- disk defragment. when u save something into ur hard drive(i'll short it to HDD), the computer just throw it into the HDD n doesnt care bout neatness. so when ur computer search for the file, its gonna take longer n eats up ur CPU. besides, u can put more stuff into ur HDD when its neat n tidy. hence disk defragment, it tidies up ur HDD to boost system performance. it should b done once every two weeks.
- antivirus scan. well duh! virus r a nuisance since it copies n corrupts file, not to mention slows down ur PC in the process n causing crashes n system errors. there's 3 type of antivirus currently in the market. 1 type is the dictionary antivirus, this type is worst of all. it compares processes with the internal database of known virus. its not actually effective, top detection rate is 75%. n new viruses r not detected. 2nd type is heuristics antivirus. this type is my favorite. it doesnt rely on enormous database to identify viruses. it detects processes tat are stupid n malicious n quarantines them. bitdefender scored 96% detection rate with this. 3rd type is the sandbox type. this type is the most interesting of antivirus. it DELIBERATELY infects th computer with virus n watch for effects. n this too uses a massive database of known viruses n effects. the way of removal isnt important since the main point is locating the virus. removal can b done manually, or with 3rd party softwares.
- malicious software ,adwares, spyware, keyloggers, malware(worms, rootkits, trojan), logic bombs, phishings...... normal antivirus wont bother these threats. that's where 3rd party software comes in. they do the job better...
- registry cleanup. whenever u make a permanent change to a computer(e.g. installing a software, downloading a file, change a setting....) a registry entry is added. overtime, the registry gets too stuffed n causes the system to slowdown on startup n file searching. this is bsc thre r crap entries in the registry, hence needs a cleanup. tats y old computer is slow, too much crap entries.
- disk error. overtime, ur HDD would b cramped with errors, this check would remove those errors. not a priority.
- RAM optimisation. RAM usage is nvr efficient, there r tools out there tat correct this n improves system performance.
- system restore. this is important, set a restore point frequently so tat u can rollback whener u screw up ur computer deliberately or accidentally.
- internet setting. this is done through 3rd party software. recommended for serious users.
- firewall inspection. firewall's ur 1st defence against internet threats. update them regularly so tat u're protected.
- process monitoring. this should b done whenever u have free time. dont do this unless u know wat u're doing. its basicly take a look at the processes in the task manager n look for malicious process tat isnt supposed to b running. it is a 1st sign of being attacked. terminate the process if its a threat.
- disk cleaning. cleans up unused files tats buggin ur PC. do this anytime u want.
- overclocking. (this is SERIOUSLY not kids stuff. dont do it unless u know wat u're doing. do this at your own risk. im not responsible for the result of doin this.) overclocking is basicly making ur CPU's internal clock run faster. not th time at the right corner of the desktop. ok, an example. if ur CPU runs at 2.8GHz, after overclocking it may b running at 3.2GHz. it looks like child's play but its not. doing this wrong could ruin ur processor n in most case render ur machine unusable. mine's originally runs at 2.66GHz but i overclocked it to 3.1GHz. its WAY faster since the computer can multitask faster n more efficiently.
ok, tats the end of my guide. i'll post more if i can think of any more. below is a list of software u can try:
- Spybot S&D
- Threatfire
- Zone Alarm
- Trend Micro's Hijack This!
- Argente Registry Cleaner
- Bit Defender
- Tuneup Utilities
- NoScript(for Mozilla Firefox)
- AdBlock(for Mozilla Firefox)
- SmitfraudFix(tell me if u'r gonna use this, its a v effective tool but i have to coach u through it)
hope my guide is useful...
