Are You In Control Of Your Computer?
Written by: Tom Sawyer
Don’t you think it is about time you get control of your computer? If you are fully aware of what is going on with your computer then this isn’t for you, but it would be nice if you gave any nuggets of advice you have to share. Also, and I just have to say this, if you are using a Mac you probably don’t have this problem.
The problem I speak of, the control you should have, is the software that is running on your computer right now. It is your computer and it is only right for you to know what is running – background applications too. We are living in a time where we have an application for so many things that computer companies and those with malicious intent will slip something extra in without you knowing. I’m talking about crapware.
Crapware is software that you don’t want on your computer. There is some debate concerning what is and isn’t crapware because a piece of software that one person wants might be something that another person doesn’t. Some software will fall in the grey area where people need – or they think they need – certain features of the software but it causes them grief by causing system slowdown or instability. Yes, there it is right there! What I’m talking about could be causing your computer to slow down right now. If that doesn’t get your attention this is either old hat to you or you are using a Mac. Otherwise, you need to know about crapware and what you can do about it.
For the most part crapware makes its way to your system courtesy of the manufacturer (Dell, HP, Sony, etc.) or is included as a bonus (yeah right) when you install other software. Think about it, you may enjoy playing all those demo games and like the fact that you have a 60-day trial of Norton Security Suite, but what happens later? One thing that will happen is you will keep getting bugged when those trials run out. Do you think those programs just start to ask you to upgrade or they are running in the background all the time? Yep, there is a good change those programs are quietly and almost transparently robbing your computer of precious resources. Don’t worry, there is hope.
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system – allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it’s fast and contains NO Spyware or Adware! I have used this one personally and it seems to work.
AutoRuns is a utlility I haven’t used personally, but I would hope it is safe and works since it is from Microsoft. AutoRuns shows what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login and shows the entries in the order Windows processes them. Good information to know if you think a dubious program could be bogging your system down.
One of the downfalls of Microsoft’s operating systems (Windows XP and Vista) is the need to routinely clean things up to keep the system running optimally. This is something we should know, but it isn’t really verbalized as much as it should be. Honestly, there are people who make money performing routine maintenance on computers. This is what they love to hear: “Yes, my name is John Doe and my system is running slower than when I first got it. Is there anything you can do to speed it up?” Can you say cha-ching?
Tags: computer, crapware, microsoft, routine maintenance, slow
August 19th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
My computer is out of control! Yes, it’s Microsoft Window XP. I fill like taking a chainsaw to it, but it contain too much value information, i.e. photos, letters and personal account information. My kids are always downloading music and the like, so it runs slow when it does run, but now it just keep restarting, over and over again! I suspect I’m going to have to solicit the help of one of those “cha-ching” people to come take a look at it.
Your computer technology articles are very informative. Yet, I must admit most of them are like rock science to me…I’s computer illiterate:o(
August 19th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Carol,
First have faith in your ability to comprehend what is going on with your computer. Once you start thinking that way you will be surprised with what you can achieve.
Tom Sawyers last blog post..Are You In Control Of Your Computer?
August 20th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Hey Tom, I think Carol is asking what she should do about the problem she is having. The restarting over and over.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:59 am
OK, here is a start.
Hit f8 before you see the XP splash screen with the scrolling logo and select “Disable automatic restart on system failure.” That way you will be able to see the blue screen and may be able to get helpful information.
Of course, the “blue screen of death” isn’t easily understood – I’m not talking about you, I’m talking about most people. Check this out for comparison http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa86/rvmv/BSODDetails.jpg
This article may also help http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1647
I’m assuming this is your only computer so you may need someone to print that article for you
April 15th, 2010 at 11:14 am
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