Repair Slow Computer Speed and Start Racing Down the Fast Lane Of the Information Highway
0 ความคิดเห็น เขียนโดย Warcaft ที่ 23:37Poor computer speed can be one of the most frustrating things someone must deal with. It's terrible when your computer decides to stop working when you are in the middle of an important project or just Web surfing. Diagnosing the problem can be frustrating because it's difficult to know where to begin.
The first thought is to add a bunch more memory to the computer and see what happens. While it is true adding memory can help your computer gain speed, it is not usually the answer when the computer just mysteriously starts to run slowly.
A bad file, as in registry file
It is possible, in many cases; a bad file could be the culprit. It's strange how even the smallest file can affect something as powerful and smart as a computer, but if this bad file is in the registry, it could spell trouble.
Corrupted files in the registry can slow down your computer noticeably because the registry is the most important part of the operating system. In fact, the registry is what the operating system is composed of. The registry keeps track of user preferences, pointers to drivers as well as to all the software and hardware on the computer. If any of those files are corrupted, it can cause a lot of problems, namely slowdowns and even crashes.
Registry files left behind
Interesting to note is the fact when a program or file is deleted from the computer, some of the entries in the registry that pointed to this program or file get left in the registry. This means the Operating System will have to investigate pointers leading to nowhere. It is easy to see where enough such operations would take extra time. Thus, you end up with a slower computer.
The first part of the fix is as easy as finding a good registry cleaner and running it. Most of these programs do everything for you and you don't have to worry about anything. If the registry cleaner is a good one, it will reorganize your registry into its proper order and it will delete the fake pointers that leave your computer searching for files in the abyss.
The love of speed
With your cleaned and reorganized registry your computer will now have its old speed back and you will seem like you are flying down the information highway. This is true if, of course you don't have some real problem with your computer or your hardware, such as a bad RAM chip and the like.
How do you know you don't have such a problem before you go out and get a registry cleaner? Well, make sure you get a free scan first. Any reputable registry cleaner will offer you a free scan. Take it.
If you see you have very little incidents of corruption in your registry, you can opt not to purchase it. If you have a lot of corruption, like a hundred or so incidents you can be sure, or at least very, very close to sure your computer slowdown is caused by registry corruption.
Right now you probably want to know if the computer scanner you show you a bunch of bogus corruption just to scare you into buying their program. Well, I've thought of this. So, I've scanned computers I knew were clean to see if I could find any crooks selling registry cleaner programs and I haven't found any yet. Make sure you buy a registry program from a company who gives a complete money back guarantee. That will take care of the matter.
Is this going to break me?
As far as cost is concerned, the top registry cleaners cost in the neighborhood of $30 to $50 for a year. I've seen them as high as $100 but really, you don't need top spend this much. A less pricey reg cleaner will be just fine.
Be wise, optimize...
Earlier I said, "The first part of the fix is as easy as finding a good registry cleaner and running it." So, is there another part to the fix? Well, sort of. Using a good registry cleaner will get your speed back but if part of that cleaner is an optimizer, you will find your computer will even gain more speed. There are a few cleaners that also optimize and this type of registry program is well worth having because they are not more expensive.
There are many other things that could slow down a computer, but getting a free registry scan is so easy, it is what I would recommend as a first step.
The author, Ed Lathrop is a comp TIA A+/Network+ certified computer technician familiar with the operation, repair and upkeep of today's PC's. His site, Free Use Registry Repair Compare Website, rates the latest registry programs and tells what works and what might actually be dangerous to your computer. Also, get up to date tips on keeping your computer running at top speed at: Repair Slow Computer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Lathrop
When AMD first announced plans to introduce triple-core processors back in September of last year, reaction to the news was mixed. Some felt that AMD was simply planning to pass off partially functional Phenom X4 processors as triple-core products, making lemonade from lemons if you will. Others thought it was a good way for AMD to increase bottom line profits, getting more usable die from a single silicon wafer and mitigating yield loss. We were somewhat perplexed by the first reaction. This is an age-old strategy in the semiconductor space and after all, the graphics guys have been selling GPUs with non-functional units for years. AMD was simply borrowing a play from ATI's playbook.
If you take a step back and think about it though, who really cares outside of the enthusiast niche'? Isn't it the ultimate quality of the end-product what's most important? If tri-core processors end up outperforming competing dual-core chips, and are less expensive than quad-cores, wouldn't salvaging otherwise unusable die from a wafer be a good move on AMD's part?
Without actual product, it's tough to argue either way, of course. But thankfully, AMD has delivered their first batch of triple-core processors and we can finally put the whole debate to rest.
AMD Phenom Retail Box
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| Model / Processor Frequency: | AMD Phenom Processor Model X3 8750, 8650, 8450 / 2.4GHz, 2.3GHz, 2.1GHz |
| L1 Cache Sizes: | 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (384KB total L1 per processor) |
| L2 Cache Sizes: | 512KB of L2 data cache per core (1.5MB total L2 per processor) |
| L3 Cache Size: | 2MB |
| Memory Controller Type: | Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller, capable of being configured for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes |
| Memory Controller Frequency: | Up to 1.8GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management |
| Types of Memory: | Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) |
| HyperTransport 3.0: | One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3600MHz full duplex |
| Total Processor Bandwidth: | Up to 31.5 GB/s bandwidth |
| Packaging: | Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA) (backward compatible with Socket AM2) |
| Fab location: | AMD's Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany |
| Process Technology: | 65nm (.065-micron) Silicon on Insulator (SOI) |
| Approximate Transistor count: | approx. 450 million (65nm) |
| Approximate Die Size: | 285 mm2 (65nm) |
| Nominal Voltage: | 1.05-1.25 Volts |
| Max Ambient Case Temp: | 70 degrees Celsius |
| Max TDP: | 95 Watts |
| ACP: | *to be announced after launch |
| Future Memory Controller Note: | Future 45nm processors versions are planned to include support for DDR3 memory |
As you probaly expect, the new AMD Phenom X3 8750 looks exactly like any other socket AM2+ processor outfitted with AMD's standard heat spreader. The chip also uses the same packaging and socket as current Phenom processors; it is only the silicon underneath that has changed.
The AMD Phenom X3 8750 is a 2.4GHz processor manufactured using AMD's 65nm Silicon on Insulator process technology. The chip has a Max TDP of 95W and has official support for a 1.8GHz memory controller and HT 3.0 frequency with Dual Dynamic Power Management technology. Although some AMD processors have support for a 2GHz memory controller and HT3.0 link frequency, not every CPU is rated for these high-end frequencies. Also note the "50" in the processor's model number. That "50" means the CPU is based on the recently released B3 revision to the Phenom core which does not suffer from the infamous TLB errata.
As more and more people begin to use the internet, be it for communication, online banking, investment or shopping, the potential danger of hackers and malicious attackers increase. While some may simply be after information for phishing or identity resale purposes, others are more dangerous, looking for computers to use to launch attacks such as the infamous Denial of Service or other viruses or trojans at other unknowing targets. The list below contains some easy, cheap methods to make your computer secure. While there are other ways to do so, following the ten steps below will help you begin to protect your computer and your private information.
1. Backup your files and store them in a safe place away from your computer
2. Frequently patch and update your operating system, anti-virus, web browser and internet protection in order to prevent hackers from taking advantage of loopholes in software. You can update your windows operating system quickly at www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com by using the update wizard. Microsoft Office updates can also be found at www.officeupdate.microsoft.com
3. Install a proper firewall. With both a proper hardware and software firewall, most viruses, worms, trojans, malicious programs and adware are removed before they cause any major trouble or damage. It is important to update your firewall regularly as well.
4. Configure your browser and email settings for best security. Programs like ActiveX and Java are most commonly used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your system. Cookies can also be used to track your internet surfing in order to build an online profile of you. A good way to overcome these problems is to configure your internet browser to "high" security settings. At minimum, set your security settings to "high" for the internet and "medium" for your trusted sites zone.
5. Automatically update your antivirus software and internet security softwares. This allows you to receive the most current versions to prevent your computer security from being compromised.
6. Only run email attachments from people you know. And even then, only when you know what you are openning. Often, hackers can use a compromised email address to spam viruses or worms to infect other people. It is not enough to recognise the email address but rather you need to recognise the attachment.
7. Do not run unknown .exe programs. This is the most dangerous thing to do as they often contain trojan horse scripts waiting to infect other computers.
8. Disable hidden filename extensions. This allows you to identify and spot any unknown filenames or programs that may be running on your computer. The Windows default option hides filename extensions so you will have to disable this option.
9. Disconnect your computer from the internet and switch it off when not in use. This prevents a hacker from attacking your computer as it is not hooked up to a network.
10. Make a boot disk on a CD before your computer experiences a hostile breach of security. This allows you to recover the data and your system operations after a successful attack on your computer.
Learn how to protect your computer for free at: Secure Computer Articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Ginster
Why is My Computer So Slow? Four Possible Reasons
Today's computers have faster microprocessors, more memory and bigger hard drives. When you think about the differences between a Pentium 4 and 386, you have to conclude the improvement is astounding! So, why are so many of these modern day miracles running way below their potential?
In this article we will discuss four very common but often overlooked reasons why that rabbit in your PC has turned into a snail and we'll tell you what can be done to get it back up to speed.
You need more memory.
Don't overlook the obvious. Up until recently not having enough memory wasn't a problem. With the price of RAM becoming very affordable, most people were filling their computers with more than enough memory to do the job. Enter Windows Vista! Many computers built to an older spec were loaded with Vista and put on the market.
When the new owner got the computer home and took it for its first joyride it just didn't live up to expectations. The reason for this is, Vista is a resource hog. Many computers now come out of the box with Vista and 512MB of memory. With Vista you need at least 1GB of Ram. If your computer is slow and it has Vista with 512 MB of Ram you need to add more memory.
Spyware and viruses
Speaking of resource hogs. Spyware and viruses steal a lot of your computer's resources. Though it is not their main function to just make your computer run slowly, these programs can bring your computer to a screeching halt.
Of course, you do have a good Spyware/Virus remover. Don't you? Also, you do realize for them to be effective, you have to keep up to date. By up to date, it means up to the minute.
You should have your remover program set to update and run automatically overnight or at some other time you don't regularly use your computer. If you don't, spyware and viruses will eat your computer alive! Slowing down is nothing compared to what could happen to your computer's resources if you don't have a good remover program you update and run daily.
Background programs
When you install new software on your computer, often times you install it to run in the background every time you start up. Most times you do this without knowing it. Look at the bottom right hand side of your screen.
If you see several icons there, you have extra programs running and stealing resources. Right click on these and see if you have the option of closing them. Many times, you can open the program and choose an option to keep these programs from starting automatically. Many times I've seen this move get a PC back to its old fleet footed self.
Corrupted registry
Here's one problem that is mostly overlooked. Any changes you make to your computer effects and actually, corrupts your registry. So, it stands to reason, even when you do something positive; like remove spyware, you end up with a corrupted registry.
After months of corrupting your registry, albeit unintentionally, it will become good and out of whack. This will, in its early stages, cause your computer to slow down. In its advanced stages, it will freeze and crash and do more mysterious and troublesome things.
Many times, I hear people say they have scanned for spyware and viruses and found none, but still the computer runs very slowly. Most times, it isn't until the registry is cleaned out and repaired by a top-notch registry cleaner that the computer's speed is restored. Make sure to run a good registry cleaner every week or so to keep your registry in excellent working order. After all, the registry is what your operating system is made of.
So there you have it. To recap:
- 512MB is usually enough for Windows XP but not Vista.
- Keep your computer free of spyware and viruses.
- Don't let too many programs start automatically, and
- Run a good registry cleaner often.
Keep these key points in mind and put them to use. Then, you'll never have to ask, "Why is my computer so slow?"
The author, Ed Lathrop is an experienced comp TIA A+/Network+ certified computer technician thoroughly familiar with the operation, repair and upkeep of today's modern PC's. His site, rates the latest registry repair programs and gives you an analysis of what is effective and what may, actually be harmful to your computer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Lathrop
Adware and Spyware Removal Software Reviews
What is Spyware and Adware and How do I Protect My PC?
Spyware and Adware are very similar in what their purpose is although they do not quite operate in the same manner.
Here's what is is:
Spyware - Spyware is a program that monitors your every more on your computer, especially your internet browsing in order to establish what your interests are and what you browse for most frequently.
It then goes and report back to the company that sent it in the first place, on it's findings. Now the company knows exactly what you like and what you are interested in. So they can start with their 'work', to advertise on your computer without your permission. They basically bombard you with pop-up after pop-up in an attempt to get you to buy their products.
Adware - Has the same purpose, but instead of reporting to the company, they install the advertisements directly onto your computer. This is basically the only difference between the two.
So Adware and Spyware are ways to advertise on your computer, however there are quite a few other effects to your machine.
1. The more ads that gets loaded, the longer it take your pc to start up. The whole start up process could take much longer than it normally does, quite a few minutes. Your homepage could even be changed and it could be very difficult to change it back.
2. Even new toolbars appears unexpectedly.
3. Pop-ups are another pest. When they appear, it is also difficult to get rid of it.
How does it happen?
These programs (I prefer to call them pests) track your every move. When you browse the web, open e-mails or download and install software from the internet these ads get added onto your computer.
Another shocker:
Even completely legit, over the counter software can be a culprit. Ads can be loaded through this as well.
This can be quite annoying and frustrating, because is always means that you are much less productive and we all know that time is money. Therefore, it would be safe to say that the chances are big of you loosing money in the process.
You can stop almost all of these by changing a few settings on your Internet and Windows settings. However, the word ALMOST is significant here. Although it is possible for you to put some measures into place to protect your pc and important data like credit card information against these pests, it is simply not enough these days.
Bottom line: EVERYTHING SLOWS DOWN!
Now for the reality check.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to get rid of this problem on your own. You will need software to assist you in the process.