to type slowly
- Open Notepad.
- Paste the following code in the notepad file:
WScript.Sleep 180000
WScript.Sleep 10000
Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject (“WScript.Shell”)
WshShell.Run “notepad”
WScript.Sleep 100
WshShell.AppActivate Notepad“”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “Hel”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “lo ”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “, ho”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “w a”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “re ”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “you”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “? ”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “I a”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “m g”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “ood”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys ” th”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “ank”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “s! “
- Save the file with any name and with .vbs extension and close it.
Test Your Anti-Virus
You can also test your anti virus program for its effectiveness using a simple notepad trick. Follow the steps below to know more:
Open Notepad.
Copy the code give below in the notepad file:
X5O!P%@AP[4PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
Save it with an .exe extension like testvirus.exe
Copy the code give below in the notepad file:
X5O!P%@AP[4PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
Save it with an .exe extension like testvirus.exe
This test is also known as EICAR (European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research) test file.
The file is simply a text file of either 68 or 70 bytes that is a legitimate executable file called a COM file that can be run by Microsoft operating systems and some work-alikes (except for 64-bit due to 16-bit limitations), including OS/2. When executed, it will print “EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!” and then stop. The test string was specifically engineered to consist of ASCII human-readable characters, easily created using a standard computer keyboard. It makes use of self-modifying code to work around technical issues that this constraint makes on the execution of the test string.
Constantly Repeat Messages
Using this notepad trick you can annoy anyone and can actually force them to log off or leave the computer (LOL….). This notepad trick will create an infinite cycle of a message in the computer. Follow the steps to know more:
Open Notepad.
Paste the following code in the notepad file:
Paste the following code in the notepad file:
@ECHO off
:Begin
msg * Hi
msg * Are you having fun?
msg * I am!
msg * Lets have fun together!
msg * Because you have been o-w-n-e-d
GOTO BEGIN
Save the file with any file name but with .bat as extension and close it. For eg. Freakymessage.bat
After saving the file just open it (by double clicking) and see what happens.
Hit Enter Key Continuously
Open Notepad.
Paste the following code in the notepad file:
Paste the following code in the notepad file:
Set wshShell = wscript.CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”)
do
wscript.sleep 100
wshshell.sendkeys “~(enter)”
loop
Save the file with any name and .vbs extension and close it.
Now open the newly created file and see how the enter key behaves!
Now open the newly created file and see how the enter key behaves!
Change The Header/Footer Of Your Notepad File
Open Notepad.
Click on File -> Page Setup.
Replace the text written in the “Header” and “Footer” box (as shown above) by any of the following codes:
Click on File -> Page Setup.
Replace the text written in the “Header” and “Footer” box (as shown above) by any of the following codes:
&l Left-align the characters that follow
&c Center the characters that follow
&r Right-align the characters that follow
&d Print the current date
&t Print the current time
&f Print the name of the document
&p Print the page number
Hide IP address & surf anonymously
How to hide your IP address & surf anonymously?
1) The very first thing you should do is, download FireFox browser and surf internet with that only. To download Firefox go to
2) Once FireFox is setup, restart your PC and then Download this:
3) Setup the above given software.
4) Once this is setup, You will see a program called "Vidalia Bundle", go to that program and then Start "Vidalia". Usually when the setup finishes, it automatically starts the "Vidalia".
5) Once "Vidalia" is running, you will see a Green color Onion shaped icon at the right side corner (bottom) in task bar of your PC, when you will take your mouse on that, it will say "Connected to TOR network", if not then double click on that green onion icon and then click on Start TOR, it will take some time and you will see it started.
6) Now open, Firefox and then on the Firefox, Right hand bottom corner, you will see a text written in red color "Tor Disabled", now click on that and it will become green and it will say "Tor Enabled".
7) Sometimes when you enable TOR in Firefox it shows a popup like above, just click on OK.
Now open a web URL called "
9) Now whatever website you will open, you may feel that your internet is VERY slow, but it will be like that only. While using TOR internet will be very slow.
Trick to Safeguard Your Email Address/Gmail tricks
We find it a safe measure to share our personal information and images through emails which is the common thing that most of the time we follow but what if your email is been hacked by hackers , as in today's day to day life its common. Today I'm gonna share a trick which helps you to protect your mails just by following few simple steps.
- Fist you need to Edit Profile
- Contact Information
- Clicking on the icon beside your email address
- Checking 'Only Me'.
For additional security, when in Account Settings, check 'Secure browsing' and 'Send me an email when a new computer or mobile device logs into this account' and click Save.
Some of the safety measures:
- At last Be careful before clicking on suspicious links.
- Always check the URL in the address bar before signing in.
- Avoid logging in through various "Facebook widgets" offered by websites and blogs.
- Facebook's homepage to sign in.
- Always try to use Safe Search while searching.
- If you do manage to get phished, report the website so that others may get a warning before visiting it
Upload Pictures from Windows Explorer to Photobucket Directly
The following tutorial is a step by step guide on how to use FTP with Windows Explorer to upload content to your Photobucket account.You must be a Pro Photobucket account holder. This tutorial is based on using Windows and Explorer (‘Explorer’ is built into the Windows operating system, this is NOT ‘Internet Explorer’).
Tip : Best Free Photo Upload Sites
Upload Images Directly from your Windows Explorer
Note: The display size or file size settings in the ‘Uploading Options’ of your Photobucket account will affect the size of images uploaded with FTP. You may want to review the current image size options set in your Photobucket account Upload Panel prior to uploading with FTP. To make any ‘Uploading Options’ changes permanent, you must upload at least one image directly from the Upload Panel section of your Photobucket account.Note: Video files cannot currently be uploaded into your Photobucket account using FTP.
Steps to Take:
- Open ‘My Computer’ from your Windows ‘start’ menu or desktop. You can also open any folder on your desktop that you have created.
- Paste the following URL into the ‘Address’ field of the Explorer window:ftp://username:password@ftp.photobucket.com
Note: Make sure you replace ‘username’ with YOUR Photobucket username, and ‘password’ with YOUR Photobucket password. - Open up another window and locate an image (or images) on your computer that you would like to upload. Simply ‘drag and drop’ this file (or files) into the FTP window.Note: Supported image file types are jpg, gif, png, bmp (bmp will convert to jpg on upload) and swf files. SWF files can currently only be uploaded as an image if you are a PRO user. Please make sure your filenames do not include any special characters, i.e. ‘,"$!&. Please make sure any sub albums that are created via FTP do not contain any special characters as well.
- Your files should now be visible in the FTP window.Note: The files with a ‘th_‘ in the name represent the thumbnail images in your account.
- Open up a new browser window and log into your Photobucket account. Your images will now be available for sharing and linking!
- The FTP settings for use with other FTP programs are:
host address: ftp.photobucket.com
port: 21
username: your Photobucket username
password: your Photobucket password
directory: blank or default
You may need to use ‘Passive Mode’ if you are using a firewall.Note: Image files must be uploaded as binary files. You may need to select the binary transfer type (bin) in your FTP settings. If this is not selected, your images may not appear in your Photobucket account even though it appears that they transferred through your FTP connection.
Currently FTP does not allow renaming or deleting of folders and pictures due to security precautions.
Also See : Use Laptop Camera for Recording Video & Taking Pictures
Problem: Can’t Upload Files, Photos to Internet, FTP 0 Byte Upload Errors
The best way to troubleshoot problems is to check step by step, if any recent settings might be causing this problem.
# Step 1 : How to know if you Really Can’t Upload Files, Photos etc Online
Well, this is easy to know. Any upload based online web applications stop working. This mean you can’t upload photos on facebook, can’t upload files on online file managers etc.
Another way I checked was at speedtest.net. It is flash based tool to estimate your download upload speed of you internet connection. When I tried, the download estimation worked fine, but while calculating the upload performance the tool stopped responding. This clearly indicate that something is wrong with file upload system in my PC.
# Step 2 : Check Exactly How Serious the "Can’t Upload Files" Problem Is
What I mean is, sometimes there might be a simple corrupted addon, plugin in your browser which creates problem uploading files to internet.
Try Switching Browsers, check with different types of browsers, in most cases the browser is the problem maker. For eg: I remember after I installed a plugin (download manager for faster downloads in Firefox), I was facing some sort of errors while uploading and downloading files. I removed it and every thing was fine.
If Possible, Try the same Broadband Connection with a different PC, as this will let you know if there are any local problem with your ISP (Internet Service Provider). I use a BSNL connection, and they are renowned for their service downtime issues. Manage a Laptop and connect to internet from that laptop in the same way as in your pc, which will solve your file upload problem in most cases. If you still can’t upload anything there might be an error with your modem or router settings (see below)
# Step 3 : Does Your PC have a Problem
I know you have heard these everywhere. But they really work. Try the following steps :
System Restore : This is a life saver. I have been rescued from so many other problemswith this option. It basically restores the Windows Registry (the core of your os) to any recent backup made during a critical system settings change. Go to Start > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore and restore it to few days earlier to the file upload problem. Work most of the times…
Anti-Virus + Firewall : Sometimes this combo overreacts to your internet actions and disables suspicious internet activity from your PC. But, it fails horribly sometimes disables access to many http and ftp protocols in your windows network services which is why you can’t upload files, and sometimes cant access websites. Simply, disable the Firewall, stop the antivirus and try uploading files.
Re-Install Windows : I know this is painful since it formats the drive, like I mentioned in Step2, try from a different computer, but if you don’t have a laptop or a 2nd PC. This is the only way to troubleshoot. This is because this is the best way to start from scratch when you don’t know why you can’t upload files and other similar network problems.
Still, can’t upload anything ? Then Step 4 is the only hope.
# Step 4 : Check Modem, Router’s Internet Settings
None of the above steps worked for me, so this was my only hope. But this step did…
Why Couldn’t I Upload Files ? Recently, I reset my router to access the admin settings page to enable wireless (wi-fi) in my home. Now the "can’t upload files" problem started after that, and this is why…
After resetting my router all the Internet Settings in the router becomes default. Well this is good but not always. After a lot of searching online I found that there is a option calledTCP MTU (details) (Maximum Transmission Unit of a single data unit (e.g., a frame). MTU sizes are measured in bytes), set to 1500 bytes by default in your router’s internet settings. This means you can’t upload files more than 1500 bytes (LOL). Simply set it to 0 to remove this restriction. (See below).
Set TCP MTU Settings in Router (eg : UTstarcom, BSNL)
- Go to http://192.168.1.1/ (your router’s setting page)
- Go to Interface Setup and Click Internet
- Look for the TCP MTU option.
- Generally 1500 bytes is set. Set it to 0.
- Click Save.
- Go to Maintenance (tab) > SysRestart > System Restart with : Current Settings
- Click Restart and wait for the 2nd Message "System Rebooted"
OR, Set the MTU Size for the Network Interface (Router) Manually from Registry (Not Recommended)
Note : Follow this step only if you can’t access your router settings page as above. If you set the MTU size for a network interface manually, this setting overrides the default MTU for the network interface. To set the MTU size Router, follow these steps:
- Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
- Locate the following key in the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\<ID for network interface>
- On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
- Type MTU, and then press ENTER.
- On the Edit menu, click Modify.
- In the Value data box, type the value of the MTU size, and then click OK.
- Quit Registry Editor, and then restart the computer.
After this simple setting, my file upload problem vanished… So if you can’t upload files, please follow these steps and let me know in comments if it helped you.
Suggestions are Welcome…
Also See : Enhance, Boost Internet Connection Speed
Friday, 3 January 2014
How to Enable an Administrator Account in Windows 8
You’ll first need to open an elevated command prompt in Windows 8. This will allow you to open up a command prompt as an administrator, even if you’re not logged in as one. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.
1. While logged in to either the Windows 8 Start Screen or the traditional desktop, use theWindows Key + X keyboard shortcut to open up the Windows 8 Quick Access Menu.
2. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
Figure 1: The Windows 8 Quick Access Menu, activated by using Windows Key + X
3. Depending on your UAC settings for Windows 8, you may get a user access control dialog box like the one shown below in Figure 2. Click Yes if the prompt appears.
Figure 2: Windows 8 User Account Control window
4. Type lusrmgr.msc in the newly-opened command prompt window and press Enter.
Figure 3: The Windows 8 command prompt
5. A window entitled lusrmgr – [Local Users and Groups (Local)] opens. Open the Users folder, and you’ll see a list of all the local users on the current PC. Right-click on the Administrator account and choose Set Password.
6. In the "Set Password for Administrator" Window click Proceed.
Figure 3a: The Local Users and Groups (Local) window
7. Enter the new password and confirm it, then click OK.
Figure 3b: The Windows 8 Set Password for Administrator window
8. Now right-click on the "Administrator" entry and then select Properties.
Figure 4: Selecting Administrator properties
9. In the "Administrator Properties" window that opens, make sure that the "Account is disabled" checkbox is unchecked. Then click OK.
Figure 5: Enabling the Administrator account
The Administrator account should now be activated and ready to use!
How to Enable an Administrator Account in Windows 8
You’ll first need to open an elevated command prompt in Windows 8. This will allow you to open up a command prompt as an administrator, even if you’re not logged in as one. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.
1. While logged in to either the Windows 8 Start Screen or the traditional desktop, use theWindows Key + X keyboard shortcut to open up the Windows 8 Quick Access Menu.
2. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
Figure 1: The Windows 8 Quick Access Menu, activated by using Windows Key + X
3. Depending on your UAC settings for Windows 8, you may get a user access control dialog box like the one shown below in Figure 2. Click Yes if the prompt appears.
Figure 2: Windows 8 User Account Control window
4. Type lusrmgr.msc in the newly-opened command prompt window and press Enter.
Figure 3: The Windows 8 command prompt
5. A window entitled lusrmgr – [Local Users and Groups (Local)] opens. Open the Users folder, and you’ll see a list of all the local users on the current PC. Right-click on the Administrator account and choose Set Password.
6. In the "Set Password for Administrator" Window click Proceed.
Figure 3a: The Local Users and Groups (Local) window
7. Enter the new password and confirm it, then click OK.
Figure 3b: The Windows 8 Set Password for Administrator window
8. Now right-click on the "Administrator" entry and then select Properties.
Figure 4: Selecting Administrator properties
9. In the "Administrator Properties" window that opens, make sure that the "Account is disabled" checkbox is unchecked. Then click OK.
Figure 5: Enabling the Administrator account
The Administrator account should now be activated and ready to use!
Gmail Hacking Notes
It is an pdf file with contains too much or you can say a wide range of
information about gmail tricks and tips.
Accordind to me if you will read it properly you
will on your own solve problems related to gmail.
Hope you will enjoy it
by-
Gmail Hacking Notes
It is an pdf file with contains too much or you can say a wide range of
information about gmail tricks and tips.
Accordind to me if you will read it properly you
will on your own solve problems related to gmail.
Hope you will enjoy it
by-
Windows PC Maintenance Tips
Most small business owners don’t know much about basic computer maintenance and as a result, their PCs slow down or crash.
The real issue is neglect: failing to update security patches and antivirus software, overloading the system with trial software or running five toolbars at once in Internet Explorer. Of course, many small business owners don’t know much about cars either, but they know to give it gas, change the oil every so often and to keep an eye out for flat tires. It’s the same with PCs. You don’t need to be an expert to keep your PC in relatively good condition. You just need to perform a little basic PC maintenance and, more importantly, be observant.
Here are seven simple basic steps that you can take to keep your PC running quickly and reliably.
(1) Keep Windows Updated with the Latest Patches
Since Windows 98, Microsoft has provided access to Windows Update. Windows Update scans your system and updates it with the latest security patches and service packs. These are broken down into Critical and Recommended updates. A new version of Windows Update, Microsoft Update , is also available. In addition to Windows, Microsoft Update will also patch a wide variety of Microsoft applications, such as Office and Windows Defender. Best of all, you can schedule these updates to run automatically, so there is really no excuse for not having a patched system. To access Windows Update click on the Start button, All Programs and scroll through the list to find it.(2) Keep Your Spyware and AntiVirus Programs Updated:
No matter how good your spyware and antivirus software is, if it’s not updated or, worse, not running at all, then it won’t do you any good. Most antivirus applications load an icon in the Windows tray, which lets you verify its status at a glance. Always verify that the application is running after starting Windows. In addition, these applications should be configured to perform definition updates everyday and complete system scans should take place at least once a week. Should you need a new antivirus scanner, I suggest usingAvira Antivir . Not only is it free, but it always performs near to, if not at, the top of most comparison tests. To combat malware, I suggest A-Squared andMalwarebytes' Anti-Malware . Both are critically renowned for their ease of use and effectiveness; and they’re free.(3) Keep Your Applications and Utilities Patched:
Believe it or not, all of the applications and utilities on your system are prone to security risks and need to be updated regularly. Programs that you use everyday like Adobe Acrobat Reader, QuickTime, Realplayer, Skype, WinZip and more require both maintenance and security updates from time to time.Even applications that run in the background like Flash and Java are at risk. Trying to keep track of each of these individually can be a bit of a handful, but a nifty utility called Secunia PSI makes the job much easier. This free utility tracks a massive number of security exploits in applications and will automatically monitor your PC for susceptible apps. When it finds one, it directs you to a site where you can download and install the needed patches. This program is an invaluable resource for keeping your PC secured.(4) Remove Unused Applications and Other Junk:
Your PC has a lot of non-essential data (e.g., crap) stored on it, much of which you might not even be aware of. For instance, Internet Explorer stores copies of the Web pages you visit, images and media for faster viewing later. Plus there are temporary files, your Internet history, cookies, and more scattered throughout your system. Plus, when your machine was brand new it came pre-loaded with numerous pieces of trial software. This could be games, security suites, even full blown applications like QuickBooks or Microsoft Office. Many people never install these. Others have, but decided not to purchase them at the end of the trial. Yet they remain on the system, wasting space and bloating the Windows Registry. Over time, this can lead to performance problems, causing Windows to become sluggish and unreliable. One of the easiest ways to combat this is to use CCleaner , a freeware utility for system optimization, privacy, and cleaning. This tool removes unused files from a hard drive and cleans up online history. But more important, it includes an outstanding registry cleaner. It even has an uninstaller to assists you in removing applications from your system.
- (5) Pay Attention to the Software You Install:I cannot stress this one enough. Many applications, especially freeware, often attempt to install additional software on your system. For example, when I install RealPlayer it also gives me the option to install Google Chrome. I’m actually like Google Chrome so, for me, it’s a bonus. However, some applications also try to install stuff I don’t want, like an additional toolbar in IE. In almost all cases you’ll be asked whether or not you want this extra software installed. The trick is, and I know this can be difficult, is that YOU MUST PAY ATTENTION DURING THE INSTALLATION and actually read those screens that popup with the words on them and NOT just mindlessly click the “Next” button until the process finishes. If you follow this tip I can guarantee that the amount of junk installed on your system will decrease. And should you find something installed without your authorization, uninstall it immediately. If it won’t uninstall, use Window’s System Restore feature to revert back to an earlier configuration. This brings us to our next tip…
(6) Create a System Restore Point:
Before you install any new software on your system, always create a System Restore point. Some software can play havoc to your system causing all sorts of strange problems. System Restore helps you restore your computer's system files to an earlier point in time when your system was working well. It's a safe way to undo system changes to your computer without affecting your personal files, such as e‑mail, documents or photos. Having a restore point can significantly reduce your downtime. Plus this functionality is built right into Windows so there is really no reason not to do it.To create a system restore point go to Control Panel and select Backup and Restore. Windows 7 users click “Recover system settings or your computer”. Vista users select “Create a restore point or change settings.” After you have created a restore point, you can access and use it easily through CCleaner.
(7) Defragment and Check Your Hard Drive for Errors Regularly:
In order to help maintain the integrity of your data there are two hard drive tests that you should run at least once a month. The first is to Defragment your hard drive. Over the course of regular use, your files get fragmented or spread out all over your hard drive. So while an MP3 or WMV file appears as a single file to you in Windows Explorer, small pieces of the file could literally be spread across the entire hard drive. Gathering all of these distant pieces back together into a single contiguous file makes file access faster. Depending on how fragmented the data on your drive is, defragmenting it could make your system noticeably faster. The other test we are going to perform is a Check Disk. This tool checks hard disk volumes for problems and attempts to repair any that it finds. For example, it can repair problems related to bad sectors, lost clusters, cross-linked files and directory errors. Disk errors are a common source of difficult-to-track problems, and running this test regularly can significantly reduce your risk of problems. Windows has a built-in defragmenter and check-disk utility. To access either of them just open Windows Explorer and right-click on the drive you want to examine. Select Properties and then click on the Tools tab. To defragment your HD go to the Defragmentation section and press the Defragment now button. To perform a check disk, go to the Error-checking section and press the Check now button. Certain free third-party defragmentation utilities have some significant advantages to the one built into Windows. For instance, both Ultra Defrag and Smart Defrag perform the job much quicker than the built-in version. You can schedule them to run automatically — and transparently — in the background while you work. Try them both for yourself. You don’t need to be a computer expert to keep your computer running well. Resolving these issues doesn’t have anything to do with understanding computers. It has to do with paying attention to what you’re doing and actually reading those messages that popup on screen during an installation. Just follow these basic steps, and I guarantee you’ll computer will be safer and far more reliable.
Windows PC Maintenance Tips
Most small business owners don’t know much about basic computer maintenance and as a result, their PCs slow down or crash.
The real issue is neglect: failing to update security patches and antivirus software, overloading the system with trial software or running five toolbars at once in Internet Explorer. Of course, many small business owners don’t know much about cars either, but they know to give it gas, change the oil every so often and to keep an eye out for flat tires. It’s the same with PCs. You don’t need to be an expert to keep your PC in relatively good condition. You just need to perform a little basic PC maintenance and, more importantly, be observant.
Here are seven simple basic steps that you can take to keep your PC running quickly and reliably.
(1) Keep Windows Updated with the Latest Patches
Since Windows 98, Microsoft has provided access to Windows Update. Windows Update scans your system and updates it with the latest security patches and service packs. These are broken down into Critical and Recommended updates. A new version of Windows Update, Microsoft Update , is also available. In addition to Windows, Microsoft Update will also patch a wide variety of Microsoft applications, such as Office and Windows Defender. Best of all, you can schedule these updates to run automatically, so there is really no excuse for not having a patched system. To access Windows Update click on the Start button, All Programs and scroll through the list to find it.(2) Keep Your Spyware and AntiVirus Programs Updated:
No matter how good your spyware and antivirus software is, if it’s not updated or, worse, not running at all, then it won’t do you any good. Most antivirus applications load an icon in the Windows tray, which lets you verify its status at a glance. Always verify that the application is running after starting Windows. In addition, these applications should be configured to perform definition updates everyday and complete system scans should take place at least once a week. Should you need a new antivirus scanner, I suggest usingAvira Antivir . Not only is it free, but it always performs near to, if not at, the top of most comparison tests. To combat malware, I suggest A-Squared andMalwarebytes' Anti-Malware . Both are critically renowned for their ease of use and effectiveness; and they’re free.(3) Keep Your Applications and Utilities Patched:
Believe it or not, all of the applications and utilities on your system are prone to security risks and need to be updated regularly. Programs that you use everyday like Adobe Acrobat Reader, QuickTime, Realplayer, Skype, WinZip and more require both maintenance and security updates from time to time.Even applications that run in the background like Flash and Java are at risk. Trying to keep track of each of these individually can be a bit of a handful, but a nifty utility called Secunia PSI makes the job much easier. This free utility tracks a massive number of security exploits in applications and will automatically monitor your PC for susceptible apps. When it finds one, it directs you to a site where you can download and install the needed patches. This program is an invaluable resource for keeping your PC secured.(4) Remove Unused Applications and Other Junk:
Your PC has a lot of non-essential data (e.g., crap) stored on it, much of which you might not even be aware of. For instance, Internet Explorer stores copies of the Web pages you visit, images and media for faster viewing later. Plus there are temporary files, your Internet history, cookies, and more scattered throughout your system. Plus, when your machine was brand new it came pre-loaded with numerous pieces of trial software. This could be games, security suites, even full blown applications like QuickBooks or Microsoft Office. Many people never install these. Others have, but decided not to purchase them at the end of the trial. Yet they remain on the system, wasting space and bloating the Windows Registry. Over time, this can lead to performance problems, causing Windows to become sluggish and unreliable. One of the easiest ways to combat this is to use CCleaner , a freeware utility for system optimization, privacy, and cleaning. This tool removes unused files from a hard drive and cleans up online history. But more important, it includes an outstanding registry cleaner. It even has an uninstaller to assists you in removing applications from your system.
- (5) Pay Attention to the Software You Install:I cannot stress this one enough. Many applications, especially freeware, often attempt to install additional software on your system. For example, when I install RealPlayer it also gives me the option to install Google Chrome. I’m actually like Google Chrome so, for me, it’s a bonus. However, some applications also try to install stuff I don’t want, like an additional toolbar in IE. In almost all cases you’ll be asked whether or not you want this extra software installed. The trick is, and I know this can be difficult, is that YOU MUST PAY ATTENTION DURING THE INSTALLATION and actually read those screens that popup with the words on them and NOT just mindlessly click the “Next” button until the process finishes. If you follow this tip I can guarantee that the amount of junk installed on your system will decrease. And should you find something installed without your authorization, uninstall it immediately. If it won’t uninstall, use Window’s System Restore feature to revert back to an earlier configuration. This brings us to our next tip…
(6) Create a System Restore Point:
Before you install any new software on your system, always create a System Restore point. Some software can play havoc to your system causing all sorts of strange problems. System Restore helps you restore your computer's system files to an earlier point in time when your system was working well. It's a safe way to undo system changes to your computer without affecting your personal files, such as e‑mail, documents or photos. Having a restore point can significantly reduce your downtime. Plus this functionality is built right into Windows so there is really no reason not to do it.To create a system restore point go to Control Panel and select Backup and Restore. Windows 7 users click “Recover system settings or your computer”. Vista users select “Create a restore point or change settings.” After you have created a restore point, you can access and use it easily through CCleaner.
(7) Defragment and Check Your Hard Drive for Errors Regularly:
In order to help maintain the integrity of your data there are two hard drive tests that you should run at least once a month. The first is to Defragment your hard drive. Over the course of regular use, your files get fragmented or spread out all over your hard drive. So while an MP3 or WMV file appears as a single file to you in Windows Explorer, small pieces of the file could literally be spread across the entire hard drive. Gathering all of these distant pieces back together into a single contiguous file makes file access faster. Depending on how fragmented the data on your drive is, defragmenting it could make your system noticeably faster. The other test we are going to perform is a Check Disk. This tool checks hard disk volumes for problems and attempts to repair any that it finds. For example, it can repair problems related to bad sectors, lost clusters, cross-linked files and directory errors. Disk errors are a common source of difficult-to-track problems, and running this test regularly can significantly reduce your risk of problems. Windows has a built-in defragmenter and check-disk utility. To access either of them just open Windows Explorer and right-click on the drive you want to examine. Select Properties and then click on the Tools tab. To defragment your HD go to the Defragmentation section and press the Defragment now button. To perform a check disk, go to the Error-checking section and press the Check now button. Certain free third-party defragmentation utilities have some significant advantages to the one built into Windows. For instance, both Ultra Defrag and Smart Defrag perform the job much quicker than the built-in version. You can schedule them to run automatically — and transparently — in the background while you work. Try them both for yourself. You don’t need to be a computer expert to keep your computer running well. Resolving these issues doesn’t have anything to do with understanding computers. It has to do with paying attention to what you’re doing and actually reading those messages that popup on screen during an installation. Just follow these basic steps, and I guarantee you’ll computer will be safer and far more reliable.
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