Computer Performance Improvement - 8 Tips to Make Your Computer Purr Like a Kitten

SIGNS OF A COMPUTER WITH PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS!

(If this is indicative of your computer, you need help!)

Programs run slower than they used to.

Frequent freezes or crashes.

Sporadic system instability.

Frequent blue error screens.

Requires frequent reboots because of system hangs.

These 8 simple tips will help clean up your computer and you'll be surprised at the performance improvement!

CLEAN UP YOUR WINDOWS REGISTRY

This essential task is often overlooked but will remarkably improve PC performance. Most PC users don't even know there is such a thing as a Registry much less that that it should be regularly cleaned. In fact, Microsoft doesn't even include a cleanup tool in Windows.

Every time a program is installed or uninstalled changes are made to the Windows Registry which is a huge internal database of Windows' settings. All programs, as well as Windows itself, store a huge amount of information in this database and these entries control the way everything in the computer looks and behaves.

Many times, changes to a computer are not handled correctly leading to conflicts and the slowing of the computer due to a corrupted Registry. Some things which can cause this are:

• frequently installing or uninstalling programs
• removing a program and leaving traces behind
• leftover entries from a hardware uninstall
• power failure or system crash in the midst of updating the registry
• unused drivers on the system
• Spyware or Adware type programs that come back every time the PC is restarted

The Registry can be edited manually using a Windows program called RegEdit, but woe to the novice; this is really a job best left to the experts. Instead, you need to use a special program which makes the cleanup for you.

EMPTY THE RECYCLE BIN

Regularly empty the Windows' Recycle Bin thereby releasing hard drive space and helping to improve performance.

When you delete a file, instead of removing it completely from your computer, Windows puts it into the Recycle Bin. You then can restore these flies from the Recycle Bin back to their original place on your computer if you should need to.

REMOVE UNNECESSARY PROGRAMS

If you're like me and download a lot of free programs or free trials, after a while your computer might begin to slow down. That means it's time to remove some of the old programs you don't use any more (and most you probably only used once just to see how they work).

After installing a program, if you decide you don't need it and won't use it, get it off the computer thereby freeing up system resources. Most programs come with their own uninstaller but if it doesn't you will have to use the Operating System's Add/Remove Programs feature which you can get to through The Control Panel.

Uninstalling unused programs will help speed up your computer, but removing the wrong files can cause you some really big problems. NEVER, NEVER EVER just delete a program file by using the delete key; this can really mess up the Registry. Be careful and if you are not sure, ask for help from someone you know who is more experienced. If you are unsure whether or not to remove a program, it's best to leave it.

Some programs leave uninstalled junk all over the Windows Registry! Therefore, to improve PC performance AFTER AN UNINSTALL, IT'S ESSENTIAL TO CLEAN THE REGISTRY.

RUN DISK CLEAN UP

Windows Disk Clean Up is a great built-in utility that automates regular maintenance tasks to improve PC performance. Whenever you "surf the net", open file attachments, delete files, etc., your computer saves a record of your activity. Most if not all of these files are harmless, and are very small. But if you spend a lot of time on your computer, before long they will use up enough space to slow your computer down a tad.

Double-click My Computer, right click on the 'C:' drive, then click Properties, then click Disk Cleanup. The PC will then spend a few moments analyzing.

When it has completed analyzing, Windows will give you a list of areas where it has found files to cleanup. To clean an area, check the box next to it. To leave something intact, such as Temporary files, just remove the check mark next to the item and click OK.

Your computer will then begin the removal process which can take a good while.

DISK DEFRAGMENTATION

When Windows stores programs and files on your hard disk it saves fragments of files in the nearest empty spaces and then links these pieces together. When the computer needs to retrieve a file, it has to go through the process of chasing these links hunting down the fragments and piecing the file back together. This can really slow down a computer, especially if it has small internal memory and has to do a lot of caching and file swapping.

The cure is to routinely run the Windows Disk Defragmenter which gathers together the fragments of files and puts them back in the right order in as near contiguous space as possible.

This makes it far easier for your computer to find what it's looking for on the hard drive, enabling programs and files to load more quickly.

To defragment your hard disk click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and then Disk Defragment. When the program has loaded, click Defragment. Before starting you need to run "scandisk" which checks for disk errors. Without scanning your disk first for possible errors, defrag may refuse to continue its defragmentation routine.

The process can take over an hour. Because defragmenting your hard disk takes such a long time, you really don't want to go through the process very often; maybe every 3-4 months and it's best not to use the computer while defragmenting

GET A HIGH SPEED INTERNET CONNECTION If you spend a lot of time on the internet, a high speed internet connection is a must. It is more expensive, but for most people the savings in time and effort is worth the added expense.

Some of the advantages to having a high speed internet connection: faster surfing, web pages open more quickly, files download faster, and if you send or receive large files, like pictures or video, they will open in a flash when compared to a slower dialup connection.

If you're already spending money for your dialup connection (through your phone line) then you'll find DSL to be comparable in price, and a lot faster.

A cable internet connection might cost a little more, but it is usually the fastest type of internet connection you can get from home.

REMOVE SPYWARE & ADWARE

If you've ever had spyware or adware on your computer, you know how frustrating it can be. All kinds of strange things happen: your homepage changes seemingly on its own, unwanted and inappropriate popups, unfamiliar icons, and the list goes on.

Spyware or Adware are files that are often downloaded onto your computer without your knowledge (or at least without you knowing what they really are).

Unfortunately, many of these programs "sneak" their way onto your computer, and avoiding them entirely is difficult, especially if you spend a lot of time on your computer, surfing the Internet and downloading new programs and files.

There are ways to remove these unwanted files from your computer.

Check out these 2 adware/spyware removal programs that are simple to use (both are free):

Ad-Aware http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/ Spybot http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Adware/Spyware continue to be such a problem because most of these programs make money for the people creating and spreading them. If you find these unwanted intruders on your computer, don't panic. In most cases, it is not vicious like a Virus or Worm. You just have some extra "junk" on your computer. However, keeping it off of your computer will help it perform more efficiently.

ADD MORE INTERNAL MEMORY (RAM) AND A LARGER HARD DRIVE

If you have done all/most of the above and your Computer's performance is still so bad that you are thinking: Gee, I guess I am going to have to buy another computer! If everything else about the computer is satisfactory to you, then you might consider an Upgrade. If the PC is only a couple years old, it can easily be upgraded.

If you still have the manuals that came with it, you can determine the type of memory it uses and buy it off of the internet at a good price. If you don't have the manuals, take it to Best Buy or Circuit City and ask them if it can be upgraded (or take the model and make info to them). Their upgrade cost is not that bad and certainly cheaper than buying a new computer.

Another alternative: if you know a High School Kid who has taken some computer courses, he/she can probably do it real cheap.

I have personally maxed out my computers memory and added another hard drive. Together with the items above, my computer runs like a "Tiger chasing a Scared Bunny".

I hope this has been of help to you. I have prepared a brief video which depicts the frustration I was having with my computers performance and how I Cured My Computers Performance Problems. You can see it by clicking the link below.

Linux Reseller

What is Host Reselling?

Host reselling has become one of the most feasible options available on the internet and affordable domain names are easily to procure with several web hosting and domain booking websites. These domain names, in turn, can be used for different purposes. Acquiring a host reselling account may prove an excellent option. Now-a-days most of the organizations prefer using Host Reselling Accounts. Organizations that are into the business of offering website hosting, the option of reselling account is no less than a boon.

Linux Reseller Hosting

Linux Reseller Hosting has got the approbation of being considered as one of the best hosting plans. Using Linux Reseller hosting, unlimited domains can be hosted on servers of Linux. Linux hosting is cheap and much easy to manage apart from the fact that it is widely accepted and accredited by web hosting companies. If you are using Linux then, you will be offered various loaded characteristics.

Linux server is acclaimed for its dedicated features and one interesting thing is that this is PHP compatible. Being associated with Linux Reselling is a nice thing for customers as this is secured. Linux reselling hosting come with free software like Apache, APF and Sendmail.

Benefits of Linux Reseller Hosting are as follows:

• All technical issues can be tackled very easily if you use Linux Reseller Hosting Plan.
• State-of-the Art Technology along with latest equipments like communications, routers.
• One gets appropriate commission if the name of Linux is recommended.
• The staff of Linux is committed to provide qualitative services to the clients.
• Linux has introduced easy proceedings such as online activation and nice support.

Linux Hosting Plan Explained

Linux hosting plan is preferred by most of the individuals and resellers. Every hosting plan of Linux has attractive features and is affordable; this is the main reason that hosting plans of Linux are trusted. Each hosting plan is different and the reseller can have several options displayed to the buyer for choosing. Apart from all this, set up procedures of these hosting plans are very easy.

One commendable thing is that Linux Reselling Hosting plan is considered best when it comes to reliability. Cost effectiveness of Linux Reseller hosting is known to all and it is quality hosting at cheap prices. In order to cater to the needs of reseller, many companies have opted for Linux Reselling Hosting.

If one is planning for entering into the business of reseller hosting then, you can use multiple domain hosting plan with Linux. These plans allow the buyer to have multiple domain names and related security features. In addition to all this, back up, Email support with unlimited account services and database support are other common characteristics of Linux Reseller Hosting.

Web Hosting For Linux

Web hosting is one of the most in-demand services on the internet today. Years ago, website owners needed only very simple HTML pages to be hosted, but today, there is a wide array of web-based hosted applications to choose from.

The internet continues to be a way for website and business owners to link to others on a global scale with the assistance of web-based technology such as JSP, PHP, ASP, and more. The choices in available technology have created opportunities for more options in web hosting companies because these HTML websites can function easily on both Windows and Linux platforms.

More About The Linux Platform

Of course, web hosting platforms are different based on its operating system. The two most popular, Microsoft Windows Server and Red Hat Linux.

Most computer and internet users know more about Microsoft Windows than Linux. However, Linux is a great option because it was created and built by community efforts and by several IT companies, such as Red Hat, Mandrake, and Suse. It was designed for professional use and is a strong competitor for Microsoft Windows Server because it is quite robust in features and protection, yet very inexpensive in comparison. Additionally, spamming, viruses, and hacking rarely occur.

Which Web Hosting Companies Offer Hosting For Linux?

There are several web hosting companies to choose from that offer Linux hosting packages. A few to consider are Lunarpages.com and BlueHost.com. Both web hosting companies have packages for Linux users for both business and personal websites. With web hosting for Linux, just as with web hosting for Windows, there are a variety of features and packages to choose from, depending on your website's specific needs and requirements.

Linux Hosting Elements to Keep In Mind

Because the two platforms do have differences, there are a few things to remember. As far as accessibility, a website that is recommended for a Linux based server can certainly be hosted on a Windows web server; however, the opposite may not be achievable. Additionally, website owners must consider future growth. Websites are dynamic in nature so be sure that your web design is well-suited to a Linux based web server.

Website Owners Using Linux

If you have used Microsoft Windows before and have switched to Linux, you are in for a treat. It is many people's opinion that Linux will eventually dominate Windows because of a few important factors.

The system is extremely stable and offers a nearly 99.9% uptime. Linux is a full-fledged server with server applications like DNS Server, File Server, Web Server, and FTP - all free of cost. Users familiar with Linux know that its low cost and well-designed architecture are important to business and website owners, especially those who like to save money.

Web hosting companies offering Linux based hosting are definitely ahead of the game. In the web hosting industry, versatility is the key to staying on top. LunarPages and BlueHost are great because of the versatility they are offering to website owners, so choosing one of these web hosting providers will keep you ahead of the game too.

Strategic Product Creation-Software Creation Guide

Software is the essential key to enable the working of any computer system. Creating software involves using the right programming language that will enable the hardware to work efficiently, thus achieving the goals that are assigned to it.

Creating software involves various phases or cycles which are called Software Development Life Cycles (SDLC). SDLC enables the software engineer, client, tester and consumer to configure in the right kind of software that is needed for a particular purpose. A software can be created for various services which include; insurance, banking, tourism, hotel management and other important industries.

Creating software through the process of SDLC

The process of software creation goes through SDLC in which it is guaranteed that the software is appropriately tested and that it meets the requirements of the client. The following are the stages through which the software goes through:-

· Planning: The conceptualization of the software is brought about particularly with regard to the purpose of the software.

· Analysis: The Software engineer has to understand the requirements of the software and whether or not the software meets the standards of the client.

· Design: A basic blueprint of the software is made so as to gain an understanding of what the software will encompass.

· Development: The coding of the software is typed by the programmer and software engineer. Thus the software is brought about.

· Testing: The software is tested for any fault in order to ensure quality.

· Implementation: The software is loaded into the system to check its overall operability.

· Maintenance: Any errors and problems that may occur during the functioning of the software are immediately rectified, ensuring the quality of the software.

Through these processes of SDLC a new software product is created which enables businesses to run their operations successfully.

Computer Software - How is Computer Software Different?

Software, on a broader perspective, refers to any electronic media content. The term computer software is a term used to refer to computer programs, procedures, and documentation that perform specific tasks on a computer system. This term is also used to describe application software or productivity software, system software such as computer operating systems, and middleware – software that manages and coordinates distributed systems.

Computer software is may be viewed as the language of computers. There is a wide variety of software available and these are categorized into three different types: system software, application software, and programming software.

System software runs the computer system including all the hardware devices contained within the system. This software is used by the computer to interpret input from external sources into something a machine can understand. Software works with the computer’s hardware components and includes the computer’s operating system, diagnostic tools, device drivers, utilities and more. One may automatically think of computer operating systems when the words software system are mentioned – operating systems run the computer. The most popular operating systems today are those manufactured by Microsoft. Other competing operating systems are open source OSs such as Linux and Unix.

Programming Software provides tools that assist programmers in creating computer software and programs. These software tools use different programming languages and include text editors, interpreters, compilers, linkers, and debuggers. All these tools are merged into a software bundle through an integrated development environment or IDE. These IDEs have a graphical user interface that makes programming easier by eliminating the need for programmers to type in numerous commands in order to compile, interpret, debug, trace, and perform other tasks on their code.

Application software provides a way for computer users to complete specific tasks. Common applications include medical software, databases, computer games, industrial automation, educational, and business software programs. The different types of application software may be further subdivided into productivity software – also known as tools, this includes programs that may be used to produce spreadsheets, documents, databases and other products. The most commonly used productivity software is MS Office from Microsoft; educational software – includes programs that provide an alternative method to teaching. This includes drill and practice programs, problem solving programs, tutorials, presentation programs, and references; multimedia – generally includes any software program that is used to view or edit pictures, sound clips, video clips, graphics and other related content; and games – as the name suggests, games are computer programs mainly used as a manner of entertainment.

Software Guide: Some Tips About Software

The term software is generally used for computer software that is an essential part of the computer system. It stores and process all encoded information or computer instructions on PC. Computer software has very vast scope in computer world.

According to computer science and software engineering computer software is all information that is processed by computer systems, programs and other data. Software is completely opposite to hardware, which is used to store or execute the software. Software is loaded into random access memory and then executed in central processing unit. It belongs to machine language that is not easy to understand for the users.

Every operating system has its own software that requires an individual processor. It understands machine language that consists of several groups of binary values, which gives processor instructions and data. Software converts machine language in simple language that enables the users to understand machine language.

Software generates a connection between electronic hardware and data. The user can operate the sequence of data instructions with the help of software. Software can use any type of data such as output/input. Sometimes the output of software can be input for another software. Software provides an interface between hardware, data and other software.

Software can be divided in three classes such as system software, application software and programming software. System software enables the users to run computer hardware and computer system including operating system, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems and some more.

Users can perform one or more tasks simultaneously with the help of application software. With the help of application software, they can perform all applications like office suites, business software, databases and games. Whereas the programming software offers some functional tools that enables the programmer to write difficult computer programs. Programming software provides some useful tools like text editor, compiler, interpreter, linker and debugger etc.

After installing software a computer can operate that vary software. Application software passes the instructions to system software and then computer program executes on computer.

AntiVirus Protection Guide - Finding The Right PC Protection Software

It is vitally important for anyone that accesses the internet to have an anti-virus protection software installed on their computer. A virus can cause enormous problems for you if it is left on your computer undetected. By having an anti-virus protection program installed on your computer it will help to keep your computer safe against viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other unwanted programs.

If your computer does receive one of these viruses an anti-virus program can help you to clean and get rid of the virus before it causes any major problems.

An anti-virus protection program needs to be updated regularly and it is very important that you remember to do this. A good program will remind you to check for updates regularly. Computer hackers that create these viruses are constantly coming up with new viruses and anti-virus programs are constantly updating their software programs to protect against new viruses, so it is important to keep checking for updates so that you will be protected against any new viruses.

When looking for an anti-virus protection program it is recommended to do some research and make sure that the vendor that you get the program from is a reputable company and that the program has good reviews. Make sure that you have researched enough to be confident that the program will give you the protection that you need to avoid any devastating effects of an unwanted virus.

Once you have an anti-virus protection program you will need to set it up so that the program automatically turns on when your computer is turned on. You want your program to be continually protecting and to pick up on any viruses trying to enter through emails or when downloading files. A good program will detect any viruses trying to access your computer and notify you immediately.

Once notified of a virus your anti-virus protection program should guide you toward removing the virus. It is vital that you do not use your computer until you have removed the virus completely; if you do you may spread the virus and make the situation worse or may even pass the virus on to friends or colleagues through emails.

When choosing an anti-virus protection program make sure that the program will protect you constantly, and that you will have good support from the program creators. Look for a program that will block spyware, spam and pop ups and that will give you a firewall feature.

If you already have an anti-virus protection program installed onto your computer but you are looking to change to a different one, make sure that you uninstall your current program before installing a new one.

By taking these necessary and important steps in finding a good anti-virus protection program for your computer, you and your computer should remain free from viruses and safe from computer hackers. Don't let a nasty virus take over your computer and possibly cause you to lose all your files stored on your computer, get protected and keep your files safe.