Computers

Keep Happy

Or, to be more accurate, keep your computer happy and then you'll be happy too!  There doesn't seem to be much that upsets a normal, sane, level-headed person more quickly than a computer that's playing up!

• Empty your Internet Cache often.  There's a facility in Windows XP that does it for you.  Go to Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Free up Space on your hard disk > Select your hard drive (normally C: ) and set it running.  It's painfully slow but it does the trick.

It's quicker and easier if you buy a program like Internet CleanUp from Aladdin Systems, which is excellent.

• Check for Adware and Spyware.  Adaware SE is free from Lavasoft and, in my view, it's much better than many 'paid for' programs.

• Run your virus checker often.  I recommend having your own Anti-Virus software installed but, if you don't, you can get on-line scanning from e.g. Panda and Norton (not recommended unless you have a broadband connection).

• Keep your Registry clean.  this is the bit which links everything together to make your software run.  It tends to build up a lot of redundant values over a period of time which can slow things down a lot.  Registry Mechanic is excellent.  I think it's about £20 to buy.

• Back up in case things go wrong!

• Play safe

  • Don't open suspect attachments on emails.

  • I'm told that some gaming and adult sites can be sources of viruses.  I can't confirm that from experience but it does seem plausible.